Sport

Bluebirds’ unbeaten run ended by Met

Published

3 years ago

April 4, 2022

HAVERFORDWEST County slipped to a 3-2 defeat at the hands of Cardiff Metropolitan at Cyncoed Campus on Saturday (Apr 2), a result which brought an end to the Bluebirds’ six-match unbeaten run in the JD Cymru Premier.

Harry Owen’s goal at the end of the first-half gave the Archers an interval lead, before substitute Danny Williams levelled the game with 20 minutes to play.

However, goals from Eliot Evans and Lewis Rees gave the hosts a two-goal cushion in the closing stages. Alaric Jones’ late strike provided some hope, but it wasn’t enough as County left empty-handed.

The result, which is manager Nicky Hayen’s first defeat since taking charge in January, sees the Bluebirds drop down a place to eighth (second in the Play-Off Conference) with five games remaining.

Hayen made three changes to the team that drew 0-0 with Connah’s Quay Nomads last week, with Ryan George, Ricky Watts and Jordan Davies starting in place of Kyle Patten, Kurtis Rees and Williams.

Chances were few and far between in a scrappy first-half in the capital, with neither side able to settle into any rhythm.

Jack Wilson put a dangerous ball into the area inside the opening five minutes, but the Archers defence were able to clear their lines.

With both teams offering very little threat from open play, set pieces looked to be the most likely source of opportunities in the opening 45 minutes, as Elliot Scotcher put a dangerous ball into the area which somehow evaded everyone and rolled to safety.

The hosts thought they had taken the lead when the ball was put into the net from a free-kick, but the flag went up for offside as the game remained goalless.

However, they did find the net with half-time approaching as Dylan Rees’ pass was intercepted inside the area by Owen, and the striker curled the ball into the left corner to put the Students ahead.

Hayen made three changes at half-time in an effort to turn the tide in the second-half, with Alaric Jones, Williams and the returning Kieran Lewis replacing George, Watts and Alhagi Touray Sisay.

There was certainly an improvement from County after the break, as the visitors created the first chance following the restart when Williams’ cross-cum-shot went narrowly over the crossbar.

Ben Fawcett, who was part of the Wales C team that recorded a famous 4-0 win over England C in Caernarfon on Wednesday night, went close to finding an equaliser when his shot from outside the area was saved low down by Alex Lang.

The Bluebirds were level just minutes later though. Following a quickly taken free-kick, the ball was worked down the right side and, after reaching the byline, Davies chipped a ball into the area which was met by the head of Williams to set up a grandstand finish.

The momentum appeared to be with Hayen’s side at this stage, but five minutes later they were behind again as the ball fell kindly to Eliot Evans, who powered his shot home from inside the area to make it 2-1.

Lee Idzi’s sharp reaction save denied Evans a second goal, but with the end of regular time approaching, Owen’s ball across the face of goal picked out Rees at the back post, and he tapped into an empty net to double the Archers’ advantage.

Jones did provide a glimmer of hope in injury time when he powered a shot in from close range, but Christian Edwards’ side held on to claim all three points and bring an end to County’s impressive recent run of form.

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Sport

Double podium finish for local rally driver

Published

3 days ago

July 15, 2025

Herald Sport

A 20-HOUR round trip to Machrihanish Airbase in Campbeltown, Scotland, proved more than worthwhile for 17-year-old rally driver Henri Cynwyl, who returned to Wales with two podium finishes.

Henri, from Ponthirwaun, claimed third place on both days of competition in the British Junior Championship and the 1000cc Ecosse Challenge, strengthening his lead in the F1000 British Junior Championship.

The two-day Mach1 Stages Rally was organised by Dunfermline Car Club, with 31 F1000 members taking to the fast tarmac stages of the airbase, cheered on by a warm Scottish welcome.

“I’m really pleased,” said Henri, who was co-driven by Geraint Evans from Bala. “The stages were long, and I much prefer long stages to short ones as I get into a flow. The fast tarmac really suited my car.”

