News
Goodwick 2nds clinch Division 3 Cup after dramatic penalty shootout
IN a gripping showdown at Ogi Bridge Meadow Stadium on Friday (May 3), Goodwick United 2nds emerged victorious in a nail-biting encounter against Solva in the 2024 Division 3 Cup Final. The match, which ended 1-1 after normal time, saw Goodwick triumph 7-6 on penalties, securing the coveted cup in a marathon of tension and drama.
The game began at a frantic pace, with both sides showcasing their determination from the outset. Solva’s Robbie Jenkins proved to be a constant threat, testing Goodwick keeper Joe Docker early on. However, neither team could break the deadlock in the first half, with chances at both ends going begging.
As the match progressed, the intensity only heightened, with tackles flying in as both teams fought for supremacy. It was Solva who struck first blood, with Dan Bryce converting a penalty to put his team ahead with just 19 minutes remaining. But Goodwick refused to be beaten, and Kieran Price leveled the scores late on with a well-taken volley, sending the game into extra time.
Extra time saw no let-up in the action, with both sides pushing for a winner. However, it was Solva who found themselves reduced to ten men after Morgan Elliott was sent off. With neither team able to find a breakthrough, the match was ultimately decided by a nerve-wracking penalty shootout.
In a tense shootout that went to sudden death, it was Goodwick who held their nerve, with Haydn Smith scoring the decisive spot-kick to clinch victory for his team. The celebrations that followed were a testament to the resilience and determination of Chris Morris’s side, who battled through injuries and adversity to claim the title.
Reflecting on his team’s triumph, Morris expressed his pride in his players, praising their character and resilience in the face of adversity. For Solva, it was a bitter disappointment, but they can take pride in their valiant effort throughout the match.
As the final whistle blew, it was Goodwick United 2nds who emerged as the worthy winners, etching their names into the annals of the Manderwood Pembrokeshire Football League’s Division 3 Cup history.
Line-ups:
Solva: Luke Phillips, Luke Mason, Harry Elliott, Morgan Elliott, Kieran Price, Ryan Thomas, Finn Isles, Sam Price, Robert Jenkins, Josh Bland (Captain), Lucas Price. Substitutes: Craig Challonder, Billy Clift, Albie Burden, Daniel Rees, Francis John-Duarte.
Goodwick United 2nds: Joe Docker, Tyler Morris, Iwan James, Haydn Smith, Kyle Smith (Captain), Joshua Wellan, Seamus Drake, Niall Kinsella, Keegan Summers, Gary Reynolds, Ethan Priestley. Substitutes: Goncalo Rocha, Alex O’Sullivan, Daniel Bryce, Kieran O’Brien, Frankie Pearce.
Match Officials:
Referee: Alan Boswell.
Assistants: Chris Stapleton & Barry Evans.
Fourth Official: Richard Gwyther.
Photo: Ben Rendell/Facebook
Community
Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity
THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.
Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.
The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.
Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.
Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.
(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)
Business
Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure
PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.
The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.
The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.
A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”
Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.
Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.
From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.
Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.
(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)
Community
Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend
ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.
In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”
Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.
Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.
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