Sport
Horgan’s goal retains Cup for Goodwick
Goodwick United 2
Hakin United 1
GOODWICK UNITED retained the Senior Cup as they beat 10-man Hakin United at a packed Bridge Meadow Stadium on a sunny Saturday afternoon.
Over 1500 fans gathered in Haverfordwest and they were treated to an excellent match which could have gone either way.
Goodwick came out of the blocks quickest and had a penalty shout in the first minute when Rob Morgans went down but after thinking about it, referee Angus Scourfield waved away the appeals.
With eight minutes gone it was Goodwick who had the first real chance of the game when Rhys Dalling cut inside but his shot was palmed away by the Hakin keeper but he could not get the rebound under control and the chance had gone.
James Stanmore came close for Hakin but his shot was pushed away by Goodwick keeper James Gwilt.
The opening goal came midway through the first half when Dalling picked up the loose ball before running on and firing a low shot into the bottom right corner of the net.
It wasn’t long before Hakin responded as, with just over half an hour gone, Ashley Bevan found Nicky Woodrow who slotted the ball past Gwilt to level the scores.
Dalling came close for Goodwick again but James Manson in the Hakin goal made an excellent save to tip his shot wide.
Shortly before half time Hakin had the ball in the net but Jonty Bennett’s header was ruled out for offside.
A minute later, there was a flashpoint when Hakin’s Ewan Findlay appeared to push a Goodwick player back to the ground after the pair had each gone for the ball and the referee showed Findlay a straight red, a big blow to Hakin’s chances of winning the cup.
On the stroke of half time Goodwick had a chance to take the lead when Dalling beat his man on the right wing before running along the byline and after he was tackled the ball fell to Adam Raymond on the edge of the box but his shot went over the bar.
Despite being down to ten men it was Hakin who made the better start to the second half.
Ashley Bevan raced through on goal but his effort was blocked by Goodwick’s keeper.
Gwilt then had to be at his best as a blocked shot appeared to be looping in but the keeper did well to get back and push the ball away for corner.
Bevan was free again in the box soon after but Scott Delaney got back to slide in and take the ball away from his feet.
Matthew Broome sent in a free kick ten minutes into the half but Bevan’s header was wide.
Ben Steele provided a chance for the ever-present Bevan but his flick rebounded back off the post and into the keeper’s arms.
Having soaked up all the pressure, Goodwick attacked and Johnny Horgan’s cross-cum-shot from the right flew over everyone and into the top left corner of the net to make it 2-1.
That left Hakin with twenty minutes to try and find an equaliser but it was Goodwick who continued to attack.
Dalling was sent through again with fifteen minutes left but Hakin keeper James Manson left his area to confront Dalling and he blocked his effort with his chest.
Bevan turned provider for Hakin when he crossed for Woodrow but his effort was blocked.
With ten minutes to go Stanmore came close for the Vikings but his free kick went just wide.
Woodrow came close in the closing minutes when he curled a shot towards goal but Gwilt did well to tip the ball over.
Goodwick held on and the final whistle sparked jubilant scenes among the players and club officials.
Rhys Dalling was voted man of the match for his excellent display and it was left to captain Wayne O’Sullivan to pick up the trophy for a second year running.
Goodwick United: James Gwilt, Steffan Hayes, Wayne O’Sullivan, Scott Delaney, Anthony Couzens, Adam Raymond, Chris O’Sullivan, Kieran O’Brien, Rob Morgans, Rhys Dalling, Jonny Horgan.
Subs: Darren Devonald, Jordan Griffiths, Jac Pepper.
Hakin United: James Manson, Matthew Broome, Ewan Findlay, Gareth Fawcett, Mark Jones, Jonathan Bennett, Ben Steele, Nicky Woodrow, Ashley Bevan, Steven Mathias, James Stanmore.
Subs: Adam Davies, Daniel Armstrong, Ricky Diamond.
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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