Now in his second and final year in the championship, Henri is backed by a number of local businesses from the Cardigan area.

“I’m so grateful to all of my sponsors and team,” he said. “The car is prepared by Castle Motors in Newcastle Emlyn, and we’ve just welcomed Pembrokeshire College as one of my new sponsors for 2025.”

Henri is currently undertaking an apprenticeship as an electrician with both Pembrokeshire College and DJ Hoyland.

The next round of the F1000 Championship will take place at Wheaton Barracks in Blackpool at the start of August.

Sport

Kilgetty AFC Women score new Lucozade kit thanks to Tenby Post Office Stores

Published

4 days ago

July 15, 2025

Herald Sport

Local nomination supports grassroots football in Pembrokeshire

KILGETTY AFC Women’s Team has received a brand-new Lucozade Sport Kit, thanks to a nomination by Tenby Post Office Stores and local supporter Fiona Malone.

The donation includes reusable drinks bottles, bibs, a football carrier bag, a kit bag, and bottles of Lucozade Sport – part of a UK-wide initiative that saw only ten teams selected to receive the sports kits.

‘A natural choice’

Fiona Malone, who nominated the team, said: “We were really happy to nominate Kilgetty AFC Women’s football team when we were asked by Lucozade. My son plays for Kilgetty Under-13s, and the whole club is incredibly inclusive, so when Lucozade asked, we immediately thought of the women’s team.”

The kit was officially handed over on Sunday (July 13) during the club’s Chwarae FOR HER Wales v England watch party at Kilgetty AFC Football Club, Kingsmoor Sports Club.

Team thanks local backers

A spokesperson for Kilgetty AFC Women said: “We are very grateful to receive all of the items from Tenby Post Office Stores and Lucozade. We particularly appreciate the reusable drinks bottles and Lucozade Sport drinks – we’ve been bringing our own, or using the men’s bottles. The bibs are great, and the new bags will be really useful. Thank you!”

Backed by the community

The women’s team continues to grow as part of the wider female football movement in Wales, supported by local businesses and groups. Ongoing kit sponsorship for the girls’ teams has come from Ty Francis and New York Welsh, while Tesco Stronger Starts funding and FAW grants have supported equipment and coach education.

The women’s team has also received training kit sponsorship from Kilgetty WI, and playing kit and volunteer support from Saundersfoot Rotary.

Each of these donations, including the new Lucozade kit, is helping transform grassroots football – building players’ skills, boosting confidence, and creating a stronger sense of belonging through sport.

Community

Rugby stars to headline community talk in Newport, Pembrokeshire

Published

5 days ago

July 14, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THIS Wednesday evening, July 16 at 7pm, join Welsh TV personalities Rhodri and Lucy Owen for a bilingual Q&A with international rugby stars Josh Macleod, Stephen Varney, and Macs Page at Canolfan Bethlehem (formerly the Old Bethlehem Chapel) in Newport, Pembrokeshire.

The evening, part of the Lecol Heroes series, will offer a unique opportunity to hear from these rising rugby stars as they share their journeys from local lads to international pros. The trio—who all have strong connections to the Pembrokeshire area—will discuss their experiences, challenges, and triumphs in the world of rugby, giving fans a behind-the-scenes look at their careers.

The event will be hosted by Rhodri and Lucy Owen, and attendees will have the chance to ask questions to the players. The event is open to the public, with tickets priced at £10 for adults and £5 for secondary school students.

Canolfan Bethlehem, a vital community venue in the heart of Newport, has quickly become a focal point for local events. After the former chapel was bought and renovated by a dedicated group of locals in 2024, it reopened as a community centre in February 2025. This will be one of the many events held at the venue, which continues to grow in popularity.

Don’t miss this unique evening filled with rugby passion, pride, and a few laughs along the way. Join us at Capel Bethlehem, Upper West Street, Newport, Pembrokeshire this Wednesday at 7pm!