Sport
Manderwood Pembs Division One: Pennar Robins 0-2 Goodwick United
REIGNING champions Goodwick United came away with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over a spirited Pennar Robins side at Bush Camp Playing Fields, in what proved to be a pulsating early-season encounter in the Manderwood Pembrokeshire League Division One.
On a fine day for football, with both sets of supporters turning out in strong numbers, Pennar Robins were brimming with confidence as they aimed to take down the champions. The match began with a minute’s silence in memory of the late Brian Hawkins, respectfully observed by all in attendance.
From the outset, Pennar came out with real intent, catching Goodwick off guard. Under the astute leadership of manager Craig Butland, Pennar’s tactics appeared spot on, with skipper Connor Roberts, Jimmy Wilkes, and the lively Ben Adams controlling the midfield battle. Ross Jones, meanwhile, was in commanding form at the back, keeping the Goodwick forwards at bay in the early exchanges.
Despite Pennar’s early dominance, it was the visitors who struck first against the run of play. Goodwick captain Scott Delaney pounced with a clinical finish, leaving Pennar stunned and giving Goodwick a crucial lead. For a period, the champions looked comfortable, with Jake Smith putting in a commanding display in midfield, orchestrating play almost at will.
However, Pennar refused to be cowed and soon regained their composure, pressing hard for an equaliser. As the half-time whistle blew, Pennar had Goodwick on the back foot, with Chris O’Sullivan, the Goodwick manager, venting his frustrations to referee Martin Jones as the sides headed for the break.
The second half saw Pennar continue their dominance in possession, as they pushed relentlessly for a leveller. However, Goodwick’s goalkeeper Nick Jones stood tall, relieving the pressure with a series of long clearances, often finding the reliable Will Haworth and man-of-the-match Jake Smith, who worked tirelessly to maintain control.
The match turned dramatic in the 70th minute when tempers flared on the pitch. Goodwick manager Chris O’Sullivan was sent off after storming onto the field to protest a decision, while striker Dalling was shown a ten-minute sin-bin, reducing the visitors to ten men temporarily. Sensing an opportunity, Pennar laid siege to the Goodwick goal, but the champions’ defence held firm under immense pressure.
As Dalling rejoined the fray, Goodwick focused on seeing out the result, using game management tactics to frustrate the home side. With the clock ticking down, Pennar’s captain Connor Roberts, in a moment of frustration, brought down a Goodwick player in the box, and Rhys Jones coolly dispatched the resulting penalty with the final kick of the match to seal a 2-0 win for the visitors.
In a match full of intensity, passion, and no small amount of controversy, Pennar Robins can count themselves unlucky not to have come away with something after such a spirited performance. Nonetheless, their display offers plenty of promise for the season ahead. The match was, however, somewhat marred by abuse directed at the referee—a worrying trend in grassroots football at a time when match officials are increasingly in short supply.
As for Goodwick, their resilience and ability to grind out results like this suggests they remain the team to beat this season. All signs point to a classic campaign in the Manderwood Pembrokeshire League Division One!
Sport
Devonald’s hat-trick secures St Ishmaels’ dominant win over Herbrandston
Herbrandston 0 – St Ishmaels 6
BRENNAN DEVONALD delivered a masterclass as St Ishmaels thrashed Herbrandston 6-0, with the skipper leading from the front and scoring a stunning hat-trick. The comprehensive victory propels St Ishmaels to eighth in the league table, while Herbrandston remain rooted to the bottom without a single point.
The visitors asserted their dominance from the outset. Devonald opened the scoring in the 9th minute, latching onto a pinpoint assist from Owen Lawrence. He doubled their lead just before halftime in the 40th minute, again set up by Lawrence, giving St Ishmaels a comfortable cushion at the break.
St Ishmaels maintained their momentum in the second half, adding four more goals to cap off a stellar team performance. Adam Kingsbeer’s clever play set up Ieuan Hawkins for the third, before Tom Williams capitalised on another opportunity to make it 4-0. Devonald sealed his hat-trick in the 85th minute with an expertly taken goal, and Joel Mills added the finishing touch in the dying moments, courtesy of an assist from Sol Goodall.
Team line-ups
Herbrandston: Adrian Rees, Oliver Robinson, Ethan Chalker, Scott Findlay, Dean John (Captain), Harley Barrett, Gedion Hockin, Leon Whatling, Scott Gillespie, Cian Davenport. Subs: Leo Duncan, Jacob James, Nico Cockrell.
St Ishmaels: Owen Thomas, Sol Goodall, Owen Lawrence, Finley Armstrong, Brennan Devonald (Captain), Adam Kingsbeer, Ieuan Hawkins, Joel Mills, Tom Williams, Daniel Coe, Nathan Thomas. Subs: Max Howells, Tyler Sheil.
