Sport

Referee Marty Jones shares thoughts on the season

Published

1 year ago

December 10, 2024

LAST WEEKEND’S games may have been washed out, but The Herald sat down with popular referee Marty Jones to hear his reflections on the season so far.

Best welcome of the season?

“Fishguard Sports for their Division 2 clash against Carew 2nds was the standout,” Marty said. “The respect they showed was impeccable. From the warm welcome by coaching staff and players to the thoughtful touches like tea at half-time and full-time, they went above and beyond. Even the payment was sorted upfront, which is always appreciated! The atmosphere created by their coaches and supporters was excellent—no issues there, unlike what can occasionally happen elsewhere. Visiting Fishguard is always a pleasure… well, apart from the rabbit holes!”

Most impressive team?

“It has to be Goodwick United,” Marty revealed. “I’ve only reffed their first team once this season, and while that particular game didn’t go smoothly for me, they’re an incredible team. Their resilience and defensive quality set them apart. There’s a saying: ‘Attackers win you games, defences win you titles,’ and Goodwick embody that. Nick Jones, their keeper, has the best distribution in the league by far. Reffing them is always a privilege, and as a football lover, I relish officiating games involving the top teams.”

Surprising quality?

“Division 1 and Division 2 this season are the best I’ve seen in years,” Marty observed. “Tenby have particularly caught my eye. While I know how good they are, they’ve still managed to surprise me with their performances—drawing with Hakin, pushing Goodwick, and consistently playing entertaining, attacking football. They’re a pleasure to referee and would be great to watch as a fan. It speaks volumes about the strength of Division 1 that a quality team like Tenby isn’t in title contention.”

Standout players?

“It’s tough to choose,” Marty admitted. “For juniors, Ollie Clarke from New Hedges Saundersfoot deserves a mention. He’s respectful, talented, and scored the best header I’ve ever seen. The juniors league is in great shape, with plenty of promising players like him. For seniors, I have to highlight Jack Ashman. His recent performance was incredible—the best individual display I’ve seen all season. While I’m not saying he’s the most consistent player in the league, that match was something special.”

Title predictions?

“Goodwick United for Division 1,” Marty predicted confidently. “Their defence is rock solid, and I can’t see them losing. Hakin aren’t quite there yet. Division 2 is much harder to call, but I’d back Fishguard Sports. They have the squad depth to edge out Narberth in a close race.

“For the cups, I’d love to see a Hakin vs. Goodwick final in the Senior Cup, with Hakin on their day being capable of anything. In Division 2, I’m picking Fishguard for a league and cup double. That said, I haven’t reffed Narberth yet, so maybe I’m being a little unfair to them. It’s brilliant to see such strong competition in both divisions—it keeps the Pembrokeshire leagues exciting!”

Sport

Haverfordwest County Under-13 girls shine at final FAW festival

Published

52 minutes ago

April 5, 2026

Herald Sport

HAVERFORDWEST COUNTY AFC Women and Girls have praised their under-13s after another strong showing at the third and final FAW Festival of the season.

The young Bluebirds travelled to Colliers Park in Wrexham on Saturday (Apr 4), where they once again impressed with their performances.

Club officials said the girls had performed fantastically well throughout the season, adding that everyone at Haverfordwest County was incredibly proud of their efforts.

The squad for the day was Libby O, Ela I, Ines M, Mila E, Scarlett C, Rachel B, Lydia H, Lilly M, Zara E, Leila P and Lillie EJ.

Well done girls.

Sport

South Pembrokeshire Short Mat Bowls: Friendly League week 22 results

Published

2 hours ago

April 5, 2026

Herald Sport

RESULTS from week 22 of the South Pembrokeshire Short Mat Bowls Association Friendly League have been confirmed, with Badgers recording a comprehensive 10-0 win over Lamphey and St Twynnells edging past Cosheston 6-4.

An earlier fixture also saw Cosheston claim a 10-0 victory over Reynalton.

Several matches were postponed during the week, including Kilgetty v Carew, Llanteg v St Twynnells and Hundleton v East Williamston.

St Johns had the bye.

Latest results:
Cosheston 4 St Twynnells 6
Badgers 10 Lamphey 0
Cosheston 10 Reynalton 0

League table after week 22:
East Williamston — Played 19, Won 13, Drawn 0, Lost 6, Shot difference 169, Points 126
St Johns — Played 20, Won 12, Drawn 1, Lost 7, Shot difference 132, Points 118
Reynalton — Played 20, Won 8, Drawn 2, Lost 10, Shot difference 24, Points 99
St Twynnells — Played 19, Won 10, Drawn 2, Lost 7, Shot difference 9, Points 99
Carew — Played 19, Won 10, Drawn 0, Lost 9, Shot difference -12, Points 98
Hundleton — Played 19, Won 10, Drawn 1, Lost 8, Shot difference -7, Points 97
Llanteg — Played 18, Won 10, Drawn 0, Lost 8, Shot difference -16, Points 95
Badgers — Played 20, Won 7, Drawn 1, Lost 12, Shot difference -104, Points 89
Cosheston — Played 19, Won 7, Drawn 2, Lost 10, Shot difference -39, Points 88
Lamphey — Played 20, Won 9, Drawn 0, Lost 11, Shot difference -71, Points 80
Kilgetty — Played 19, Won 6, Drawn 1, Lost 12, Shot difference -85, Points 73

League officials have reminded clubs that all outstanding matches must be completed by midnight on Sunday, April 19, 2026.

Sport

Amman United Youth suffer agonising semi-final defeat

Published

2 hours ago

April 5, 2026

Herald Sport

Cup final dream slips away as Newcastle Emlyn battle back to seal 20-19 win in windy Carmarthenshire Cup clash

AMMAN UNITED YOUTH saw their Carmarthenshire Cup final hopes ended in heartbreaking fashion on Saturday (Apr 4) as Newcastle Emlyn snatched a 20-19 victory in a dramatic semi-final.

Played in difficult, windy conditions, the contest was fiercely competitive throughout, with Amman left to rue a series of handling errors that allowed the visitors back into the game.

Newcastle Emlyn made the stronger start, taking an early 3-0 lead through a penalty and then missing a chance to add to their tally.

Amman responded well and took control of the first half. Captain Ceian Lewis crossed following a well-worked catch-and-drive to put his side 5-3 in front. Toby Slater then produced an excellent touchline conversion in tough conditions to extend the lead to 7-3.

Amman continued to build momentum when Harvey Duncan made a sharp break down the wing to score their second try. Slater was again on target with an impressive conversion in the wind, giving his side a 14-3 lead at the break.

But the game turned soon after the restart. A costly Amman mistake allowed Newcastle Emlyn back into the contest, with the visitors scoring in the corner before adding the conversion to close the gap to 14-10.

Amman appeared to have steadied themselves when Kelston Fairhurst powered over from another catch-and-drive, stretching the lead to 19-10.

However, Newcastle Emlyn refused to give in. Strong forward play brought them another try, and the conversion cut the deficit to just two points at 19-17 as the pressure mounted in the closing stages.

The decisive moment came in the final five minutes when another Amman handling error handed Emlyn a crucial opportunity. The visitors worked their way into range and slotted a late penalty to edge ahead 20-19.

Amman had one final chance to rescue the game and opted for a catch-and-drive from a late penalty, having already found success with that tactic earlier in the match. This time, though, Newcastle Emlyn held firm to deny them and secure their place in the final.

It was a bitter end for Amman United Youth, who had looked in control at half-time, but Newcastle Emlyn showed resilience and composure when it mattered most.