Sport
LUCKY DRAGONS SNATCH A LATE DRAW
HAKIN UNITED were forced to settle for a point on the Observatory Field on Saturday afternoon as the West Dragons snatched a late equaliser.
The first half started slowly with players struggling to cope with the tricky windy conditions, which would prove to be a telling factor later on in the game. The Vikings had the first chance of the game after 15 minutes when a cross from Matthew Broome curled its way to Paul Jenkins, whose shot was well blocked by a Dragons defender.
Ten minutes later Hakin thought they had scored, but the referee had already blown for an offside earlier in the move. But a minute later they took the lead. The ball was played through to Ashley Bevan whose shot rebounded off the onrushing keeper Dan Birch’s legs and into the net. Five minutes later Hakin thought they had a second, but Leigh Broome’s effort was well saved by the Dragons keeper.
With ten minutes to go before half time, Hakin’s Steve Mathias played the ball through and Ashley Bevan who beat the keeper to the ball, but the Dragons defence got back well to block his shot. Shortly before half time Bevan had a great chance to double their lead, but his shot was again saved by Birch.
The second half started much like the first. The first chance fell to the home side as Matthew Broome beat the keeper to the ball and passed to Bevan, but he could only shoot wide. Broome was involved again moments later as he took a throw-in down the line to James Stanmore, but his shot on the turn was well saved by Birch. On the hour mark West Dragons had a chance to equalise, but after Ewan Cunningham whipped the ball in to the box with the aid of the wind, Scott Crawford’s glancing header went wide.Broome had a late shot cleared off the line by Ian Harries, but just as it looked like Hakin would come away with the win the Dragons popped up with an equaliser.
They won a free kick on the half way line and Ewan Cunningham again whipped a brilliant ball into the box and after the Vikings failed to clear the ball it fell to Niall Kinsella whose shot went in off the post. The Vikings poured forward in the closing stages and were convinced they had won a penalty, but the referee waved away the protests.
Dragons boss Byron Phillips was very pleased with his team’s response after the poor result last week and thought his team deserved a point.
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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