Sport

Football rivalries: Matches you can’t miss

Published

1 year ago

July 1, 2024

Football rivalries are the heart and soul of the sport, encapsulating passion, history, and intense competition. These matches are more than just games; they are epic battles that capture the imagination of fans worldwide. In this article, we explore some of the most historic and intense football rivalries, delve into the backgrounds of the teams involved, and briefly touch on how betting odds reflect these fierce contests.

Exploration of Historic and Intense Football Rivalries

Football rivalries often stem from geographical proximity, historical events, or long-standing competitions. These rivalries generate immense anticipation and are marked by memorable moments, high stakes, and passionate fan bases. Here are a few iconic rivalries that you can’t miss:

1. El Clásico: FC Barcelona vs. Real Madrid

El Clásico is arguably the most famous football rivalry in the world, pitting two of Spain’s biggest clubs against each other. The rivalry extends beyond the pitch, symbolizing the political and cultural tensions between Catalonia (Barcelona) and the Spanish state (Madrid).

Historic Moments: From Johan Cruyff’s 5-0 victory at the Bernabéu to Lionel Messi’s last-minute winner in 2017, El Clásico has seen countless legendary moments.
Current Stars: The rivalry continues to be a showcase of world-class talent, with stars like Karim Benzema and Pedri making their mark.

2. The Old Firm Derby: Celtic vs. Rangers

The Old Firm Derby is a historic rivalry between Glasgow’s two biggest clubs, Celtic and Rangers. This rivalry is deeply rooted in the social, religious, and political fabric of Scotland.

Historic Moments: The fierce competition has led to unforgettable matches, such as the 1989 New Year’s Day clash where Rangers triumphed 5-1.
Fan Culture: The atmosphere at an Old Firm Derby is electric, with fans from both sides creating an intense environment.

3. The Manchester Derby: Manchester United vs. Manchester City

The Manchester Derby has grown in significance over the years, especially with Manchester City’s rise to prominence. The rivalry between the Red Devils and the Sky Blues divides the city of Manchester.

Historic Moments: The 2012 title-deciding match where City’s Sergio Agüero scored in the dying seconds to win the Premier League is a standout.
Current Dynamics: With both clubs consistently competing for top honours, the derby is always a high-stakes affair.

Background on the Teams and Their Histories

Understanding the histories of these teams adds depth to the rivalries. Here’s a closer look at the backgrounds of the teams involved in some of the biggest football rivalries:

FC Barcelona and Real Madrid

FC Barcelona: Founded in 1899, Barcelona has a rich history of success and a commitment to its Catalan identity. Known for their attacking style and famous La Masia academy, Barcelona has produced legends like Messi and Xavi.
Real Madrid: Established in 1902, Real Madrid is synonymous with European success, having won the Champions League more times than any other club. The Galácticos era under Florentino Pérez brought global superstars to the Bernabéu.

Celtic and Rangers

Celtic: Founded in 1887, Celtic has a storied history of domestic and European success, including their famous 1967 European Cup win. The club is known for its large Irish Catholic support base.
Rangers: Established in 1872, Rangers have a rich history with numerous Scottish league titles. The club traditionally draws support from the Protestant community in Scotland.

Manchester United and Manchester City

Manchester United: Formed in 1878 as Newton Heath, Manchester United has grown into one of the world’s most popular and successful football clubs. The Sir Alex Ferguson era brought unprecedented success with numerous Premier League titles and Champions League victories.
Manchester City: Founded in 1880, Manchester City has seen a dramatic rise in the last decade, fuelled by significant investment. Their recent success includes multiple Premier League titles and a growing presence in European competitions.

Brief Mention of Betting Odds and How They Reflect the Rivalry

Football betting markets often reflect the intensity and unpredictability of these rivalries. Betting odds can fluctuate significantly based on team form, player injuries, and historical performance in derby matches. For instance, in an El Clásico match, the odds might slightly favour the home team, but the unpredictable nature of the rivalry means there are always opportunities for bettors.

In the Manchester Derby, betting odds might reflect Manchester City’s recent dominance, but Manchester United’s historical resilience in big matches can influence the market. Similarly, Old Firm Derby odds often consider the fiercely competitive nature of the match, making it a challenging but potentially rewarding market for bettors.

Conclusion

Football rivalries like El Clásico, the Old Firm Derby, and the Manchester Derby are much more than just games; they are historic events that bring together communities, ignite passions, and create lasting memories. The rich histories of the teams involved add depth to these rivalries, making each match a must-watch event. Understanding these dynamics not only enhances your appreciation of the sport but can also provide valuable insights if you choose to bet on football. Whether you are a die-hard fan or a casual observer, these rivalries offer some of the most exciting and memorable moments in football.

