Sport
A trilling set of results in Pembrokeshire Division 2
A THRILLING set of results unfolded in the Pembrokeshire Second Division, with the league table starting to take shape. Teams across the division were involved in high-scoring and closely contested fixtures, making the battle for promotion and survival more intense. Below is a breakdown of the key matches from the latest round of games.
Broad Haven 0-5 Lawrenny
Broad Haven’s struggles continued as they were outclassed by Lawrenny in a 5-0 defeat. Owen James delivered an outstanding performance, netting a hat-trick. Matthew Lewis and Joe Kidney added to the scoreline, leaving Broad Haven rooted to the bottom of the table, still without a win. Lawrenny will be boosted by the result as their first win lifts them off the bottom.
Camrose 3-2 Monkton Swifts II
League leaders Camrose were pushed hard but maintained their excellent form with a 3-2 victory over Monkton Swifts II. Rudy Poole was the star, scoring twice to secure the win, keeping Camrose at the top of the table. Monkton Swifts put up a fight but remain mid-table.
Carew II 0-4 Neyland
Neyland continued their strong push for promotion with a comfortable 4-0 win against Carew II. Ben Gale bagged a brace, while Simon Ellis added to the tally, alongside an own goal from Carew. Neyland stay hot on the heels of Camrose in the race for the top spot, while Carew remain in a difficult position near the foot of the table.
Fishguard Sports 4-3 Solva
In an action-packed match, Fishguard Sports edged Solva 4-3 to keep up their challenge near the top of the table. Luke Thomas scored twice, supported by goals from Adam Lawrence and Ieuan Llewellyn. Solva’s efforts included two goals from Leo Dinmore and a strike from Josh Bland, but they came up just short in this seven-goal thriller.
Johnston 3-3 Narberth
A six-goal thriller saw Johnston and Narberth share the points in a 3-3 draw. Craig Bendall, Joey George, and Steve Mills were on target for Johnston, while Steffan Williams’ brace and Chris Brown’s strike earned Narberth a valuable point. Both teams remain in the middle of the table, with Johnston now hoping for more consistency in future matches.
Merlins Bridge II 4-1 Hakin United II
Merlins Bridge II produced a fine performance to beat Hakin United II 4-1, with Daniel Pearce netting twice. Liam Manwaring also got on the scoresheet, while Hakin contributed to their own downfall with an own goal. Henry Mayhew scored Hakin’s consolation goal, but it wasn’t enough to avoid a heavy defeat. Merlins Bridge move up the table, keeping their hopes of a strong season alive.
The results mean Camrose remain top with 16 points after their narrow win, continuing their unbeaten form. While Neyland are second, level on points with the leaders.
Fishguard Sports are also close behind with 15 points, just one point off the leaders, making it a tight three-horse race at the minute.
At the opposite end of the table Broad Haven FC continue to struggle, still searching for their first win of the season, with only two points after seven games.
Sport
Carmarthen Town FC manager to step down at end of season
CARMARTHEN TOWN AFC’s long-serving manager, Mark Aizlewood, has announced that he will not be renewing his contract, marking the end of an era for the club. In a heartfelt statement released on January 14, 2025, Aizlewood revealed this season would be his last at the helm of the Old Gold.
Aizlewood expressed gratitude to the players, staff, volunteers, directors, sponsors, and supporters who have supported him throughout his tenure. “The people of CTFC have made me one of their own,” he said, despite living 60 miles away. He also extended heartfelt thanks to his wife and family for their understanding and unwavering support.
Two decades of success
Aizlewood has been a defining figure in the club’s history, holding a UEFA Pro Licence for over 30 years and leading Carmarthen Town AFC to consistent top-six finishes in the Welsh league, as well as cup victories and European qualifications. “In my 20+ years at the club, these achievements became the norm, and we were at the very top of the football ecosystem in Wales,” Aizlewood remarked.
