Sport

TOWN GET NEW SEASON UNDERWAY WITH WIN

Published

9 years ago

July 20, 2015

Tom Sinclair

Good start: Town leave the field after the 4-2 win

Briton Ferry Llansawel 2
Carmarthen Town 4

CARMARTHEN opened their pre-season programme against Welsh League side Briton Ferry whose spirited performance presented a suitably stern challenge for a Town squad that comprised mostly of last season’s regulars plus new signings Mark Jones and Dan Sheehan together with a number of players on trial.

From the outset the game quickly developed into an open end-to-end affair although neither side seemed to possess sufficient flair and vision to breach the opposing defence or seriously test the respective goalkeepers.

But gradually the Old Gold began to enjoy a greater share of possession and territorial advantage and after 21 minutes they eventually produced the first significant chance of the game. Chris Ham pounced on a weak back header by defender Josh Pike and he nodded the ball over ‘keeper Luke Probert as he advanced from his goal only to see it strike the post and bounce safely away.

Then on 26 minutes trialist Rhodri Morgan broke forward down the left flank and from the corner of the penalty area he released a crisp angled drive that drew an impressive full-length save from Probert. However in the 35th minute town’s persistence was rewarded when Liam Thomas raced through the centre to reach a long pass from defence and forced Probert into a hurried clearance that went straight to Chris Hartland who, after neatly slipping past a defender, drilled the ball into the net from close range.

Moments later the Old Gold increased their lead – Hartland picked up a poor clearance following his own corner-kick and from the edge of the penalty area he struck a delightful curling shot into the far top corner of the goal leaving Probert well beaten.

Briton Ferry, stung by that further setback, at last fashioned their first decent scoring opportunity on 42 minutes when Gavin Jones sent a searching cross deep into the penalty area only for Sam Baker to direct his close-range diving header just wide of the post.

After the interval the Welsh League side continued to play with more adventure whilst Town, having made multiple substitutions both at the re-start and shortly afterwards, settled into their reorganised formation, and on 56 minutes Briton Ferry went close to reducing the deficit when former Old Gold defender Ian Hillier rose highest in the packed goalmouth to reach Pike’s corner but directed his header narrowly over the bar.

Yet they were successful in the 72nd minute following a remarkable few moments of goalmouth activity – twice in quick succession Town’s substitute goalkeeper, trialist James Kirkwood, produced outstanding flying saves to block fiercely struck long-range drives but he was unable to resist for a third time as the rebound fell nicely for Ryan Griffiths who rifled the ball home from 15 yards.

Carmarthen’s response was decisive and immediate. Lewis Harling cut inside from the left flank, drifted effortlessly past two defenders and from 25 yards curled the ball sweetly beyond the reach of substitute keeper Kerry Nicholas and into the roof of the net.

Consistent with the emerging pattern of the second-half Briton Ferry soon struck back. On 79 minutes Lee John fired a 20 yard effort that drew another stunning save from Kirkwood but only moments later Steve Davey, with a powerful free-kick from the edge of the penalty area, reduced Town’s lead once more.

But that disappointment simply inspired the Old Gold to press forward with even greater intent during the closing stages and in the 89th minute they restored their two-goal advantage when Rhodri Morgan, just outside the penalty area, with dogged determination won the ball off a defender then slid a neat pass through to Mark Jones who confidently slotted home past Nicholas from 12 yards.

Team:

Lee Idzi (sub James Kirkwood 60); Dan Sheehan; Chris Thomas (sub Craig Hanford 46); Luke Jones (sub Chris Thomas 52); Jordan Knott (sub Kyle Bassett 46); Chris Ham (sub John Lumb 52); Ceri Morgan (sub Lewis Harling 46); Dwaine Bailey (sub Luke Cummings 48); Rhodri Morgan; Liam Thomas (sub Mark Jones 46); Chris Hartland;

Sport

New Hedges Saundersfoot win cup final in style.

Published

2 days ago

May 2, 2024

Herald Sport

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

Published

3 days ago

May 1, 2024

Herald Sport

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.

Published

3 days ago

May 1, 2024

Herald Sport

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.