Sport
Dominant wins for Pembrokeshire sides in West Wales Intermediate Cup round 3
Goodwick United 7-0 Carew
Goodwick United put on a commanding performance with a 7-0 triumph over Carew. The home side proved too powerful for their opponents, with Rhys Dalling and Rhys Jones each bagging two goals. Matty Delaney, Will Haworth, and Daniel Bryce also got their names on the scoresheet. As one of Pembrokeshire’s top teams, Goodwick will aim to build on this dominant win as they progress to the next round.
Hakin United 13-0 Clydach Sports
Hakin United were in ruthless form as they dispatched Clydach Sports 13-0. Jack Britton led the charge with an impressive five-goal haul, while Liam Parks netted a hat-trick. Jack Griffiths, Jay Kilby, Kieran King, Justin Harding, and Mason Dolling all contributed to the comprehensive scoreline. Hakin, one of the premier teams in Pembrokeshire, will be keen to continue their pursuit of the cup after this emphatic victory.
Merlins Bridge 7-3 Treboeth United
Merlins Bridge secured a thrilling 7-3 victory over Treboeth United in an exciting encounter. Nathan Evans was the star of the show, scoring a hat-trick, while Tom Jago, Jason Griffiths, Hayden Dimond, and Ashton Plunkett all found the back of the net. Treboeth’s Liam Manning, Cori Jones, and Matthew Colley fought valiantly but could not prevent the home side from taking the win. Merlins Bridge will be pleased with their attacking display and will look to build on this result.
Monkton Swifts 5-4 Clarbeston Road
In a dramatic local derby, Monkton Swifts edged out Clarbeston Road 5-4 in a high-scoring affair. Dylan Davies was the standout performer with four goals, and Liam Butland added another. Clarbeston Road fought hard with goals from Laurie Haworth, Matthew Davies, Greg Brown, and Ben John, but it was the Swifts who held on to secure the victory. Monkton will be happy to progress after such a closely contested match.
Neyland 1-2 Cwm Wanderers
Neyland were narrowly defeated 2-1 by Cwm Wanderers in a closely contested match. Ben Gale scored for Neyland, but goals from Joseff Shaw and Corey Raven-Sayce gave the visitors the edge. Despite a valiant effort from Neyland, Cwm Wanderers held firm to secure the win and advance to the next round.
Plough Colts 0-2 Pennar Robins
Pennar Robins comfortably saw off Plough Colts 2-0, with Kieran Smith and Jamie Wilkes scoring the goals. Pennar demonstrated their class and will look to carry this momentum forward into the next round.
Tenby 2-0 Blaen-y-Maes
Tenby continued their fine form with a 2-0 victory over Blaen-y-Maes. Sam Butler and Scott Ferney were on target for Tenby, who have been one of the most impressive sides this season. This win further cements Tenby’s status as one of the top contenders in the competition.
Analysis:
Pembrokeshire’s leading teams, Goodwick United and Hakin United, demonstrated their superiority with commanding wins, while Tenby showed their credentials with a solid 2-0 victory. With such dominant performances, Goodwick and Hakin are likely to be among the favourites to claim the title, with Tenby also emerging as a serious contender in this year’s West Wales Intermediate Cup.
Sport
Thrills and dominance: Narberth shine in 6-1 victory
Broad Haven 4-4 Solva
In an exhilarating, high-scoring encounter, Broad Haven played out a 4-4 draw with Solva. Marco Valentine netted twice for Broad Haven, with Owen Sheppard and Shane Howells also getting on the scoresheet. Solva responded through Josh Bland, who scored a hat-trick, and Lucas Price, ensuring the points were shared in this thrilling clash.
Camrose 1-3 Fishguard Sports
Fishguard Sports claimed a 3-1 victory over Camrose, with a clinical display of attacking play. Andrew John scored the only goal for Camrose, but Fishguard’s offensive strength proved overwhelming. Anthony Couzens, Luke Thomas, and Ieuan Llewellyn all found the net to guide their side to victory.
Carew II 0-2 Hakin United II
Hakin United II earned a solid 2-0 win over Carew II. Rowan Dixon and Tom Edmonds were the scorers for the visitors, with Carew struggling to break down Hakin’s defense. It was a well-executed performance that saw Hakin advance with all three points.
Johnston P-P Merlins Bridge II
The match between Johnston and Merlins Bridge II was postponed, with no further details available at the time of writing.
Lawrenny 1-6 Narberth
Narberth cruised to a commanding 6-1 victory over Lawrenny. Owen James scored the lone goal for Lawrenny, but Narberth’s attacking prowess was on full display as Steffan Williams scored twice, and Ashley Williams, Chris Brown, Conor Bowen, and Ryan Williams each found the back of the net in a comprehensive win.
Analysis:
The 14th December 2024 fixtures saw a blend of thrilling draws and dominant victories. Broad Haven and Solva shared the spoils in an action-packed 4-4 draw, while Fishguard Sports, Hakin United II, and Narberth all secured convincing wins. Narberth’s 6-1 triumph over Lawrenny was the standout result of the day, highlighting their attacking firepower.
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