Sport
Bluebirds get season off to winning start
HAVERFORDWEST County kick-started their 2022-23 JD Cymru Premier campaign with a 1-0 victory over Caernarfon Town at the Ogi Bridge Meadow on Saturday (Aug 13).
Jordan Davies’ header with 10 minutes remaining was enough to give the Bluebirds all three points, as they marked manager Tony Pennock’s first league game in charge in winning fashion.
In sweltering conditions at the Ogi Bridge Meadow – with the temperature reaching a high of 32°C – both teams showed impressive fitness levels to stick to their task throughout the 90 minutes.
County showed positive intent right from the off, with Jack Wilson having a couple of opportunities inside the opening six minutes which goalkeeper Josh Tibbetts was equal to.
Henry Jones then put a ball into the area which picked out Jordan Davies at the back post, but the forward was just unable to bring it under his spell to get a shot away.
Wilson had another chance not long after when Ryan George showed jet heels to beat his man before putting a ball into the area which picked the forward out, but his effort went over the crossbar.
Despite their early pressure, the Bluebirds could have found themselves behind but for some excellent last-ditch defending which saw Sion Bradley’s shot from inside the area blocked on its path to goal.
Striker Ben Fawcett was next to have an effort on goal when he picked the ball up from Jordan Davies and got a shot away, which was heading for the right corner, but Tibbetts got down to produce the save.
With the searing heat in mind, two water breaks were scheduled to be taken 25 minutes into both halves. While there was a risk that this stoppage in play could have taken some of County’s tempo away, this was not to be the case as they continued to play on the front foot.
The best chance of the first-half came 10 minutes before the break, when George again beat his opposite number and put a ball into the area which found Fawcett, but after having a couple of efforts from a few yards out, the ball was somehow kept out of the net.
The second-half followed a similar pattern to the first, with County dictating the play against a well-organised Canaries side.
Pennock’s side created three chances in as many minutes in the early stages of the second period, with Lee Jenkins – who was making his Bluebirds top-flight debut – heading just wide from a free-kick, before Jordan Davies’ cross-cum-shot was palmed behind from a corner and Fawcett had his shot from inside the area deflected just wide.
The game lost some of its tempo for a 15-minute period, but it was sparked back into life when Henry Jones’ shot from inside the area was inadvertently blocked on its path to goal by a teammate.
With the final 10 minutes approaching, it looked as if the match might be heading towards a stalemate, however the Bluebirds were finally able to make their pressure tell.
Henry Jones picked the ball up on the left side and delivered a pinpoint cross into the area which found Jordan Davies at the far post, and the striker guided his header home to send the home supporters wild and get his team off to a winning start to the Cymru Premier season.
Haverfordwest County are next in action on Saturday, August 20, when they travel to Maes Tegid to take on Bala Town (Kick-off 2.30pm).
Sport
All football in Wales postponed as Storm Darragh threatens severe disruption
THE FAW has announced the postponement of all football matches scheduled for Saturday, December 7, as Storm Darragh is set to bring life-threatening conditions to the country.
The decision follows a rare red weather warning issued by the Met Office, forecasting winds of up to 90mph and heavy rainfall across Wales and parts of southwestern England. This is the first red alert since Storm Isha in January, with forecasters warning of extensive disruption, including potential damage to buildings, power outages, and severe flooding.
An FAW spokesperson said:
“The Met Office has issued red, amber, and yellow weather warnings for the vast majority of Wales due to Storm Darragh, which is expected to bring damaging winds and heavy rain, causing significant disruption and danger to life.
“It is not safe to drive in such weather, including travelling to and from football matches. Being outside in high winds increases the risk of injury, and the Met Office advises people to stay indoors if possible.
“Clubs have been advised to check for and secure any loose items around their grounds if it can be done safely. This includes bins, furniture, goalposts, and fences.”
