Sport
County go through in MG Cup after thumping Barry
HAVERFORDWEST County began life under manager Tony Pennock in fine fashion with a 4-2 victory over Barry Town United in the Nathaniel MG Cup second round on Friday night (Aug 5).
A brace from Jack Wilson, along with goals from debutants Lee Jenkins and Rhys Abbruzzese helped see the Bluebirds safely through to the third round.
Josh Graham and Mo Djalo found the net for the Dragons, who reached the semi-final of the competition last season, but it wasn’t enough as County’s extra firepower made the difference.
In front of a crowd of 337 at the Ogi Bridge Meadow, the Bluebirds nearly took an early lead when Wilson got a volley away from inside the area which was pushed away by Cameron Clarke.
The majority of the chances fell the hosts’ way in the first-half, with Jordan Davies trying his luck from distance after Clarke had come off his line and given possession away, before Ryan George’s solo run to the edge of the area ended with the wing-back shooting over the bar.
Jenkins then went close when he rose highest to meet Wilson’s long throw into the area, with his header going narrowly wide of the right post.
It was very nearly 1-0 on the half hour mark when George’s cross into the area picked out Jordan Davies, who directed his header goalwards but saw the ball cleared off the line.
However, just three minutes later, it was 1-0 when the ball was worked out to George on the right side, and his cross picked out the towering Jenkins who powered his header into the left corner to mark his first competitive County appearance with a goal.
Almost immediately after the restart though, the Dragons found an equaliser as a through ball played Graham in, and the forward slid the ball past Lewis Brass for an instant response.
Wilson shot over the bar as Haverfordwest County looked to restore their lead before the break, and while he was off target on this occasion, seven minutes after the restart his header from debutant Jamie Veale’s corner flew into the net to make it 2-1.
And less than five minutes later, the youngster almost doubled the Bluebirds’ advantage when a long ball upfield from Dylan Rees played him in, and an excellent first touch gave the forward a chance to get a chipped effort away which rolled just wide to deny what would have been a spectacular goal.
With the hour mark approaching, George sliced an effort wide of the right post, but just a minute later Abbruzzese was on hand to tap in from point-blank range from Jordan Davies’ pass to join Jenkins in netting on his debut with a goal against his former club.
Pennock’s men were full of confidence at this stage, and they were able to make it tell when Abbruzzese turned provider to set Wilson up to score his second goal of the night with a neat finish from close range to extend the advantage to 4-1.
Gavin Chesterfield’s side pulled a goal back with just over 10 minutes remaining when they were awarded a penalty after Brass was adjudged to have fouled substitute Djalo inside the area, and the forward converted from the spot to make it 4-2.
With the Bluebirds in a comfortable position in the closing stages, Pennock was able to introduce academy product Toby Davies and exciting young prospect Dan James, allowing the pair to play out the final few minutes.
With their passage through to the next round safely secured, the Bluebirds now turn their attention to the start of the new JD Cymru Premier season, which gets under way with a game against Caernarfon Town at the Ogi Bridge Meadow next Saturday, August 13 (Kick-off 14:30).
Sport
Seasiders dominate in 5-2 win over Swifts
TENBY earned a commanding 5-2 victory against visitors Monkton Swifts at The Clicketts on Saturday (Nov 9). Jerome Williams opened the scoring just ten minutes in, following a well-placed setup from veteran Joe Leahy. Skipper Dan Evans doubled the lead nine minutes later with a stunning 35-yard drive, expertly placing a right-footed shot beyond Monkton’s keeper, Taylor Gullam, who was frequently called into action during a shaky defensive showing by the Swifts.
Williams struck again to put Tenby 3-0 up midway through the first half, but both he and fellow forward Scott Fearney found themselves in the sin bin for ten minutes shortly after. Despite being down to nine men, Tenby maintained control, adjusting their tactics to retain possession. Leahy then scored a spectacular fourth goal, launching a 50-yard chip from just inside the Swifts’ half over the head of a retreating Gullam after receiving a clearance from man of the match Curtis Hurlow.
Monkton struggled to find their rhythm, though central midfielder Gareth Finnegan led a determined push that eventually paid off with a goal eight minutes before halftime. However, Swifts’ efforts were marred by a booking for winger Josh Clarke just before the break for a late challenge.
Fearney added Tenby’s fifth goal ten minutes into the second half, effectively sealing the win. Monkton’s Ryan Hughes managed to pull one back from a scrambled corner with 15 minutes left, bringing the score to 5-2. Both managers, Gareth Noot (Tenby) and Stuart James (Monkton), rotated their squads with substitutions in the closing stages.
