Sport

Sheehan sinks Bluebirds

Published

10 years ago

April 18, 2016

Carmarthen Town 1

Haverfordwest County 0

CARMARTHEN secured a narrow, but vital, victory over old rivals Haverfordwest in this typically keenly-contested local derby thanks to a sparkling late goal from Dan Sheehan that stood out in stark contrast to the rest of this generally uninspiring affair.

The home side made a positive start to the match, putting the visitors’ defence under immediate pressure with a series of swift attacks – but sadly there was little evidence of any serious goal threat emerging as all too often the ‘final pass’ lacked direction and penetration.

It was not until the seventh minute that the first notable scoring chance arose when Dwaine Bailey’s long ball into the penalty area found Mark Jones who instantly rolled it back to Ceri Morgan and he struck a fierce 25 yard volley that drew a smart response from ‘keeper Craig Morris.

The Old Gold continued to hold the early initiative and on 22 minutes they were awarded a penalty when Morgan was brought down as he burst into the area. Jones, no doubt confident having scored twice from the spot only a few games ago, stepped forward but fired the ball narrowly over the bar.

Then moments later, following a Kyle Bassett corner-kick, the ball reached Lewis Harling who played it neatly back to Kieran Lewis and he dispatched a stunning 30 yard drive that Morris resisted with an excellent flying save.

While Town maintained their ascendancy with a display of impressive energy and commitment, gradually County began to enjoy more possession and pose an occasional threat going forward. But initially they were unable to pierce the Carmarthen defence, in which the central pairing of Bailey and Dave Vincent along with Sheehan and Jordan Knott on the flanks remained composed and resilient under pressure, and ‘keeper Lee Idzi was never seriously tested.

However, after 31 minutes the visitors went close to taking the lead when Ricky Watts finished a strong run down the right touchline with a low cross into the goalmouth that was met by Declan Carroll at the far post but from close range he stabbed the ball just wide of the target.

Apart from a couple of goalmouth scrambles that created an element of panic amongst the home defence this fairly unmemorable first-half petered out to a welcome close. After the interval little changed in terms of the quality and excitement on offer although it soon became clear that the ‘competitive’ nature of the game was escalating – an early flurry of yellow cards was testimony to that.

Haverfordwest did at last manage a shot on target in the 75th minute but it was a tame effort from 20 yards that Idzi collected comfortably. The Old Gold responded moments later when Knott launched a long throw into the packed goalmouth where Harling rose high to produce a promising header that was denied only by a skilful reflex save from Morris.

Then just as a goal-less draw was looking increasingly inevitable Town went ahead on 81 minutes with a goal worthy of winning any match. As they broke quickly out of defence on the counter-attack, Harling delivered an outstanding cross-field pass into the path of Sheehan who was racing upfield along the right flank – he took the ball forward then released a spectacular 25 yard drive that flew into the top corner of the net leaving Morris well beaten.

The Bluebirds staged a spirited revival in search of a late equaliser, the home defence extinguished any hope of that occurring to ensure that the Old Gold captured the three valuable points.

The game was also a landmark for Nicky Palmer who made his 300th appearance in the Welsh Premier League.

Sport

Haverfordwest County Under-13 girls shine at final FAW festival

Published

22 hours ago

April 5, 2026

Herald Sport

HAVERFORDWEST COUNTY AFC Women and Girls have praised their under-13s after another strong showing at the third and final FAW Festival of the season.

The young Bluebirds travelled to Colliers Park in Wrexham on Saturday (Apr 4), where they once again impressed with their performances.

Club officials said the girls had performed fantastically well throughout the season, adding that everyone at Haverfordwest County was incredibly proud of their efforts.

The squad for the day was Libby O, Ela I, Ines M, Mila E, Scarlett C, Rachel B, Lydia H, Lilly M, Zara E, Leila P and Lillie EJ.

Well done girls.