Precautions and ongoing assessments
The FAW confirmed that matches scheduled for Friday, December 6, and Sunday, December 8, will be reviewed individually, depending on league policies and updated weather conditions.
The Met Office has also issued a yellow warning for rain in Wales from 3:00pm today until midday tomorrow, alongside two amber warnings for wind on Saturday. Rhondda Cynon Taf, where severe flooding affected between 200 and 300 properties during Storm Bert last month, is among the areas bracing for renewed challenges.
Residents are urged to prepare for potential disruptions and stay informed of weather updates. Storm Darragh’s impact is expected to be one of the most severe weather events in recent months, underscoring the importance of adhering to safety advisories.
Sport
Football: Manderwood Second Division Cup, Round 1 (Nov 30, 2024)
Carew 0 – 7 Neyland
NEYLAND stormed into the next round with an emphatic 7-0 triumph over Carew. Max Bowman-Davies stole the show with a hat-trick, supported by two goals from Alfie Crawford. Joe Gale and Dylan James rounded off the scoring in a match dominated by Neyland from start to finish. Carew struggled to contain their visitors’ relentless attacking display.
Monkton Swifts 3 – 0 Broad Haven
Monkton Swifts advanced comfortably, beating Broad Haven 3-0. Rhys Sture set the tone with an early goal, followed by a strike from Phil John to double the lead. Rudy Poole capped off the win with a penalty, ensuring a clean sheet for the Swifts and a place in the next round.
Fishguard Sports 7 – 0 Solva
Fishguard Sports delivered a commanding performance, crushing Solva 7-0. Ieuan Llewellyn netted twice, while Jack Griffiths, Luke Thomas, Greg Hughes, Anthony Couzens, and Adam Lawrence each added a goal. Solva had no answers to the relentless attack from the home side.
Narberth P-P Johnston
The fixture between Narberth and Johnston was postponed and will be rescheduled.
Sport
Manderwood Pembrokeshire Football League – Division 1 Roundup
Goodwick United 7 – Monkton Swifts 2
GOODWICK UNITED extended their lead at the top of the table with a commanding 7-2 victory over Monkton Swifts. Rhys Dalling was the standout performer, netting four goals, including a stunning solo effort to complete his hat-trick. Goodwick led 2-1 at half-time thanks to goals from Kieran Blundell and Rhys Jones. The second half saw an attacking masterclass as Jonny Horgan added two more before Dalling rounded off the scoring. Monkton Swifts managed a brilliant 25-yard strike from Connor Davies but were unable to contend with Goodwick’s relentless firepower.
Clarbeston Road 4 – Carew 4
A dramatic 4-4 draw unfolded as Carew snatched a stoppage-time equaliser at Clarbeston Road. Marcus Griffiths gave Carew an early lead, but Laurie Haworth and Ben John turned the game in favour of the hosts by half-time. Leon Davies’ brace put Carew back in front, but goals from Matthew Davies and a second from Haworth saw the Road edge ahead once more. Zac Rowell salvaged a crucial point for Carew in the dying seconds, lifting them out of the relegation zone in a pulsating encounter.
Hakin United 2 – St Ishmaels 0
Hakin United climbed to second in the standings with a solid 2-0 victory over St Ishmaels. The Vikings took control early, with Ryan Wilson opening the scoring with a spectacular long-range effort. Liam Parks doubled the lead with a close-range finish. Despite dominating the game, Hakin couldn’t extend their advantage further. The result pushed St Ishmaels into the relegation zone after a tough outing.
Pennar Robins 3 – Milford United 1
Pennar Robins overturned a first-half deficit to secure a 3-1 win against Milford United. Milford took the lead just before the break through Jack Dyer, despite Pennar dominating possession. Ben Adams equalised early in the second half, followed by a stunning finish from Cameron Brunton to put the hosts ahead. Luke Phillips sealed the victory with a late penalty. Milford goalkeeper Charlie Malloy put in an impressive display, but his heroics couldn’t prevent the defeat.
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