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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

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Sport

New Hedges Saundersfoot win cup final in style.

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Division Four Cup Final

New Hedges Saundersfoot 7-1 St Ishmaels Reserves

The Division Four Cup Final between New Hedges Saundersfoot and St Ishmaels reserves took place at Monkton Swifts, witnessed by an eager crowd. The game, officiated by Sean O’Connor, with Gareth Elliot and Dean Driscoll as assistant referees, promised an intense battle for the coveted trophy.

From the onset, New Hedges Saundersfoot showcased their dominance. Owen, Miles, Davidson, and Marsh all getting on the score sheet leading to an impressive goal tally.

The Mice never gave up and battled well but they struggled to contain their opponent’s attacking quality. Thomas Williams managed the one and only goal for Tish.

The final score stood at an emphatic 7-1 in favor of New Hedges Saundersfoot, underlining their superiority throughout the match.

New Hedges Saundersfoot emerged as deserved victors, clinching the silverware and adding a significant achievement to their season. Their comprehensive victory in the cup final will undoubtedly be celebrated by players and fans alike. Despite falling short of promotion in their league campaign, this triumph will serve as a testament to their talent and resilience on the field.

In conclusion, the Division Four Cup Final witnessed a commendable display of skill and determination from both teams. Congratulations to New Hedges Saundersfoot for their outstanding performance and well-deserved victory in the final.

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Tigers second division Cup Champions

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In a thrilling Pembrokeshire Division Two Cup final under the floodlights of Bridge Meadow Stadium, fans witnessed an epic battle between Monkton Swifts reserves and Johnston. Despite Monkton Swifts reserves being touted as favorites, Johnston proved their mettle from the outset.

The game kicked off with a burst of energy as Johnston’s center half, Craig Bendall, seized an early opportunity to put his team ahead just ten minutes into the match. However, Monkton Swifts’ prolific Scotsman, Davis, swiftly responded with an equalizer, showcasing the resilience of the favourites.

The momentum shifted again when the dynamic duo of Alfie and Scott Crawford of Johnston orchestrated a beautifully executed goal, putting Johnston back in the lead at 2-1.

As the game progressed, Monkton Swifts brought in reinforcements, including Ben Steele, to regain control. Their efforts paid off when Jordan Kilby leveled the score at 2-2 with just under 20 minutes remaining.

But the Crawfords had other plans. Combining once more, Scott provided the assist for Alfie, who coolly finished to put Johnston ahead once again.

With time running out, Monkton Swifts launched a relentless onslaught in search of an equalizer. However, Johnston’s defense held firm, defying the odds to clinch the Division Two Cup title in a memorable victory.

The match showcased the passion and determination of both teams, with Johnston emerging as deserving champions in a fiercely contested final at Bridge Meadow Stadium.

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Sport

Promotion, relegation and everything in between.

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As we come to the end of the 2023-2024 season it’s time to look at the winners and losers so to speak as most promotion and relegation battles are now all sewn up.

We begin at the very top where Goodwick United have blown away the first division to become deserved champions elect. At the opposite end of the table Fishguard Sports struggled all season and we comfortably relegated, going down with them are Neyland who’s relegation was confirmed a few weeks ago. Neither team were cut adrift and battled right until the end which is credit to both outfits, sometimes relegation can act as a spring broad and both clubs will be hoping this is the case.

Monkton Swifts reserves were the outstanding team in the second division and were a cut above the rest on their journey to becoming league champions on 56 points with an impressive plus 61 goal difference. As Monkton can’t be promoted due to their first team being in the first division it allowed both Herbrandston and St Ishmaels to be promoted. Herbrandston finished in third on 40 points, whilst the Mice just beat them to second place ending up on 42 points. Both clubs will now use the summer to prepare for the step up that awaits.

At the opposite end of the division, Cosheston never really got going and after their points deduction ended on a lowly 6 points which is never going to be enough to avoid relegation. The second relegation place was much closer with St Clears, Carew reserves and Broad Haven all being in a dog fight for the majority of the season. Broad Haven showed good fight and character which steered them clear of trouble while Carew found form at a key time, which means St Clears will play their football in the third division next season.

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