Sport

South Pembrokeshire Short Mat Bowls: Friendly League week 22 results

Published

23 hours ago

April 5, 2026

Herald Sport

RESULTS from week 22 of the South Pembrokeshire Short Mat Bowls Association Friendly League have been confirmed, with Badgers recording a comprehensive 10-0 win over Lamphey and St Twynnells edging past Cosheston 6-4.

An earlier fixture also saw Cosheston claim a 10-0 victory over Reynalton.

Several matches were postponed during the week, including Kilgetty v Carew, Llanteg v St Twynnells and Hundleton v East Williamston.

St Johns had the bye.

Latest results:
Cosheston 4 St Twynnells 6
Badgers 10 Lamphey 0
Cosheston 10 Reynalton 0

League table after week 22:
East Williamston — Played 19, Won 13, Drawn 0, Lost 6, Shot difference 169, Points 126
St Johns — Played 20, Won 12, Drawn 1, Lost 7, Shot difference 132, Points 118
Reynalton — Played 20, Won 8, Drawn 2, Lost 10, Shot difference 24, Points 99
St Twynnells — Played 19, Won 10, Drawn 2, Lost 7, Shot difference 9, Points 99
Carew — Played 19, Won 10, Drawn 0, Lost 9, Shot difference -12, Points 98
Hundleton — Played 19, Won 10, Drawn 1, Lost 8, Shot difference -7, Points 97
Llanteg — Played 18, Won 10, Drawn 0, Lost 8, Shot difference -16, Points 95
Badgers — Played 20, Won 7, Drawn 1, Lost 12, Shot difference -104, Points 89
Cosheston — Played 19, Won 7, Drawn 2, Lost 10, Shot difference -39, Points 88
Lamphey — Played 20, Won 9, Drawn 0, Lost 11, Shot difference -71, Points 80
Kilgetty — Played 19, Won 6, Drawn 1, Lost 12, Shot difference -85, Points 73

League officials have reminded clubs that all outstanding matches must be completed by midnight on Sunday, April 19, 2026.

Sport

Amman United Youth suffer agonising semi-final defeat

Published

23 hours ago

April 5, 2026

Herald Sport

Cup final dream slips away as Newcastle Emlyn battle back to seal 20-19 win in windy Carmarthenshire Cup clash

AMMAN UNITED YOUTH saw their Carmarthenshire Cup final hopes ended in heartbreaking fashion on Saturday (Apr 4) as Newcastle Emlyn snatched a 20-19 victory in a dramatic semi-final.

Played in difficult, windy conditions, the contest was fiercely competitive throughout, with Amman left to rue a series of handling errors that allowed the visitors back into the game.

Newcastle Emlyn made the stronger start, taking an early 3-0 lead through a penalty and then missing a chance to add to their tally.

Amman responded well and took control of the first half. Captain Ceian Lewis crossed following a well-worked catch-and-drive to put his side 5-3 in front. Toby Slater then produced an excellent touchline conversion in tough conditions to extend the lead to 7-3.

Amman continued to build momentum when Harvey Duncan made a sharp break down the wing to score their second try. Slater was again on target with an impressive conversion in the wind, giving his side a 14-3 lead at the break.

But the game turned soon after the restart. A costly Amman mistake allowed Newcastle Emlyn back into the contest, with the visitors scoring in the corner before adding the conversion to close the gap to 14-10.

Amman appeared to have steadied themselves when Kelston Fairhurst powered over from another catch-and-drive, stretching the lead to 19-10.

However, Newcastle Emlyn refused to give in. Strong forward play brought them another try, and the conversion cut the deficit to just two points at 19-17 as the pressure mounted in the closing stages.

The decisive moment came in the final five minutes when another Amman handling error handed Emlyn a crucial opportunity. The visitors worked their way into range and slotted a late penalty to edge ahead 20-19.

Amman had one final chance to rescue the game and opted for a catch-and-drive from a late penalty, having already found success with that tactic earlier in the match. This time, though, Newcastle Emlyn held firm to deny them and secure their place in the final.

It was a bitter end for Amman United Youth, who had looked in control at half-time, but Newcastle Emlyn showed resilience and composure when it mattered most.