Sport
FAW escape punishment over Bridge Meadow Farce
THE FAW have escaped serious punishment and financial sanction after they were reprimanded by the governing body UEFA for the farcical scenes at the Conygar Bridge Meadow, which led to the Kazakhstan anthem not being played.
UEFA opened disciplinary proceedings against the FAW after the Kazakhstan national anthem was not played before the UEFA Women’s Euro 2017 qualifier at the Conygar Bridge Meadow on Thursday, November 26. Alarm bells were set ringing when the Welsh anthem was played first, as it is customary to play the visiting teams anthem before the hosts, but when a lengthy delay occurred it was apparent to all in the ground that a problem had arisen.
A panicked scuffle could be heard over the PA system before the opening notes of the Welsh anthem were played again, sparking muffled laughter in the stands. An embarrassed Haverfordwest official then announced that he was ‘very sorry, but there appears to be a problem with the Kazakhstan anthem.’ This left the referee Tanja Subotic to encourage the visiting players to sing ‘acappella’, much to the dismay of manager Kaloyan Petkov, who waved his arms in disgust at the bemused UEFA officials. This has led UEFA to open disciplinary proceedings against the Welsh FA, with the European football governing body also opening proceedings because fans were stood around the pitch, when all international games have to have all spectators seated.
This was also a subject of embarrassment for Haverfordwest as an announcement came over the PA system several times during the game urging fans to take their seats, with a desperate tone coming across in some of the latter appeals. It was apparent though, that despite these pleas, numerous spectators were not going to be made to move to a seat, however at no moment did it appear that a steward approached those standing in order to encourage them to move to the stands. However, after a meeting of the disciplinary panel on Friday, December 11 it was decided that the FAW should face no punishment over either incident other than a reprimand. Haverfordwest County will be hoping the incident has not left a sour taste in the mouths of the FAW officials and that future international games will still be staged at the ground.
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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