Baptism of fire for Bluebirds

Published

9 years ago

September 10, 2015

Dangerman: Bluebird’s Ricky Watts holds off the dangerous Scott
Quigley • Pic: Kevin Bryce

Haverfordwest County 0
TNS 4

THE Bluebirds were given a baptism of fire on their return to the Welsh Premier League as they were beaten 4-0 by Welsh Champions TNS.

The New Saints dominated for much of the game at a soaking Bridge Meadow Stadium and almost went ahead after eleven minutes.

Scott Quigley crossed from the left hand side but Michael Wide’s header bounced back off the crossbar.

Connell Rawlinson then saw a shot saved by the busy Bluebirds keeper Scott James.

The Bluebirds offered little going forward and did threaten briefly when Ricky Watts found space down the right but his cross was headed wide by Jack Christopher.

Greg Walters also tried his luck from long range but his shot was deflected away for a corner.

Scott Quigley then saw another shot saved before the Champions broke the deadlock in fine fashion.

Alex Darlington picked the ball up in the middle of the half and ran into the box, beating three County players before firing low into the bottom left corner of the goal.

TNS continued to dominate and with eight minutes to go until half time, Dale Griffiths gave away a free kick in a dangerous position on the edge of the box.

Chris Seargeant looked favourite to take it and he brilliantly curled the ball into the net to double his sides lead.

The second half started much like the first with the only professional team in the Welsh Premier League on top.

Quigley was a constant threat to the Bluebirds and goalkeeper Scott James had to be alert to pull off another save from the striker.

With almost an hour gone, Quigley turned provider as he crossed into the box where Alex Darlington was on hand with a diving header to make it 3-0 to TNS.

Six minutes later TNS were awarded a penalty which Darlington stepped up to take, looking to complete his hat-trick.

However, Scott James guessed the right way and pulled off an excellent save to keep the score at 3-0.

With fifteen minutes to go, Bluebirds sub John Roberts was sent through on goal but he agonisingly lifted his shot into the side netting.

They were made to pay for that miss as two minutes later TNS added their fourth goal of the game.

Aeron Edwards drilled a low shot towards goal which was saved by Scott James but he could do nothing about the rebound as sub Greg Draper pounced to make it 4-0.

More chances followed for the champions who made the perfect start to their campaign while the Bluebirds will be hoping for a better time out in their next match.

The next game for the Bluebirds is on Saturday, August 29, and sees them travel to mid-Wales to take on Newtown AFC, kick off at 2.30pm.

Tough game: Declan Carroll in action in a tough opener for the Bluebirds

New Hedges Saundersfoot win cup final in style.

Published

2 hours 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

1 day 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

1 day 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.