Sport
10-man Town send Bluebirds bottom
Welsh Premier League Playoff
Haverfordwest County 1
Carmarthen Town 2
CARMARTHEN continued their successful start to the Welsh Premier League second-phase programme by securing their fourth victory in five games after an impressive all-round team effort full of energy and commitment in this keenly-contested local derby with Haverfordwest – this, despite having to play for over an hour with just ten men.
The hosts will be disappointed to have lost the game with something of a whimper, with Town never looking in danger of loosing even when they had a numerical disadvantage.
It now looks increasingly likely that the Bluebirds will be playing their football back in Welsh League Division One next season as they sit nine points adrift of safety with four games to play, after a difficult season back in Wales’ top flight.
From the outset the Old Gold took the initiative, monopolising possession and putting sustained pressure on the home defence with a series of quick raids. And in the 7th minute they twice went close to taking the lead.
First, Kyle Bassett saw his closerange strike blocked in front of goal by a defender – then moments later Mark Jones received the ball deep inside the penalty area and he instantly sent a fine pass back to Kieran Lewis who released a crisp 20 yard drive that drew a smart full-length save from ‘keeper Alex Connell.
Yet they were soon rewarded for this adventurous approach when on 12 minutes, after a swift exchange of passes with Jones, Lewis drifted neatly past his marker and into the penalty area before coolly drilling the ball past Connell and into the net.
Such was Town’s dominance during these opening stages that it was not until the 22nd minute that County created their first notable scoring chance – Kieran Howard raced forward into the penalty area then fired an inviting cross into the goalmouth where Luke Borelli wastefully stabbed the ball over the bar.
But this was shortly followed by the incident that would change the whole nature of this contest. Lewis, having been shown the yellow card albeit rather harshly just minutes beforehand, foolishly got involved in a needless challenge and was again similarly cautioned leading to his automatic dismissal from the field – and Carmarthen were left to play the rest of the game without their most influential player.
Unsurprisingly, the hosts straightaway began to compete better and enjoy more possession and territorial advantage. But still they were unable to make any real impression on the Old Gold defence which featured the now customary central pairing of Dwaine Bailey and Dave Vincent who remained assured and disciplined under pressure – and they received excellent support on the flanks from Jordan Knott and Dan Sheehan, playing with equal conviction and reliability. As a result, Haverfordwest failed to produce a notable effort on target during the rest of the first-half.
After the interval County continued to make good use of their numerical advantage and kept pressure on the visitors’ defence, but remained unable to penetrate it. Then, remarkably, on 53 minutes the Old Gold increased their lead following a rare breakaway. Having won a free-kick wide on the left flank, Bassett sent the ball into the packed goalmouth where Vincent leapt high above surrounding defenders and skilfully directed a glancing header beyond the reach of Connell and into the roof of the net.
However, Town’s players had no time to enjoy their two-goal advantage because straight from the re-start the hosts poured upfield and the ball reached Ricky Watts near the corner of the penalty area from where he confidently drove the ball past ‘keeper Lee Idzi.
Encouraged by that success Haverfordwest continued to press forward with increasing urgency and regularity – yet on each occasion they were unable, in any meaningful way, to breach the outstanding Old Gold defence which by now was routinely augmented by industrious midfielders Ceri Morgan, Luke Cummings and Bassett.
And behind that defensive screen the experienced Idzi commanded his area in his customary assured manner and safely dealt with numerous crosses, corners and free kicks – and the hosts’ very infrequent scoring efforts.
Meanwhile tireless strikers Mark Jones and Liam Thomas, when not also otherwise engaged in defensive activities, used their pace and mobility to good effect by keeping County defenders fully occupied with occasional counter-attacks none of which, however, produced a serious goal threat.
This magnificent team effort has now ensured that Carmarthen are mathematically safe from relegation and, given their recent performances, they remain well-placed to secure the coveted UEFA play-off qualifying spot at the end of the WPL programme.
Teams:
Haverfordwest County: Alex Connell; Ricky Watts; Sean Pemberton; Dale Griffiths; Sam Rodon; Luke Borelli; Declan Carroll; Kristian Speake; Kieran Howard; Nicky Palmer; Jason Bertorelli.
Substitutes: Greg Walters; Craig Morris; Tomas Wellington; Alfie Stottor.
Carmarthen Town: Lee Idzi; Dan Sheehan; Dwaine Bailey; Dave Vincent; Jordan Knott; Luke Cummings; Kieran Lewis; Ceri Morgan; Kyle Bassett (sub Craig Hanford 90+3); Mark Jones; Liam Thomas;
Unused Substitutes: Luke Prosser; Jeff White; Glen Fearn; James Kirkwood.
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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