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Clubs ‘can’t wait to get started’ as Pembrokeshire Football League returns

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THE Pembrokeshire Football League returns this weekend with clubs across the county delighted to be back in action.

This Saturday, September 4, after 16 months away, league football is back in Pembrokeshire and for some, it can’t come quick enough.

The covid-19 pandemic forced the 2019-20 season to be cancelled with Hakin United being crowned winners of Division 1 on a points per game method.

Attempts to return to some sort of normality were curtailed in late 2020 after a rise in cases across the country.

The pandemic has also had an impact on a number of clubs with Saundersfoot just one of a number of teams in Wales who have had to pull out of their respective leagues.

There is good news in that Prendergast Villa have been able to reform and they will enter Division 5 under the leadership of Adrian Blundell.

The Herald spoke to a number of clubs ahead of Saturday’s games to see how they were feeling and many told us they can’t wait to get started.

Merlins Bridge’s secretary said: “It’s absolutely great news that league football has finally returned.

“Another positive after the awful time we have recently had. Amazing to see competitive football being played again, not only at senior football but also the juniors and the mini’s.

“It’s been a long time coming and good luck to everyone with the forth coming season. The down side is seeing some clubs struggling and folding. Look at Saundersfoot for example. A long standing Pembrokeshire football team that has had to pull out.

“Covid has definitely had an impact on all the club’s I’m sure. Some more than others. Saturday can’t come quick enough.”

Herbrandston manager Stuart McDonald said: “I am sure that I speak for many players and managers when I say that the return of competitive football within Pembrokeshire is an exciting prospect.

“The last 18 months have been challenging for every club, and moving forward things have undoubtedly changed.

“Throughout pre-season there has been an apprehensive buzz around the club, everyone hoping that the season would get the green light.

“With the green light given, we now approach the season with huge excitement and also cautious optimism, ensuring that the safety of everyone involved is at the forefront of what we do. Good luck to all our Pembrokeshire teams and referees.”

St Clears manager Nick Squire said: “It’s an exciting time for everyone, not just in St Clears, but for everyone in the county, maybe a realisation of the value of the game and how much it really means to our lives, not just the competitive side but the social too.

“It felt like it was never going to come but it’s finally here and we can’t wait to get started.”

Hakin manager Scott Davies said: “We at Hakin United are delighted to have local football back. It is a huge part of our community and has been sorely missed over the last 16 months.”

Milford United manager Andrew Burgoyne added: “It’s been a long time coming and life has a very different look now.

“A return to football feels like a return to normality, although we know that we still need to be cautious. That won’t be easy in both a sporting and social context.”

Manager of Neyland, Gavin Rowland said: “It’s great to be back training seeing old and new faces at the club. The players have shown a good commitment so far and have enjoyed being back together.

“Everyone is looking forward to the first league game this weekend and we along with every other club are excited to get back to league action.”

Having missed the football for 18 months, Saturday will be a welcome relief for all involved. Good luck to all clubs for the new season.

Fixtures for Saturday, September 4

Division 1

Fishguard Sports v Pennar Robins

Goodwick United v Hundleton

Hakin United v Carew

Monkton Swifts v Merlins Bridge

Narberth v Neyland

St Ishmaels v Clarbeston Road

Division 2

Broad Haven v Milford Athletic

Kilgetty v Solva

Merlins Bridge II v Monkton Swifts II

Milford United v Johnston

Pennar Robins II v Hakin United II

St Clears v Herbrandston

Division 3

Camrose v Pembroke Boro

Carew II v Tenby

Clarbeston Road II v Fishguard Sports II

Cosheston v Broad Haven II

Lawrenny v Goodwick United II

Pendine v Haverfordwest CC

Division 4

Haverfordwest CC II v Carew III

Hundleton II v Milford United II

Neyland II v Narberth II

Pennar Robins III v St Ishmaels II

Solva II v Letterston

St Florence v Camrose II

Division 5

Herbrandston II v Prendergast Villa

Johnston II v Newport Tigers

Letterston II v Kilgetty II

Milford Athletic II v Lawrenny II

Pembroke Boro II v Angle

Tenby II v St Clears II

Sport

Devonald’s hat-trick secures St Ishmaels’ dominant win over Herbrandston

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Herbrandston 0 – St Ishmaels 6

BRENNAN DEVONALD delivered a masterclass as St Ishmaels thrashed Herbrandston 6-0, with the skipper leading from the front and scoring a stunning hat-trick. The comprehensive victory propels St Ishmaels to eighth in the league table, while Herbrandston remain rooted to the bottom without a single point.

The visitors asserted their dominance from the outset. Devonald opened the scoring in the 9th minute, latching onto a pinpoint assist from Owen Lawrence. He doubled their lead just before halftime in the 40th minute, again set up by Lawrence, giving St Ishmaels a comfortable cushion at the break.

St Ishmaels maintained their momentum in the second half, adding four more goals to cap off a stellar team performance. Adam Kingsbeer’s clever play set up Ieuan Hawkins for the third, before Tom Williams capitalised on another opportunity to make it 4-0. Devonald sealed his hat-trick in the 85th minute with an expertly taken goal, and Joel Mills added the finishing touch in the dying moments, courtesy of an assist from Sol Goodall.

Team line-ups

Herbrandston: Adrian Rees, Oliver Robinson, Ethan Chalker, Scott Findlay, Dean John (Captain), Harley Barrett, Gedion Hockin, Leon Whatling, Scott Gillespie, Cian Davenport. Subs: Leo Duncan, Jacob James, Nico Cockrell.

