THE Observatory ground hosted an excellent Division 2 encounter on Saturday (Oct 12), visiting Johnston secured a 2-0 success over Hakin United Reserves, thanks to a brace from front man Josh Knapp.

The only blemish on Knapps CV on the day was when his last minute penalty, for a foul in the box on Tigers skipper Joey George by centre half Sam Houston (who was cautioned by referee Jonathan Twigg), was well saved by Josh Lewis low to his left, in the Vikings  goal.

Hakin are credited for their part in an absorbing encounter, with chances at both ends, visiting custodian Peter Donnolly being at the top of his game to deny the young attackers of Hakin in Mason Dolling, Bobby Jenkins and particularly Corey Riley, who was a constant thorn in the side of Sion Price, Lewys Boswell, Marcus Allen and Steve Mills, the orange shirted defenders equal in fairness, to the challenge all game.

Knapp opened the scoring in the tenth minute when he drifted dangerously from the left side and struck a shot which beat Lewis at his near post, leaving Garin Gardiner, Houston and full back Lewis Llewellin in his wake, Llewellin the second name scribed in Twiggs black book on the hour, for a late tackle on man of the match Johnston skipper Joey George.

The skipper led by example and name sake Craig gave home skipper Tom Evans a difficult afternoon, thanks to the dominance of Craig Bendall, Geno Cleal and Scott Murray in the centre ofmidfield which was the engine room for the visitors victory.

The young counterparts from Hakin found it difficult to impose themselves on their sides offensive play, George Wheeler, Scott Paddison and Henry Mayhew’s undoubted skills never given the time or space to influence the game enough in their quest for three points.

Knapps second on 82 minutes was a result of the home side pushing for an equaliser, which allowed him space and time to finish with aplomb, beyond an advancing Lewis after a ball over the top from Bendall, gave him the opportunity to secure the points.

Both managers Matthew Howells (Hakin) and Steve Allen (Johnston) subtly shuffled their pack as both strived for the three points, Leon Pemberthy replacing Wheeler (60), before Macauley Chapman became the first Tigers change for Craig Geroge on 63. Tom Edmond’s came on fo Jenkins on 70 minutes to allow Mayhew more freedom in attack, a move matched three minutes later when Martin John replaced Murray and full back Marcus Allen moved into the centre of midfield, the games final change coming on 80 minutes when another young Viking in Tommy Powell came in for Llewellin.

The 2-0 success gives Johnston some breathing space at the foot of the table ahead of their Senior Cup trip to Pennar Robins next weekend, Hakin manager Howells will regroup his troops ahead of the visit from Solva, the Vikings sitting in fifth place, three points off top of the table Camrose, having played a fixture more.

ON SATURDAY (Oct 12) the Pembrokeshire Football League completed the Senior Divisional Cup draws during the October League Council meeting. Teams from across five divisions will now prepare for their cup matches, with dates yet to be confirmed.

2nd Division Cup Round 1:

• Carew Reserves v Neyland
• Monkton Swifts Reserves v Broad Haven
• Narberth v Johnston
• Fishguard Sports v Solva
  Byes: Merlins Bridge Reserves, Hakin United Reserves, Lawrenny, Camrose

3rd Division Cup Round 1:

• Pendine v Neyland Reserves
• Letterston v Camrose Reserves
• Goodwick United Reserves v Haverfordwest CC
• St Florence v Clarbeston Road Reserves
  Byes: Pembroke Boro, St Clears, New Hedges Saundersfoot Utd, Kilgetty Reserves

4th Division Cup Round 1:

• Carew 3rds v Pennar Robins Reserves
• Monkton Swifts 3rds v Johnston Reserves
• Milford Athletic v Prendergast Villa
• Newport Tigers v St Ishmaels Reserves
• Milford United Reserves v Tenby Reserves
• Angle v Hundleton
  Byes: Fishguard Sports Reserves, Pembroke Boro Reserves

5th Division Cup Round 1:

• Haverfordwest CC Reserves v Herbrandston Reserves
• Milford United 3rds v Narberth Reserves
• Kilgetty 3rds v Hundleton Reserves
• Milford Athletic Reserves v Solva Reserves
• Broad Haven Reserves v Letterston Reserves
  Byes: Manorbier United, Lawrenny Reserves, St Clears Reserves

With the draw complete, excitement is building across Pembrokeshire as teams look to make their mark in the cup. Stay tuned for match dates and further updates.

THE Sport Pembrokeshire team have put in an oar-some effort to spruce up the
premises of a popular Pembrokeshire rowing club.

Sponsored by Valero as part of Sport Pembrokeshire’s annual Task Force Day, the
volunteer team picked up their brushes to give Fishguard and Goodwick Jemima
Rowing Club a new lick of paint.

Based in the picturesque surroundings of Lower Town Fishguard, Fishguard and
Goodwick Jemima Rowing Club is a Disability Sport Wales accredited Insport Club
at Ribbon level.

The Task Force Day – now in its seventh year – is a small way the Sport
Pembrokeshire team can give something back to the strong community of sport and
physical activity clubs locally.

Matt Freeman, Sport Pembrokeshire Manager, said: “We supported the club
because they offer a wide range of inclusive opportunities for the Fishguard
community and surrounding areas.

“The club is well-governed, with a dedicated team of active volunteers who work
alongside a committed committee to promote sustainability and ensure its long-term
success.”

Martha Owen, Commodore of Fishguard Bay Yacht Club and Chair of Fishguard and
Goodwick Jemima Rowing Club, said: “We had a lovely surprise when the
opportunity arose to receive the support.

“The building was looking sad and definitely needed some care and attention.
Working with the Sport Pembrokeshire team, we have collectively transformed the
building. It looks fantastic and we cannot thank them enough.”

Stephen Thornton, Public Affairs Manager at Valero, said: “We are committed to
supporting community sport in Pembrokeshire and were delighted to support this
particular initiative.

“We wish Fishguard and Goodwick Jemima Rowing Club every success in the future
and thank the staff of Sport Pembrokeshire for their time and dedication to helping
grassroots sport.”