News

Awards celebrate all that is good about Pembrokeshire sport

Published

3 days ago

December 2, 2025

Herald Sport

PEMBROKESHIRE’S sporting community came together on Friday evening as Folly Farm hosted the annual Sport Pembrokeshire Awards – a night dedicated to honouring achievements across every level, age group and discipline.

The awards recognise exceptional performances, inspiring journeys and the volunteers who keep local sport thriving behind the scenes. The ceremony was once again presented by Ceri Coleman-Phillips of BBC Wales Sport, supported by Cris Tomos.

Lifetime honour for Premier League star

This year’s Lifetime Achievement Award went to Pembrokeshire’s own Simon Davies.
The former Wales winger enjoyed a distinguished Premier League career with Fulham, Tottenham Hotspur and Everton.

Davies scored in the 2010 Europa League final for Fulham, won fifty-eight caps for Wales – scoring six – and captained his country during the 2010 World Cup qualifiers. He was named Welsh Footballer of the Year in 2002 and Fulham’s player of the season in 2007–08. After leaving the club in 2013, he returned to his boyhood side Solva AFC, famously paying £3 subs to play against St Ishmaels.

Special recognition for Wales Women’s Street Football Team

Welsh rugby legend Gareth Thomas introduced the evening’s Special Award, honouring the players of the Wales Women’s Street Football Team for their remarkable run to the quarter-finals of the Homeless World Cup in Oslo.

The squad trains in Haverfordwest and included five outstanding Pembrokeshire players – co-captains Tor Planner and Marie Tilley, alongside Claire Mantripp, Sam Lewtas and Bryony Davies. All have overcome personal challenges, including homelessness, mental health difficulties and social exclusion, yet wore the Welsh jersey with pride on the world stage.

The team was led by manager Jo Price, former Wales and Arsenal goalkeeper.
Support staff included Anji Tinley, Manager of the Garth Youth & Community Project and a Pembrokeshire County Councillor.

Cruising Free honoured after rowing the Atlantic

The Chairman’s Award for 2025 was presented by Pembrokeshire County Council Chairman Cllr Maureen Bowen to ‘Cruising Free’ of Neyland Rowing Club, who achieved one of the world’s toughest endurance feats – rowing 3,200 miles across the Atlantic Ocean.

Sophie Pierce, Janine Williams, Miyah Periam and Polly Zipperlan completed the gruelling crossing from Lanzarote to Antigua, raising money for cystic fibrosis and the Paul Sartori Foundation.

At 32, Sophie became the first person with cystic fibrosis to row an ocean, while 70-year-old Janine became the oldest woman ever to complete the challenge. The team’s achievement was hailed as a powerful example of determination, unity and courage.

Parkrun pioneers win School Award

The School Award went to the Federation of Tavernspite and Templeton Schools – the first Parkrun School in the UK.

The federation has built a Parkrun curriculum with Parkrun UK, using the weekly event to boost physical activity, support wellbeing, and develop leadership through the Parkrun Ambassador scheme. The schools were praised for exceptional inclusion, providing adapted PE equipment, wheelchair races and strong support for disadvantaged pupils. Estyn has highlighted their work as best practice.

A strong year for Pembrokeshire sport

Summing up the event, Cllr Rhys Sinnett, Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services, said:
“My congratulations go to everyone who won awards and all those nominated. We are so lucky to have such a strong sporting scene here in Pembrokeshire, and my thanks go to all those who work so hard to ensure people of all ages and abilities can take part in the sports they love. Thanks also to our sponsors Valero, Folly Farm and Pure West Radio for supporting this celebration each year.”

Full list of winners

Girls U16: Ava Tyrie (Brazilian Ju Jitsu – Pembroke MMA)
Boys U16: Ned Rees-Wigmore (Hockey)

Club of the Year: Milford Haven Hockey Club (MAIN PHOTO)
Junior Disability: Jake Evans (Llangwm RFC)
Young Volunteer: Alannah Heasman (Haverfordwest High School)
Junior Team: Merlin’s Bridge FC Under-14s 2024/25
Unsung Hero: Jenny Lewis (Clarbeston Road AFC)
Senior Team: Fishguard & Goodwick Ladies Hockey Club
Male Achievement: Liam Bradley (Triathlon)
Female Achievement: Sanna Duthie (Running)
Disability Sport: Rachel Bailey (Boccia)
Club Organiser: Silfan Rhys-Jones (Fishguard Table Tennis Club)
Coach of the Year: James North (Kilgetty AFC)
School Award: Tavernspite & Templeton Federation of Schools
Chairman’s Award: Cruising Free (Neyland Rowing Club)
Special Award: Street Football Wales
Lifetime Achievement: Simon Davies (Wales, Spurs, Fulham, Everton & Solva AFC)

Sport

South Pembrokeshire Short Mat Bowls: Week ten results

Published

4 days ago

November 30, 2025

Herald Sport

The Friendly League continues as Reynalton close the gap on leaders East Williamston

THE LATEST round of fixtures in the South Pembrokeshire Short Mat Bowls Association’s Friendly League produced another mix of tight contests and emphatic victories.