St Ishmaels: Owen Thomas, Sol Goodall, Owen Lawrence, Finley Armstrong, Brennan Devonald (Captain), Adam Kingsbeer, Ieuan Hawkins, Joel Mills, Tom Williams, Daniel Coe, Nathan Thomas. Subs: Max Howells, Tyler Sheil.

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Sport

Dominant wins for Pembrokeshire sides in West Wales Intermediate Cup round 3

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Goodwick United 7-0 Carew

Goodwick United put on a commanding performance with a 7-0 triumph over Carew. The home side proved too powerful for their opponents, with Rhys Dalling and Rhys Jones each bagging two goals. Matty Delaney, Will Haworth, and Daniel Bryce also got their names on the scoresheet. As one of Pembrokeshire’s top teams, Goodwick will aim to build on this dominant win as they progress to the next round.

Hakin United 13-0 Clydach Sports

Hakin United were in ruthless form as they dispatched Clydach Sports 13-0. Jack Britton led the charge with an impressive five-goal haul, while Liam Parks netted a hat-trick. Jack Griffiths, Jay Kilby, Kieran King, Justin Harding, and Mason Dolling all contributed to the comprehensive scoreline. Hakin, one of the premier teams in Pembrokeshire, will be keen to continue their pursuit of the cup after this emphatic victory.

Merlins Bridge 7-3 Treboeth United

Merlins Bridge secured a thrilling 7-3 victory over Treboeth United in an exciting encounter. Nathan Evans was the star of the show, scoring a hat-trick, while Tom Jago, Jason Griffiths, Hayden Dimond, and Ashton Plunkett all found the back of the net. Treboeth’s Liam Manning, Cori Jones, and Matthew Colley fought valiantly but could not prevent the home side from taking the win. Merlins Bridge will be pleased with their attacking display and will look to build on this result.

Monkton Swifts 5-4 Clarbeston Road

In a dramatic local derby, Monkton Swifts edged out Clarbeston Road 5-4 in a high-scoring affair. Dylan Davies was the standout performer with four goals, and Liam Butland added another. Clarbeston Road fought hard with goals from Laurie Haworth, Matthew Davies, Greg Brown, and Ben John, but it was the Swifts who held on to secure the victory. Monkton will be happy to progress after such a closely contested match.

Neyland 1-2 Cwm Wanderers

Neyland were narrowly defeated 2-1 by Cwm Wanderers in a closely contested match. Ben Gale scored for Neyland, but goals from Joseff Shaw and Corey Raven-Sayce gave the visitors the edge. Despite a valiant effort from Neyland, Cwm Wanderers held firm to secure the win and advance to the next round.

Plough Colts 0-2 Pennar Robins

Pennar Robins comfortably saw off Plough Colts 2-0, with Kieran Smith and Jamie Wilkes scoring the goals. Pennar demonstrated their class and will look to carry this momentum forward into the next round.

Tenby 2-0 Blaen-y-Maes

Tenby continued their fine form with a 2-0 victory over Blaen-y-Maes. Sam Butler and Scott Ferney were on target for Tenby, who have been one of the most impressive sides this season. This win further cements Tenby’s status as one of the top contenders in the competition.

Analysis:

Pembrokeshire’s leading teams, Goodwick United and Hakin United, demonstrated their superiority with commanding wins, while Tenby showed their credentials with a solid 2-0 victory. With such dominant performances, Goodwick and Hakin are likely to be among the favourites to claim the title, with Tenby also emerging as a serious contender in this year’s West Wales Intermediate Cup.

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Sport

Thrills and dominance: Narberth shine in 6-1 victory

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Broad Haven 4-4 Solva

In an exhilarating, high-scoring encounter, Broad Haven played out a 4-4 draw with Solva. Marco Valentine netted twice for Broad Haven, with Owen Sheppard and Shane Howells also getting on the scoresheet. Solva responded through Josh Bland, who scored a hat-trick, and Lucas Price, ensuring the points were shared in this thrilling clash.

Camrose 1-3 Fishguard Sports

Fishguard Sports claimed a 3-1 victory over Camrose, with a clinical display of attacking play. Andrew John scored the only goal for Camrose, but Fishguard’s offensive strength proved overwhelming. Anthony Couzens, Luke Thomas, and Ieuan Llewellyn all found the net to guide their side to victory.

Carew II 0-2 Hakin United II

Hakin United II earned a solid 2-0 win over Carew II. Rowan Dixon and Tom Edmonds were the scorers for the visitors, with Carew struggling to break down Hakin’s defense. It was a well-executed performance that saw Hakin advance with all three points.

Johnston P-P Merlins Bridge II

The match between Johnston and Merlins Bridge II was postponed, with no further details available at the time of writing.

Lawrenny 1-6 Narberth

Narberth cruised to a commanding 6-1 victory over Lawrenny. Owen James scored the lone goal for Lawrenny, but Narberth’s attacking prowess was on full display as Steffan Williams scored twice, and Ashley Williams, Chris Brown, Conor Bowen, and Ryan Williams each found the back of the net in a comprehensive win.

Analysis:

The 14th December 2024 fixtures saw a blend of thrilling draws and dominant victories. Broad Haven and Solva shared the spoils in an action-packed 4-4 draw, while Fishguard Sports, Hakin United II, and Narberth all secured convincing wins. Narberth’s 6-1 triumph over Lawrenny was the standout result of the day, highlighting their attacking firepower.

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