Sport
Blain heroics set up thumping win
Carmarthenshire League 1
Pembrokeshire League 7
At Stebonheath Park
PEMBROKESHIRE made the journey to Stebonheath Park in Llanelli to take on their counterparts from the Carmarthenshire League in the rebooted SB Williams Inter- League Cup, and the game lived up to it’s pre-match billing, including everything from top-class saves to a plethora of goals, with a red card thrown in for good measure.
The hero for the Pembrokeshire side was West Dragon’s goalkeeper Peter Blain, who produced some outstanding saves early on to keep his side in the game, with the hosts looking certain to open the scoring on several occasions in the opening quarter of the game.
Pembrokeshire slowly grew into the game, and perhaps were unlucky not to take the lead when Hakin’s prolific marksman Nicky Woodrow headed home from fellow Hakin player Ashley Bevan’s first time cross, the Swansea linesman however ruled that the striker had strayed offside.
Carmarthenshire had enjoyed a lot of possession down the left hand flank and the visitors right back Steve Allen had found himself under pressure for the majority of the opening period, however when he was eventually awarded some space to attack just before half time, he produced a fine through ball that again set Woodrow free.
Woodrow showed his experience in front of goal by providing a perfect ball to his strike partner Rhys Dalling, who slotted past keeper Darren Greene at the second attempt after Greene had done well to keep out the Goodwick mans initial effort, sending the visitors in at the break a goal to the good.
Carmarthenshire came out with all guns blazing at the start of the second half, determined to get back level in the game, however they were once again frustrated by the incredible Blain.
This led Pembrokeshire manager Gary Dawes to shuffle his pack, as he brought on the experienced Chris O’Sullivan in midfield to sure things up. It immediately paid dividends as Jonny Horgan, who had grabbed a brace on the weekend against Carew, hit a fine volley into the top corner after Woodrow had set him up, to double the visitor’s lead.
Carmarthen were not prepared to just lie down though, and again they tested the abilities of Blain, who kept out a stinging Rob Jones drive, a Louis Jackson freekick and a great effort from substitute Adam Jones in a blistering five minute spell from the home side.
The game turned on it’s head when Pembrokeshire broke away on the counter and with Rhys Dalling clean through on goal, centre back Ashley Thomas in his desperation, had no chance but to haul him down, conceding a penalty, and receiving his marching orders from referee Dave Morgan. Allen stepped up to put his side 3-0 up, and with the game all but gone Carmarthen could’ve been forgiven for giving up.
However they responded almost immediately as Loughor striker Rob Jones turned home an Adam Jones cross to finally breach Blain’s defences, but when Dawes brought on fresh legs in attacking areas, it was curtains for the hosts.
A woeful mistake by goalkeeper Greene allowed Woodrow to grab his first, before Horgan completed his brace with a brilliant chipped finish.
It was left to the Hakin boys to complete the rout as Ben Steele smashed home before Woodrow too grabbed a second to go along with his two assists to complete a hard-earned victory.
Pembrokeshire Coach Steve Briers was delighted with the result and in particular the performance of keeper Blain, and said the county side are already looking forward to their next game:
“It was fantastic to see two top sides going at each other and really showing pride in playing for the badge on the shirt.
“The scoreline suggests that we have ran out as easy winners, but that couldn’t be further from the truth as Carmarthenshire were really a very strong side.
“They were dominant in the opening exchanges and if it wasn’t for Blainy (Peter Blain) then we really would’ve been two-nil down inside the first 20 minutes. “It was a difficult opening period for us and they were particularly strong down the left hand side, with Steve Allen adjusting to their wingers pace and trickery after the opening 10 minutes.
“They created a few clear cut opportunities and really Blainy produced some world class saves that kept us in the game, if those efforts would’ve gone in, which they looked like they were going to, then it would’ve been a completely different game. He really was the man of the match, which is bizarre in a 7-1 win.
“As it was we were still in it and we settled down well after that, and luckily got the goal before the break to give us the advantage, which gave us the confidence to kick on.
“Gary (Dawes) made a tactical change at the break and brought on Chris O’Sullivan to sit in front of the defence. We ran the risk of being overrun on the counter in the channels, but Sully organised everyone well, and his experience really made the difference as we were able to win the midfield battle by having 5 in there.
“It was a great performance in the end with everyone putting in a shift for the badge, and it was great to see.
“We’ll take confidence from this one and look forward to our next game at home on the Meadow.”
Pembrokeshire are next in action on February 24 when they host Neath League at the Conygar Bridge Meadow, Haverfordwest.
Teams:
Carmarthenshire League: Darren Greene (Wellfield): Mark Standen (Seaside); Mike Yates (Seaside); Ashley Thomas (Loughor); Ross Harding (Loughor); Callum Thomas (Seaside); Louis Jackson (Loughor); Matthew Hurford (Loughor); Stuart Rees (Evans & Williams); Rob Jones (Loughor); Matthew Williams (Seaside).
Substitutes: Lee Griffin (Penllegaer); Shaun Rees (Pengelli); Graham Dutton (Penllegaer); Adam Jones (Wellfield); Kellen Johns (Bwlch).
Pembrokeshire League: Peter Blain (West Dragons): Matthew Broome (Hakin United); Nathan Banner (Hakin United); Chris Ormond (Merlins Bridge); Steve Allen (West Dragons): Ashley Bevan (Hakin United); Johnny Horgan (Goodwick United); Rob Morgans (Goodwick United); Ben Steele (Hakin United): Rhys Dalling (Goodwick United); Nicky Woodrow (Hakin United).
Substitutes: Patrick Hannon (Neyland); Sean Seymour-Davies (St Clears); Daniel Bryce (West Dragons); Chris O’Sullivan (Goodwick United); Matthew Price (West Dragons).
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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