Tenby’s centre-half Charlie Gregory was cautioned for a late tackle, and Swifts’ skipper Ben Steele saw time in the sin bin in the final minute. Third-placed Tenby now look forward to hosting Kilgetty next weekend, while the Swifts prepare to welcome title-chasers Hakin United to Monkton Lane.
Sport
Latest Pembrokeshire Second Division football reports
THE latest round of Pembrokeshire Second Division fixtures delivered a series of high-scoring, action-packed matches, with several players seizing the spotlight through remarkable individual performances. Here’s a rundown of the results.
Merlins Bridge II 3-3 Monkton Swifts II
In a hard-fought clash, Merlins Bridge II and Monkton Swifts II ended level at 3-3 in a game that saw both sides push relentlessly for the win. Monkton’s Dyllan Bowen was in formidable form, netting all three of his team’s goals to complete a hat-trick and keep his side in contention. Merlins Bridge II responded with goals from Daniel Pearce, Jack Ashman, and Tom Mezzetta, sharing the scoring duties and ensuring they came away with a well-earned point. Both teams showed resilience and attacking flair, setting a high bar for the rest of the league.
Solva 3-6 Narberth
In another goal-heavy encounter, Narberth came out on top against Solva, winning 6-3. Steffan Williams led the charge for Narberth, recording a brilliant hat-trick to dominate Solva’s defense. His teammate Jordan Williams was close behind, adding a brace to extend Narberth’s lead, while Lewis Bansal contributed with a goal of his own. Solva managed three goals courtesy of Monti Lavin, Josh Bland, and Danny Thomas, but despite their efforts, they struggled to contain Narberth’s relentless attacking unit.
Lawrenny 2-11 Camrose
Camrose produced a clinical display against Lawrenny, storming to an overwhelming 11-2 victory. Jordan Raymond was the standout player, scoring four times and dismantling the Lawrenny defense almost single-handedly. Scott Chalmers added three more, securing his own hat-trick, while Martyn Tweedie contributed with a brace. Joe Haworth also got on the scoresheet, and an own goal added to Lawrenny’s woes. Sam Davies and Owen James managed to score for Lawrenny, but their efforts were only a small consolation in a lopsided match.
Broad Haven 0-7 Hakin United II
Hakin United II showed their class with a dominant 7-0 victory over Broad Haven. Evan Rutherford led the scoring with a hat-trick, tormenting Broad Haven’s defense throughout the match. Corey Riley added two goals, while Tyler Williams and Tom Edmonds each found the net once to cap off a comprehensive team performance. Broad Haven couldn’t find an answer to Hakin’s well-organized attack, leaving them looking for answers after a tough outing.
Sport
This weekend’s Division 4 West rugby roundup
THE latest fixtures in Division 4 West delivered intense clashes, narrow escapes, and exhilarating victories as teams showcased their determination and skill. Here’s a breakdown of the matches and standout moments.
Dreigiau Emlyn 7-10 St Davids
St Davids claimed a narrow 10-7 win over Dreigiau Emlyn in a hard-fought match. Celt Davies put Dreigiau Emlyn on the scoreboard with a try, converted by Llew Morgan. St Davids responded with tries from Ethan Griffiths and Dan Murphy, with Bob Froy converting one. Despite Dreigiau Emlyn’s strong defensive stand, St Davids held on for a slim victory.
Llangwm 23-21 Pembroke Dock
In a thrilling contest, Llangwm edged out Pembroke Dock by just two points, finishing 23-21. George James led Llangwm’s scoring with a try, two conversions, and three penalties. Gethin Thomas added a try, pushing Llangwm into a narrow lead. Pembroke Dock fought back with tries from Harry Owen, Danny Wilkes, and Morgan Rogers, all converted by Ben Hathaway. However, Llangwm’s precise penalty kicks clinched the close contest.
Llanybydder 24-31 Pembroke
Pembroke emerged victorious in a high-scoring 31-24 match against Llanybydder. Llanybydder displayed resilience with tries from Arwel Williams, Matthew Rollings, Ifan Mason-Evans, and Griff Morgans, two of which were converted by Rollings. Pembroke’s offense proved too strong, with tries from Robin Badham, Jack Oliver, Fraser James, Dai Rogers, and Toby Edwards, alongside three conversions by Josh Greenwood. Pembroke’s offensive depth secured the win in this lively encounter.
Neyland 20-23 Narberth Athletic
Narberth Athletic pulled off a close 23-20 victory over Neyland, with Shane Rossiter at the heart of the action, scoring all of Narberth’s points through three tries, two penalties, and a conversion. Neyland responded admirably, with tries from Luke Griffiths-Dawes (2) and Josh Watts, while Oli Rothero added a conversion and a penalty. Rossiter’s consistent performance under pressure proved decisive, securing Narberth Athletic’s hard-earned win.
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