Sport
Jazz stars as Bluebirds return to winning ways
HAVERFORDWEST County returned to winning ways in the JD Cymru Premier in emphatic fashion with a comfortable 6-1 victory over Cefn Druids at The Rock on Saturday (Apr 9).
Wing-back Jazz Richards netted a hat-trick, with Jordan Davies converting twice from the penalty spot after Ryan George had opened the scoring.
Ioan Evans’ free-kick had reduced the deficit to 3-1 in the first-half, but that was as good as it got for the already-relegated Ancients.
Both teams were reduced to 10 men in the closing stages, with defenders Alaric Jones and Nacho Torres both dismissed for second bookable offences.
The result, a second consecutive 6-1 win over the Druids, sees County close the gap on seventh placed Cardiff Metropolitan to just a point, after the Archers drew 1-1 with Aberystwyth Town.
Manager Nicky Hayen made four changes to the team that lost 1-0 to Aber on Tuesday, with Jones, George, Kieran Lewis and Henry Jones all coming into the starting lineup, with Jack Wilson (suspension), Kurtis Rees, Corey Shephard (injury) and Alhagi Touray Sisay dropping out.
After a relatively low key start, the Bluebirds took the lead after 21 minutes when Davies’ cross in from the left picked out George inside the area, and the wing-back made no mistake from close range to direct his header past Rhys Williams and into the net.
It was 2-0 just 10 minutes later. After winning the ball back high up the pitch, Henry Jones played Ben Fawcett into space inside the area, and the striker’s ball across the face of goal found Richards at the far post – and he tapped into an empty net to double County’s advantage.
Things got even better for Hayen’s side when they were awarded a penalty four minutes later, after Torres bundled Fawcett over inside the area. Davies sent Williams the wrong way with his spot kick, rolling the ball into the left corner to make it 3-0.
The Ancients pulled a goal back shortly after when Evans’ free-kick from just outside the area sent Lee Idzi the wrong way.
However, the Bluebirds ended the first-half in fine fashion with Davies scoring from the penalty spot for the second time in eight minutes after the forward was brought down by Phil Mooney, before Richards swept home from Davies’ cross to make it 5-1 at the interval.
County came out after the restart with the same intent, as they looked to add more goals, with Henry Jones firing a shot over the bar and Davies denied a hat-trick by a good save from Williams.
The Bluebirds continued to push forward in search of a sixth goal of the afternoon, and they nearly found it when substitute Touray Sisay – who had come on to replace Lewis – was picked out by a pinpoint pass from Fawcett, but he was denied by an outstretched leg from Williams.
The striker had another chance to get on the scoresheet not long after when fellow substitute Danny Williams’ through ball sent him racing through on goal, however he was thwarted by Williams once again in a one-on-one situation.
County were reduced to 10 men with 10 minutes remaining when Jones was shown a second yellow card after remonstrating with referee Ryan Kenny.
The Bluebirds were able to end the afternoon on a positive note though, when, in stoppage time, Williams was clattered inside the area by Torres, who was also shown a second yellow card.
The ball was handed to Richards to give the former Wales international the chance to seal his hat-trick, and he duly obliged with an excellent spot kick which found the side netting of the goal to round off a wonderful afternoon for himself and the team.
Haverfordwest County are next in action on Good Friday (April 15), when they host Barry Town United at the Ogi Bridge Meadow, kick-off is at 14:30.
Sport
Devonald’s hat-trick secures St Ishmaels’ dominant win over Herbrandston
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.
Sport
Dominant wins for Pembrokeshire sides in West Wales Intermediate Cup round 3
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.
Sport
Thrills and dominance: Narberth shine in 6-1 victory
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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