However, he acknowledged that the current situation at the club has shifted, adding, “Unfortunately, this is not the case any longer. The ship is pointing in the right direction, and the destination is agreed by all, but perhaps now is the right time for a new captain to steer the club along its agreed journey.”
Looking ahead
Aizlewood assured fans he remains passionate about football, declaring he will retain his UEFA Pro Licence and remain involved in the sport. As Carmarthen Town AFC prepares for a new chapter, Aizlewood wished his successor and the club every success in the future.
A legacy of dedication
Mark Aizlewood’s departure signals the end of one of the longest managerial tenures in Welsh football, a career marked by dedication, achievement, and an unyielding love for the game. His leadership will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy at Carmarthen Town AFC.
The search for a new manager begins as the club aims to build on Aizlewood’s formidable achievements and continue its proud tradition in Welsh football.
Cover image credit: Lewis Mitchell/FAW
Sport
Letterston marksman wins junior athlete award
A TALENTED young athlete from Letterston has been honoured at the British Shooting Awards 2024.
Seren Thorne was shortlisted for the prestigious awards and attended the gala event held at the Imperial War Museum in Manchester. To the delight of her family and supporters, Seren was named the winner of the Rifle Pathway / Junior Athlete of the Year award.
This accolade highlights Seren’s exceptional skill and dedication to the sport, marking her as one of the rising stars in British shooting.
Her mother, Sian Thorne, expressed immense pride in Seren’s achievement, sharing photos of the memorable evening.
The British Shooting Awards 2024 celebrated excellence in the sport, with a full list of winners available on their official website.
PHOTO CAPTION: Champion marksman: Seren Thorne receiving the Rifle Pathway / Junior Athlete of the Year award (Pic: Supplied).
Sport
Previewing the 2025 Super Bowl
Each year millions of people across the world gather to watch one of the biggest sporting events of the year – the Super Bowl. Last year, 3.4 million people in the UK watched the Super Bowl, up 1.1 million from the previous year. Considering the growth in popularity of American football in the UK, we anticipate the viewership will be even higher for 2025.
The 2025 Super Bowl is scheduled to take place on 9 February 2025 at Caesars Superdrome in New Orleans, Louisiana.
NFL teams
12 teams began competing for a spot in the 2025 Super Bowl when the playoffs began on January 11. At this point, four teams were eliminated. This now leaves eight teams to compete in the Divisional playoffs. Four of these will make it to the Conference Championships before contesting for a spot at this year’s Super Bowl.
The eight teams left with a shot at competing in the 2025 Super Bowl are:
- Philadelphia Eagles
- Baltimore Ravens
- Buffalo Bills
- Detroit Lions
- Houston Texans
- Kansas City Chiefs
- Los Angeles Rams
- Washington Commanders
Last year, the Kansas City Chiefs took the title for the second year in a row. However, the latest Super Bowl odds puts the Detroit Lions as the favourites to win this year’s Super Bowl, following a series of impressive performances in the regular season.
The national anthem and halftime show
Before the game commences, a special guest performs the national anthem. Last year, Reba McEntire offered a moving performance of The Star-Spangled Banner, and this year the task falls to jazz singer Jon Batiste.
It’s not just the football match that people look forward to. Super Bowl halftime shows are a spectacle in themselves and many look forward to the performance as much as the game itself. This year, 17-time grammy winner Kendrick Lamar is headlining the halftime show. Lamar previously headlined the Super Bowl in 2022.
How can I watch the Super Bowl in the UK?
The Super Bowl is being broadcast to fans free on ITV, including live online via ITVX on your laptop, mobile, or tablet.
Sky Sports is also broadcasting the event which you can watch online via Sky Go, NOW TV, or using the Sky Sports mobile app. You could also head to your local pub as plenty of pubs in Pembrokeshire will be showing the big game.
Will you be tuning in?
With a surge in popularity for American Football, it’s anticipated that more people from the UK than ever before will be turning their TVs on for the big event this year. Will you be watching this year’s Super Bowl?
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