Sport
Derby ends all square
Monkton Swifts 2
Pennar Robins 2
PENNAR ROBINS were forced to settle for a point on Saturday (Feb 14) as Monkton Swifts came from two goals down to earn a 2-2 draw. The Robins had raced into an early two goal lead and should have added more but the Swifts rallied in the second half to come away with a deserved point. Both sides gave their all in a typical blood and thunder derby match but neither did enough to come away with the bragging rights.
The draw means Monkton are now unbeaten in four while Pennar ended a two match losing streak. Monkton Swifts are now up to eleventh place while the Robins stay seventh. The Robins started the game brightly and were ahead after just five minutes. Phil Thompson laid the ball off for Mike Powell who curled an excellent shot into the bottom corner. They doubled their lead soon after as Ben Steele crossed from the right for Phil Thompson to head home.
Thompson could have had a second with twenty minutes gone but his header was easily saved by the Swifts keeper. The Swifts came back into the game as the half came to a close as Robin Stanley headed narrowly wide from Blake James’ cross. Sean Jones also tried his luck from distance but his rasping drive fizzed past the post with thirty minutes gone. Then on the stroke of half time they had their best chance of the half when a corner from Ben Nicholas found its way to Lee Evans who was unmarked but he could only head over the bar.
The Swifts caught the Robins sleeping at the start of the second half as they pulled a goal back just thirty seconds in. Robin Stanley passed to Daniel Scourfield who flicked the ball on for Ben Nicholas whose shot went in off the post. The Robins responded well and could have scored a third but Sam Southcott’s effort was well blocked by the Swifts defenders. With just over twenty minutes to go the Swifts were level with another excellent goal.
Blake James crossed into the box and Matthew Davies slid in at the back post to poke the ball home. The home side could have taken the lead five minutes later but Ben Nicholas poked the ball wide from Liam Butland’s cross. Pennar had a great chance to win the game with ten minutes to go when Phil Thompson got on the end of a through ball before the Swifts keeper but his shot towards goal was cleared off the line by Lee Evans. Both teams looked for a late winner but it never came meaning they would have to settle for a draw. Next week Pennar are at home to St Clears while Monkton are also at home to Tenby.
Monkton Swifts: Scott Trayhern, Matthew Davies, Lee Evans, Aaron Butland, Ben Nicholas, Sean Jones, Liam Butland, Jordan Kilby, Daniel Scourfield, Robin Stanley, Blake James. Subs: Rob Jones, Jason Kilby. Pennar Robins: Stuart James, Ross Lascelles, Luke Phillips, Gareth Lewis, Richard Hughes, Mike Powell, Phil Thompson, Jimmy Russell, Sam Soutchott, Ben Steele, Adam John. Subs: Jimmy Walker, Adam Cole, Patrick Macdonagh.
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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