Sport
Team of the week: Fishguard Sports AFC
AT THE half way stage of the season Fishguard Sports AFC are making great progress as a club throughout the Pembrokeshire League. Both the junior and minis teams are growing by the minute, which is encouraging news for the future of the club.
Although the minis are not in a league or cup structure, there is fantastic talent been spotted and great performances been noted. Both the junior teams are part of a league and cup structure; they have put in some great performances against bigger, stronger clubs and have improved vastly as the games get more competitive.
All this is down to hard work carried out by players in training, coaches who give up their free time and also the support they get from parents and other family members. As a club they are very grateful to all of you for your effort, support and commitment to which Fishguard is very proud to have you aboard.
The club have also started a number of girls football teams, which is a first for the club and turning out to be very successful. They have managed to form two Under 12s, two Under 14s and one under 16s, to which the standard is very high for the county. Again the support from parents and family members is a credit to the club and encourages the development of the girls who take part.
This year will also be a first for the club for a newly formed junior disability team. The team have been training since September 2013 and will hopefully play their first tournament in March 2014.
Both the senior teams are having mixed fortunes midway through the season, with the first team sitting third from bottom in Division 2, but have progressed through to the Senior Cup quarter finals. The second team is sitting mid-table in Division 5 are hoping for a more consistency in performances to climb higher and have an outside chance of promotion. There is a long way to go yet, but both teams are always committed and who knows some silverware, keep it up lads.
As you will be aware at the moment the club are hosting all their minis and junior games at the Grange and using the facilities provided by the local Leisure Centre for changing for all teams. Although this is convenient it does come at a cost which filters through to the players themselves to fund.
Presently the club has secured £25,000 from Sports Council of Wales’ development grant to develop the site in Tregroes on the outskirts of Fishguard. The development will cost £65,000; this will make way for two pitches to accommodate all teams that play for the club on a weekly basis.
The club will find out early in April 2014 if they are through to the next phase of a grant application to the “Sita Trust” for £40,000. If successful the club will be able to start developing the pitches and hopefully be able to move out there in the not so distant future. There is currently a vacancy on the committee as club secretary, anyone interested can contact 07966 936126.
The club try to keep the weekly charge for football to a minimum, but there are significant costs to run all the teams, fundraising is therefore of paramount importance.
The club would like to wish all their sponsors old and new continued success for 2014.
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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