Sport
Milford edge past Swifts
Milford United 2
Monkton Swifts 0
MILFORD UNITED edged through to the Semi-finals of the Senior Cup as they beat Monkton Swifts 2-0 at Marble Hall on Saturday.
The Division Two side showed glimpses of what they can do and even had a penalty saved but did not have enough to overcome their Division One Opponents.
The Swifts started the game brightly and thought they had gone ahead with only four minutes gone but Tom Meiring’s header was ruled out for an earlier foul on Milford keeper Andrew Fairburn.
They came close again soon after when Meiring turned provider to cross for Ryan Griffiths but his shot was saved by the keeper.
Milford began to find their feet and started to get themselves into the game and came close after 16 minutes when Chris Davies returned the ball back for Ben Aldred but his effort went over the bar.
Ryan Wilson then found Tom Lhewlin in the box but his shot was saved by Swifts keeper Danny Roberts.
Milford were beginning to get on top and the ball was played over the top for Ben Aldred to run on to but he shot first time when he could have taken the ball further and the chance was gone.
With five minutes to go the home side should have taken the lead. Chris Thompson rounded the keeper but he was forced too wide and played the ball back across for Ben Aldred but he could only lift his shot over the bar when it seemed easier to score.
However, just a minute later he atoned for his miss when a loose kick from the Monkton keeper fell at the feet of Aldred who crossed for Chris Thompson to tap the ball into the net.
That gave Milford a 1-0 half time lead but Monkton were not out of the contest.
After a tense opening ten minutes to the second half the Swifts came close when Blake James’ acrobatic effort flew just over the bar.
A minute later the home side nearly doubled their lead but Ben Aldred’s shot smacked the right hand post before squirming across the goal line and away for a goal kick.
With fifteen minutes to go the visitors were given a way back into the game when referee Gareth Elliot awarded a soft penalty for a push in the box.
Ben Nicholas stepped up to take the penalty but Andrew Fairburn got a hand to it to keep it out and after a scramble in the box the ball was eventually cleared for a corner.
Nicholas was involved again soon after as he crossed to substitute Michael Canton but his effort was straight at the keeper.
With nine minutes to go Milford secured the victory with their second goal when a long ball was missed by the Monkton defence allowing Aldred to run in and he lobbed the ball over the keeper and into the net.
Aldred saw another shot saved late on but Milford hung on for a good win and will now look forward to the semifinals.
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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