Sport
Vikings storm past Pwll into next round
Hakin United 6 Pwll Athletic 1
A HAT-TRICK by Hakin striker Paul ‘Jonah’ Jones helped his team easily defeat Pwll Athletic to progress into the quarter finals of the West Wales Cup.
It was the first game Hakin had played since January 11 because of the bad weather, but they showed no signs of rustiness as they dominated their opponents. Pwll started brightly with Kevin Evans cutting inside with five minutes gone, but his cross-cum-shot went wide of the far post.
However, just seven minutes later Hakin took the lead. A cross from the right caught the wind and went over everybody and fell to Ashley Bevan on the left side of the box. He then cut inside before slotting the ball into the right corner of the goal. From then on it was all Hakin and ten minutes later it should have been 2-0. Bevan’s ball forward caused confusion in the Pwll back line as both keeper and defender left it for each other, but Paul Jones could only fire the loose ball over the bar.
They finally made it 2-0 soon after as James Stanmore tapped the ball into an empty net after a challenge on the keeper was judged to be a fair one by the referee. The Pwll manager told his players to get stuck in to their challenges and not to give Hakin too much respect during half time, but that had little effect as Hakin increased their lead straight from kick off.
After winning a 50-50 ball, Steven Mathias played in Paul Jones who slotted the ball under the keeper for a 3-0 lead. That goal deflated Pwll and six minutes later it was 4-0. This time Jonathan Bennett won the ball and ran through the static Pwll defence before firing low into the bottom corner. The Vikings were not finished and two minutes later they had a fifth. Bevan’s shot from the edge of the box was blocked and it fell to Jones who stabbed the ball towards goal and it squirmed in off the post.
Pwll did manage to get a consolation goal as Gavin Evans sent the keeper the wrong way placing it into the left corner of the goal. Order was restored just a minute later as a ball forward bounced in the area and caught the defence sleeping and Jones was quickest to react to poke the ball home for Hakins sixth goal and his hat-trick. He could have had a fourth moments later, but he lifted his shot over the keeper and onto the bar. Jones was subbed shortly after, but Hakin were still hungry for goals. After good play between Mathias and Stanmore the latter found Bennett but his shot was cleared off the line.
It was an excellent performance from the Vikings who will now play Tumble United or Cwmfelin Press away from home on March 1.
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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