Sport

Goodwick seal historic treble with draw at Hakin

Published

8 years ago

May 13, 2016

GOODWICK UNITED are champions of the Pembrokeshire League after they drew 1-1 with Hakin United on Friday night.

One of the biggest crowds ever for a Pembrokeshire League game gathered at the Observatory Field and they were treated to an excellent game.

Goodwick didn’t have it all their own way as they were a goal and a man down before securing the point they needed to win the league.

The draw also seals a memorable and historic treble following their successes in the West Wales Cup and the Senior Cup.

Going into the game Hakin knew they needed a win to seal a fourth-straight title in what was manager Gary Dawes’ last game in charge of the club.

Goodwick started the game well with Chris O’Sullivan going close with a free kick before Johnny Horgan headed wide after Rhys Dalling’s cross.

Hakin grew into the game and almost scored when Matthew Broome squared the ball for Ben Steele but his shot was over the bar.

James Stanmore came closest to scoring after 27 minutes but James Gwilt produced a stunning one-handed save to deny the fierce effort, which was heading for the top corner, before getting up to stop the rebound from Nicky Woodrow.

Stanmore then crossed into the box but Gwilt made another excellent save to deny Woodrow again.

Then with ten minutes to go until half time Hakin made the break through as Ashley Bevan played a neat through ball for Nicky Woodrow who ran on to slot the ball under the keeper.

They almost doubled their lead soon after but Bevan’s low drive was tipped round the post.

It remained 1-0 at half time but Goodwick knew they just needed a goal to put the title back in their hands.

Within two minutes of the restart Hakin should have doubled their lead again when Woodrow was put through but he blazed his shot wide of the right hand post.

Woodrow was at it again moments later crossing to the back post and with no one on the end of it the ball dropped just wide of the post.

Both sides were giving their all but ten minutes into the second half tempers boiled over when a late tackle came in.

Players squared up to each other and Chris O’Sullivan appeared to lean his head towards a Hakin player and after talking with his linseman, referee Angus Scourfield produced a red card for the midfielder.

After both sides had calmed down play resumed and Ben Steele came close but his shot was saved by Gwilt.

With twenty minutes to go Goodwick equalised despite being a man down as Adam Raymond’s free kick was headed in by Kieran O’Brien.

That goal meant Goodwick were back in pole position but Hakin responded well.

Ashley Bevan crossed for Nicky Woodrow but after he turned his shot was saved by Gwilt.

Matthew Broome sent a free kick into the box and Ashley Bevan’s header went over off the bar but it wouldn’t have counted had it gone in with the linesman raising his flag for offside.

Going into the final ten minutes, Goodwick seemed content to keep the ball in the corner but Hakin piled forward whenever they got the chance.

After seeing a header go narrowly over, Bevan had another free kick two minutes from time but his curled effort was headed away.

Goodwick held on and the final whistle went to spark jubilant scenes among the players, coaches and many fans who had made the trip from Goodwick.

Speaking after the match Goodwick manager Nigel Delaney said: “Unbelievable. We’ve won the treble, it’s never been done before and to win the league down here is just unbelievable.

“We had a bit of a chat at half time because we didn’t come out of the changing rooms, the team were well under the kosh and they were well on top. We needed to score a goal, we only needed the draw, we knew we’d get a chance and in the end we got the chance and defended like Trojans.”

Asked what’s next for Goodwick, Nigel added: “I don’t know really, this has never been done before and will probably never be done again, it’s just unbelievable.”

Sport

New Hedges Saundersfoot win cup final in style.

Published

1 day ago

May 2, 2024

Herald Sport

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

Published

2 days ago

May 1, 2024

Herald Sport

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.

Published

2 days ago

May 1, 2024

Herald Sport

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.