Sport
Late winner breaks Hakin hearts
Hakin United 3
Holywell Town 4
HAKIN UNITED were agonisingly knocked out of the FAW Trophy as 10-man Holywell Town scored a late winner to win the quarter final tie by four goals to three.
Both sides held the lead during a thrilling game but it was Holywell Town who showed the greater spirit to score two goals despite being down to ten men.
The Flintshire side are unbeaten this season and provided a stern test for the Pembrokeshire League Division One leaders.
The opening twenty minutes were a tense affair as neither side wanted to make a mistake that would lead to a goal.
Hakin started brightly and a free kick in the first few seconds of the game almost saw them take the lead. Nathan Banner sent the ball into the box and Nicky Woodrow headed towards goal but his effort was saved and the ball was cleared away.
With twenty minutes gone Hakin got the all-important first goal when Nicky Woodrow headed the ball back towards goal and attempting to knock the ball out for a corner, Holywell’s Dafydd Griffith headed the ball into his own net, much to the delight of the home fans.
However, the lead was short lived as a long ball over the top came to Phil Lloyd and after his first shot was saved he was quickest to react to tap in the rebound and make it 1-1.
Then with eight minutes to go until half time Holywell took the lead when a long throw in was headed in to the bottom corner by Matt Harvey.
The Vikings responded well and shortly before half time they were given a chance to get back into the game when the referee spotted a handball in the area. Nicky Woodrow sent the keeper the wrong way and buried the spot kick into the bottom left corner to make it 2-2.
The referee brought an enthralling first half to a close with the scores level and it was the Pembrokeshire side that got the upper hand early in the second half.
Holywell’s manager made a double substitution and while the team where still re-organising, Hakin took the lead.
Ashley Bevan fizzed a cross into the box and Justin Harding was in the right place to powerfully head the ball home.
With twenty minutes to go, Holywell’s chances of getting back into the game were dealt a blow when they were reduced to ten men.
Already on a yellow card, captain Sam Jones raised his hand to the face of a Hakin player and the referee had no option but to pull out the red card.
With ten minutes to go a scramble in the box saw the ball fall to Jack Darcy who poked the ball home for the visitors to make it 3-3.
The Flintshire side had a shout for a penalty moments later when a goal bound effort was cleared off the line but the referee only awarded a corner.
Nicky Woodrow had a late chance to send the Vikings through but he sent his shot wide of the post.
It looked as if the game would go into extra-time but in added time Phil Lloyd scored his second of the game when he rounded the keeper and tapped in to break Hakin’s hearts.
Hakin put up a valiant effort and were unlucky not to win the game.
They will look to bounce back next Saturday as they return to league action, at home against Monkton Swifts.
Hakin team: James Manson, Nathan Banner, Matthew Broome, Michael Cooper, Gareth Fawcett, Jonathan Bennett, Justin Harding, Paul Jones, Ashley Bevan, Steven Mathias, Nicky Woodrow. Subs: Ben Aldred, Daniel Evans, Paul Thompson, Lewis Thompson, Jason Morgan.
Sport
New Hedges Saundersfoot win cup final in style.
Division Four Cup Final
New Hedges Saundersfoot 7-1 St Ishmaels Reserves
The Division Four Cup Final between New Hedges Saundersfoot and St Ishmaels reserves took place at Monkton Swifts, witnessed by an eager crowd. The game, officiated by Sean O’Connor, with Gareth Elliot and Dean Driscoll as assistant referees, promised an intense battle for the coveted trophy.
From the onset, New Hedges Saundersfoot showcased their dominance. Owen, Miles, Davidson, and Marsh all getting on the score sheet leading to an impressive goal tally.
The Mice never gave up and battled well but they struggled to contain their opponent’s attacking quality. Thomas Williams managed the one and only goal for Tish.
The final score stood at an emphatic 7-1 in favor of New Hedges Saundersfoot, underlining their superiority throughout the match.
New Hedges Saundersfoot emerged as deserved victors, clinching the silverware and adding a significant achievement to their season. Their comprehensive victory in the cup final will undoubtedly be celebrated by players and fans alike. Despite falling short of promotion in their league campaign, this triumph will serve as a testament to their talent and resilience on the field.
In conclusion, the Division Four Cup Final witnessed a commendable display of skill and determination from both teams. Congratulations to New Hedges Saundersfoot for their outstanding performance and well-deserved victory in the final.
News
Tigers second division Cup Champions
In a thrilling Pembrokeshire Division Two Cup final under the floodlights of Bridge Meadow Stadium, fans witnessed an epic battle between Monkton Swifts reserves and Johnston. Despite Monkton Swifts reserves being touted as favorites, Johnston proved their mettle from the outset.
The game kicked off with a burst of energy as Johnston’s center half, Craig Bendall, seized an early opportunity to put his team ahead just ten minutes into the match. However, Monkton Swifts’ prolific Scotsman, Davis, swiftly responded with an equalizer, showcasing the resilience of the favourites.
The momentum shifted again when the dynamic duo of Alfie and Scott Crawford of Johnston orchestrated a beautifully executed goal, putting Johnston back in the lead at 2-1.
As the game progressed, Monkton Swifts brought in reinforcements, including Ben Steele, to regain control. Their efforts paid off when Jordan Kilby leveled the score at 2-2 with just under 20 minutes remaining.
But the Crawfords had other plans. Combining once more, Scott provided the assist for Alfie, who coolly finished to put Johnston ahead once again.
With time running out, Monkton Swifts launched a relentless onslaught in search of an equalizer. However, Johnston’s defense held firm, defying the odds to clinch the Division Two Cup title in a memorable victory.
The match showcased the passion and determination of both teams, with Johnston emerging as deserving champions in a fiercely contested final at Bridge Meadow Stadium.
Sport
Promotion, relegation and everything in between.
As we come to the end of the 2023-2024 season it’s time to look at the winners and losers so to speak as most promotion and relegation battles are now all sewn up.
We begin at the very top where Goodwick United have blown away the first division to become deserved champions elect. At the opposite end of the table Fishguard Sports struggled all season and we comfortably relegated, going down with them are Neyland who’s relegation was confirmed a few weeks ago. Neither team were cut adrift and battled right until the end which is credit to both outfits, sometimes relegation can act as a spring broad and both clubs will be hoping this is the case.
Monkton Swifts reserves were the outstanding team in the second division and were a cut above the rest on their journey to becoming league champions on 56 points with an impressive plus 61 goal difference. As Monkton can’t be promoted due to their first team being in the first division it allowed both Herbrandston and St Ishmaels to be promoted. Herbrandston finished in third on 40 points, whilst the Mice just beat them to second place ending up on 42 points. Both clubs will now use the summer to prepare for the step up that awaits.
At the opposite end of the division, Cosheston never really got going and after their points deduction ended on a lowly 6 points which is never going to be enough to avoid relegation. The second relegation place was much closer with St Clears, Carew reserves and Broad Haven all being in a dog fight for the majority of the season. Broad Haven showed good fight and character which steered them clear of trouble while Carew found form at a key time, which means St Clears will play their football in the third division next season.
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