Kilgetty were beaten 8–2 at home by Hundleton, while Reynalton delivered the standout performance of the week with a 10–0 win over East Williamston. Llanteg also impressed, defeating Carew 8–2.

Elsewhere, St Twynnells claimed a 7–3 win away at the Badgers, and Lamphey ran out 7–3 winners against St Johns. Cosheston had the bye.

League table – Week ten

Team	Played	Won	Drawn	Lost	S/D	Points
East Williamston	8	7	0	1	+130	62
Reynalton	8	5	1	2	+64	50
Hundleton	8	4	1	3	+3	42
Llanteg	8	4	0	4	–5	41
Badgers	9	3	1	5	–21	41
St Johns	8	3	1	4	–6	38
St Twynnells	8	4	0	4	–34	37
Lamphey	9	4	0	5	–15	36
Kilgetty	9	4	0	5	–49	36
Cosheston	8	3	0	5	–13	35
Carew	7	3	0	4	–54	32

Reynalton’s dominant win means they move within touching distance of leaders East Williamston, setting up an intriguing second half to the season.

Sport

South Africa run riot as Wales suffer record defeat in Cardiff

Published

5 days ago

November 30, 2025

Herald Sport

Wales 0–73 South Africa
WALES endured one of the heaviest defeats in their history on Saturday as world champions South Africa ran in 11 tries at the Principality Stadium, producing a brutal 73-0 demolition that exposed the gulf between the sides and underlined the scale of the rebuilding task facing Welsh rugby.

The fixture, arranged outside the international window, left Wales without several first-choice players and short on experience. South Africa, by contrast, arrived in Cardiff at full strength and in ruthless form. What followed was a one-sided contest from the opening minutes to the final whistle.

First-half dominance

The Springboks established their authority early, their scrum immediately overpowering the Welsh pack and setting the tone for the afternoon. Tries from Gerhard Steenekamp, Ethan Hooker and Jasper Wiese put the visitors 21-0 ahead, with Wales struggling to exit their own half and repeatedly conceding penalties under pressure.

Wales’ lineout functioned reasonably well and there were brief flashes of ambition from Joe Hawkins, Joe Roberts and Rio Dyer, but every half-chance dissolved through handling errors or South Africa’s suffocating defensive line. A late surge from the Boks saw Morne van den Berg cross just before the break for a 28-0 half-time lead.

Second-half collapse

Any hopes of containment disappeared after the interval. South Africa emptied their bench—bringing on yet more power—and immediately cut through Wales again. Wilco Louw, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (twice), Canan Moodie, Ruan Nortje and Eben Etzebeth all scored in a relentless second half.

Wales’ discipline faltered under the pressure. Taine Plumtree and Aaron Wainwright were both shown yellow cards, with Wainwright’s high tackle sent to the bunker for review. South Africa’s own discipline cracked late on when Etzebeth received a straight red card for making contact with the eye area of Alex Mann—an incident captain Siya Kolisi later claimed was accidental.

Reaction

Player of the match Andre Esterhuizen, who produced a series of thunderous carries and turnovers, said the Springboks “worked really hard” to complete their Autumn clean sweep, praising Wales for “never giving up”.

Kolisi was gracious in victory but said he did not want the Etzebeth incident to overshadow the performance, adding: “The only way a team gets better is by playing the best. Wales will be stronger for facing this.”

Former Wales captain Dan Biggar, working as a pundit, was blunt in his assessment. “There are players there that aren’t at this level now, and may not play this level again,” he said. “I don’t think anyone learned anything from that.”

A difficult day for Welsh rugby

For Wales, the defeat will strengthen scrutiny of the WRU’s scheduling and long-term planning. A young and inexperienced squad battled gamely in patches—Mann, Hawkins and Dyer among those showing fight—but the mismatch was stark.

A crowd of around 50,000, well below capacity, reflected the mood of supporters as another bruising year for Welsh rugby nears its end.

Head coach Warren Gatland will now attempt to piece together the positives from a chastening afternoon, but the bigger questions facing the structure of the game in Wales remain unanswered.