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England secure semi-final spot in nail-biting penalty shootout against Switzerland

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IN a match that epitomised the unpredictable nature of England’s Euro 2024 campaign, Gareth Southgate’s side edged past Switzerland to reach the semi-finals. The clash at Düsseldorf on Saturday, 6th July 2024, ended 1-1 after extra time, with England triumphing 5-3 in the penalty shootout.

Switzerland took the lead in the 75th minute through Breel Embolo, leaving England teetering on the brink of elimination. Murat Yakin’s team dominated the second half, and it appeared that Southgate’s 100th match in charge might be his last. Southgate’s tactical decisions were questioned once more, particularly with Harry Kane struggling to find form and the introduction of Cole Palmer, Eberechi Eze, and Luke Shaw coming only in the final 12 minutes.

However, Bukayo Saka’s brilliance came to England’s rescue again. The young star equalised with England’s first shot on target, ensuring the game went into extra time. Despite a disjointed performance marked by chaotic defending and stagnant play, England managed to hold on. Jordan Pickford’s critical saves, including a stunning stop from Zeki Amdouni, kept them in the contest.

The penalty shootout showcased Southgate’s meticulous preparation. Switzerland, who have lost five of their last six shootouts, faltered when it mattered most. Manuel Akanji’s crucial penalty was saved by Pickford, while Trent Alexander-Arnold sealed the win for England with a decisive strike past Yann Sommer.

Reflecting on the match, Southgate’s tenure has been marked by both criticism and praise. His ability to rally his team in penalty situations remains a testament to his detailed management. Saka, who missed a vital penalty in Euro 2020, redeemed himself with a flawless performance, converting his spot-kick with confidence.

The match began with a tentative approach from both sides. England’s defensive setup, with Kieran Trippier on the left and Phil Foden unable to replicate his club form, suggested a team unsure of its identity. The midfield battle was intense, with Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham striving to assert control. Kobbie Mainoo’s energetic display was a highlight, though his efforts could not mask the overall lack of creativity.

Switzerland’s Embolo turned the game with his goal, capitalising on a defensive lapse from Kyle Walker. England’s response was immediate yet disorganised until the late substitutions. Saka’s equaliser was a moment of sheer individual brilliance, cutting inside and bending a shot beyond Sommer.

Extra time saw England scrapping to stay afloat, with Pickford making another vital save and Shaqiri hitting the post. The introduction of Ivan Toney and Alexander-Arnold added fresh legs and impetus, yet the match seemed destined for penalties.

In the shootout, England’s calmness prevailed. Palmer, Bellingham, Saka, and Toney all converted their penalties with composure. Switzerland’s responses through Schär, Amdouni, and Shaqiri were not enough to counter Alexander-Arnold’s decisive kick.

As “Sweet Caroline” echoed around the stadium, Southgate embraced his staff, reflecting on a night that encapsulated both the fragility and resilience of his team. With the Netherlands awaiting in the semi-finals, England must improve to continue their journey. But for now, they celebrate a hard-fought victory, driven by the unwavering belief and individual brilliance of players like Saka and Pickford.

England fans can hope that this chaotic, nerve-wracking journey leads to ultimate glory, as they prepare for another stern test on Wednesday.

Sport

St Clears and Letterston shine as Neyland struggles in Division 3

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THE PEMBROKESHIRE Third Division delivered another thrilling weekend of football, with key results shaping the league standings.

Clarbeston Road II capitalises on Neyland errors

Clarbeston Road II secured a commanding 4-1 victory over Neyland Reserves, with Robert Reed-Griffiths and Henry Lucas both getting on the scoresheet. Neyland’s woes were compounded by two own goals, further adding to their struggles. Mason Morgans-Hurley netted Neyland’s only goal, but it was not enough to prevent yet another defeat.

Pendine and Kilgetty II battle to a draw

Pendine and Kilgetty II played out a 2-2 draw in a hard-fought contest. Carl Gwyther and Andrew Evans (penalty) found the net for Kilgetty, while Julian Blewitt and Kyran Lewis (penalty) ensured Pendine earned a share of the points. The result keeps Pendine in the promotion race, while Kilgetty II continues their push to climb the table.

St Clears see off Haverfordwest Cricket Club

A hat-trick from Nick Squire powered St Clears to a 4-2 away victory over Haverfordwest Cricket Club. Scott Page also found the net for the visitors. Despite Liam Sheehan scoring twice for the hosts, they were unable to contain St Clears, who now edge closer to the top four.

Letterston cruise past St Florence United

Letterston produced a dominant display, claiming a 4-0 win over St Florence United. Simon Jones bagged a brace, while Gareth Mathias and Gary Delaney added to the tally. The victory cements Letterston’s place in the top half of the table.

New Hedges Saundersfoot United march on

New Hedges Saundersfoot United continued their strong form with a 4-1 triumph over Pembroke Borough. Adam Davidson and Harvey Drummond both struck twice to secure a convincing win. Sonny Price managed to pull one back for Pembroke Borough, but they were no match for the high-flying contenders.

