Sport

Bluebirds bag last-gasp draw

Published

6 years ago

October 22, 2020

JD Cymru Premier League • Haverfordwest County 1 – Caernarfon Town 1

A LAST minute Danny Williams equaliser secured a deserved point for the Bluebirds after a dominant performance at the Bridge Meadow.

The tone for the game was set in the first minute, as only a last-ditch tackle denied Cameron Keetch a shot at goal after he latched on to a lofted pass. The opening 15 minutes were relatively quiet, Tibbets comfortably saved a Sean Pemberton header and Matt Turner stopped Mike Hayes in his track as he had the ball in the box.

The Bluebirds enjoyed a lot of possession in these opening minutes, playing some good football on the pristine surface. The first real chance came as an Elliot Scotcher corner ricocheted around the box before it was cleared off the line. Just 5 minutes later, Scotcher himself hit the post from an excellently struck free-kick from just outside the penalty area. The next chance fell to Marcus Griffiths who couldn’t quite get on the end of a low cross across the face of goal.

Some bad news for the Bluebirds, Cameron Keetch departed the pitch on the 29th minute after suffering an injury, he was replaced by super-sub Jack Wilson. He was straight into the action as he was played through by Ben Fawcett, but he curled his effort just wide of the post. Matt Turner then saved a well-struck free-kick from the edge of the Bluebirds penalty area. Jack Wilson had the final chance of the half as his curling effort from the right skimmed over the bar. A stalemate at halftime, but the Bluebirds on top.

The second half began as the first ended, this time is was Gruffydd John with a last-ditch tackle to deny Danny Williams. After Sean Pemberton headed wide, Danny Williams played a lofted ball through to Jack Wilson, who headed over Tibbets but Joe Williams cleared the ball off the line. Then, 4 minutes later, Wilson repaid the favour as he sent a lofted ball for Williams to chase, but Tibbets saved his lob attempt.

The Bluebirds continued to create chance after chance. Jack Wilson had a strike cleared off the line, again and Marcus Griffiths saw his header saved by Tibbets.

Against the run of play, Caernarfon took the lead on 74 minutes. Mendes picked up a cross at the back post and squared for Mike Hayes who couldn’t miss.

The setback didn’t deter the Bluebirds who continued to press.

In the space of a minute, Jack Wilson, Dan Summerfield and Jack Wilson all had shots blocked in the penalty area. Jack Wilson then turned provider as his long throw met the head of Sean Pemberton but his effort was over the bar.

With 94 minutes on the clock, Jack Wilson went racing down the right, squared for Danny Williams, and he did the rest from a few yards out with the final kick of the game.

Sport

Tony Pennock and Dan Hawkins nominated for April awards

Published

13 hours ago

May 7, 2026

Herald Sport

HAVERFORDWEST COUNTY manager Tony Pennock and forward Dan Hawkins have been nominated for the JD Cymru Premier’s April awards following an impressive month for the Bluebirds.

Pennock has been shortlisted for Manager of the Month, while Hawkins is in contention for Player of the Month after helping County finish the regular season strongly and secure another place in the European play-offs.

The Bluebirds enjoyed a perfect end to the league campaign in April, winning all three of their matches, including two away from home.

The month began with a hard-fought 1-0 victory at JD Welsh Cup runners-up Flint Town United. Ben Ahmun’s penalty on the stroke of half-time proved enough to secure all three points in north Wales and keep Haverfordwest firmly on course for the play-offs.

Fifteen days later, County knew that a draw or victory against Llanelli Town at the Ogi Bridge Meadow would be enough to confirm their place. They did it in style, with Hawkins scoring the first senior hat-trick of his career in a 6-0 win in front of more than 800 spectators.

Having secured a European play-off place for the third time in four seasons, the Bluebirds then travelled to Jenner Park to face Barry Town United.

County fell behind after just three minutes, but battled back strongly. Greg Walters, assisted by Hawkins, levelled the tie 20 minutes from time before Haverfordwest went on to win 3-1 on penalties.

Supporters can vote for Pennock and Hawkins through the JD Cymru Premier’s official awards link.

Dan Hawkins was sponsored for the 2025-26 season by That Football Drawing.

News

Ysgol Bro Teifi celebrates national championship rugby success

Published

2 days ago

May 6, 2026

Herald Sport

UNDER-18 SIDE LIFTS WRU PLATE AFTER HARD-FOUGHT FINAL AT RODNEY PARADE

YSGOL BRO TEIFI’S under-18 rugby team are celebrating national success after winning the WRU Schools and Colleges Plate Final at Rodney Parade.

The Ceredigion side travelled to Newport to face Ysgol Maes y Gwendraeth in a fast, physical and closely contested final.

Bro Teifi made a strong start, with tries from Elis Evans, Llew Thomas and Jack Brown giving them an early advantage. Dafydd Nichols-Evans added the extras from the kicking tee as the team went into half-time 19-14 ahead.

The second half proved even tighter, with Ysgol Maes y Gwendraeth applying sustained pressure and forcing Bro Teifi to defend with discipline and determination.

A late try gave Bro Teifi breathing space before Nichols-Evans held his nerve in the closing stages, landing a crucial penalty to seal a 27-19 victory.

The school said the win reflected the hard work, commitment and talent of the players, as well as the support of staff, parents and fans throughout the season.

Headteacher Gareth Evans said: “This game is the culmination of a tough season for the boys as they beat much bigger schools on the way to the final.

“It also builds on the school’s reputation in sport, with numerous successes this year across a range of sports and age groups.

“I would like to thank all the school staff for their tireless work in ensuring these experiences for our pupils, and the parents for their support.”

Photo caption: Plate winners: Ysgol Bro Teifi’s under-18 rugby team celebrate their national success at Rodney Parade.

Sport

Joe Allen to leave Swansea coaching role after final game

Published

3 days ago

May 5, 2026

Herald Sport

NARBERTH’S Joe Allen left his role on Swansea City’s coaching staff after Saturday’s final game of the season against Charlton Athletic.

The Pembrokeshire-born former Wales midfielder, 36, returned to the Swans’ backroom team in November alongside fellow club favourite Leon Britton to support head coach Vitor Matos.

The move was always expected to be short-term, with Allen stepping in after Matos was initially unable to bring in some of his staff from previous club Maritimo due to work permit issues.

Allen, who came through Swansea’s academy, retired as a player last May after his second spell with the club.

He first made his name at Swansea, helping the club win promotion to the Premier League in 2011 before moving to Liverpool. He later spent six years with Stoke City before returning to the Swans in 2022.

Allen also won 77 caps for Wales and was a key figure in the national side’s most successful modern era, including the run to the semi-finals of Euro 2016.

His departure from Swansea’s coaching set-up will come alongside that of head of goalkeeping Martyn Margetson, who is also leaving this summer.

For Pembrokeshire football fans, Allen remains one of the county’s most successful sporting exports, having gone from Narberth to the Premier League, Anfield, and the Wales midfield.