Sport
The Magic of the Cup
Cup competitions are always exciting, no matter what round or fixture, there’s something special about the cup. We are now getting into the latter stages of the senior cup and teams will be dreaming of a final at Bridge Meadow. Will there be upsets? Who will want to rewrite the script?
Here’s our preview of this weekends cup ties –
Senior Cup Fixtures 17/02/24 –
Fishguard Sports vs Clarbeston Road
The cup will be a welcome release for Fishguard who are deep in a relegation battle in the league. However they have picked up some decent results in cup competitions this season and will be without pressure or expectation in this fixture. Matthew Fox’ Clarby will be firm favourites not only for this tie but to get to the semi final stages at least. An impressive season so far for Clarby and cup success would really be the icing on the cake.
Milford United vs Neyland
There won’t be many teams in the county with more confidence than Steve Parks’ Milford United right now. A brilliant win last week at the Obs and definitely a dark horse for this competition. They’ll see the cup as an opportunity to potentially get some silverware this year. Neyland have struggled in the league and are in real relegation trouble but are still a dangerous team on their day.
Pennar Robins vs Tenby
Two teams who are safely in mid table in the league and really have no relegation fears. Cup success would be a huge achievement for either of these sides and both have the quality to be a danger in this competition. A evenly matched tie here which will likely be a close game.
Camrose vs Johnston
Two second division teams who have absolutely nothing to lose in this competition. Camrose have really impressed on their return to division two and would love to progress to the next stages of the cup. The Tigers are a strong outfit and physical team, not an easy opponent for anyone. With experience in their ranks they’ll be chomping at the bit for cup success.
Goodwick United vs Herbrandston
Firm favourites to win this competition Goodwick United host Herbrandston. Herbie started the season on fire but have late have been inconsistent. They are second in the second division and have real quality in midfield mixed with youngsters with bags of potential. A real test here for the village, who’ll be relishing the challenge.
Sport
New Hedges Saundersfoot win cup final in style.
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.
News
Tigers second division Cup Champions
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.
Sport
Promotion, relegation and everything in between.
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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