League standings update

Goodwick United Reserves remain at the summit with 51 points, while New Hedges Saundersfoot United continue their charge in second place with 38 points, holding games in hand. Pendine and Pembroke Borough remain tightly matched on 35 points, while St Clears’ latest victory sees them move to 30 points in the top five. At the bottom, Neyland Reserves remain rooted with just six points, unable to turn their season around.

As the season enters its final stretch, every point is crucial in the race for promotion and survival in Pembrokeshire Division 3.

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Narberth dominate as Neyland hit fifteen in Manderwood Division 2 thrillers

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THE LATEST round of fixtures in Pembrokeshire’s Manderwood Division 2 on Saturday (Feb 8) produced a flurry of goals, with Narberth and Neyland delivering emphatic victories.

Narberth thrash Solva in goal fest

Narberth strengthened their title charge with a commanding 8-2 win over Solva. Stefan Williams was the standout performer, netting four times, while Jordan Williams added a brace. Aidan Howitt and Brychan David also got on the scoresheet. Solva responded with a penalty from Josh Bland and a late consolation goal, but they were no match for the league leaders.

Neyland’s ruthless fifteen-goal display

Neyland produced the most dominant performance of the day, dismantling Monkton Swifts II with a staggering 15-0 victory. Alfie Crawford, Corey Richards (hat-trick), Richard Mills (four goals), Max Bowman-Davies (two goals), Henry McBeth (three goals), and Ben Gale (two goals) all found the net in a relentless attacking display. The result cements Neyland’s position in the top half of the table.

Johnston secure win over Merlins Bridge II

Johnston continued their solid form with a 3-1 victory over Merlins Bridge II. Ryan Doyle led the charge with a brace, while Josh Knapp also found the net. Bradley Barrett pulled one back for Merlins Bridge, but Johnston held firm to claim all three points.

Carew II cruise past Lawrenny

Carew II enjoyed an impressive 4-1 away win at Lawrenny, with Connor Hay scoring twice. Charlie Perkins and Gareth Brown also got on the scoresheet. Owen James netted Lawrenny’s only goal, but the hosts struggled to contain Carew’s attacking threat.

Fishguard Sports hit Broad Haven for six

Fishguard Sports continued their strong run with a comprehensive 6-0 win over Broad Haven. Anthony Couzens and Adam Lawrence both bagged braces, while Luke Thomas and Ieuan Llewellyn also scored in a dominant display.

League standings update

Following these results, Narberth remain top of the table with 15 wins from 18 matches. Hakin United Reserves and Fishguard Sports remain in pursuit, while Broad Haven are still searching for their first win of the season.

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Sport

Goodwick dominate Hakin to tighten grip on title race

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Manderwood Pembrokeshire Football League – Division 1

Goodwick United 4-1 Hakin United

GOODWICK United took a significant step toward retaining their league title with a dominant 4-1 victory over fierce rivals Hakin United. The result, captured by Sgorio TV cameras, extends Goodwick’s lead at the top to four points, putting them in pole position to lift the trophy once again.

With both teams unbeaten heading into this crucial clash, something had to give. Goodwick asserted their authority early, racing into a 3-1 lead by half-time before sealing the win with a fourth goal in the second half. Now, with just five league games remaining, Hakin’s hopes of mounting a late challenge rely on Goodwick slipping up twice while they win all their remaining fixtures.

Fast start sets the tone

Goodwick wasted no time in making their mark, breaking the deadlock within two minutes. A long throw-in found Rhys Dalling, who set up Will Haworth to fire home a well-struck effort from 18 yards.

Dalling, a constant threat throughout, turned provider again in the 18th minute. Cutting inside, he unselfishly squared the ball to Rhys Jones, who drilled a precise shot into the far corner to double the lead.

The home side continued to press, forcing mistakes from Hakin’s defence. Their persistence paid off in the 36th minute when a poor clearance from goalkeeper Gareth Fawcett landed at Dalling’s feet. With quick thinking, he lofted a superb 30-yard lob over the stranded keeper to make it 3-0.

Hakin responded just three minutes later. Ryan Wilson’s corner found Jack Britton at the far post, and he powered home a well-taken header to give the visitors a glimmer of hope before the break.

Goodwick stand firm, then seal the win

The second half was a more tactical affair, with Goodwick’s backline standing firm. The defensive unit of James Bryan, Matthew Delaney, Scott Delaney, and Sean Pemberton expertly nullified the attacking threats of Ashley Bevan, Alfie Stotter, Mark Jones, and Shane Walsh.

As Hakin pushed for a way back, Goodwick delivered the killer blow. Jonny Horgan’s excellent work down the left saw him deliver a pinpoint low cross into the box, which Haworth calmly slotted home for his second of the game, sealing an emphatic victory.

Hakin’s frustrations boiled over in the dying moments when Ashley Bevan was shown a straight red card by referee Stefan Jenkins, rounding off a disappointing afternoon for the Vikings.

Rivalry set to continue

These two sides won’t have to wait long for another battle, as they are set to face off again in the Senior Cup quarter-final at Phoenix Park in two weeks’ time.

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