Sport
Road to Russia ended by the Republic
By Jonathan Twigg
WALES’ World Cup journey ended on Monday (Oct 9) at the Cardiff City Stadium when they were beaten 1-0 with a goal by James McClean of the Republic of Ireland in an emotional, tense but drab encounter.
The evening started with a rousing rendition of ‘Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau’, which moved the crowds mood to a crescendo and the Welsh team, lacking the mercurial Gareth Bale responded through possession and territory, which failed to generate chances to open the scoring.
The requirement was simple; beat the visitors and take a pathway through the play offs, probably as a seeded team and if luck ran with the Welsh players then maybe gaining automatic qualification if Serbia didn’t beat Georgia. Neither happened as Martin O’Neil, manager of the ’boys in green’ conjured up a master plan to outwit his opposite number Chris Coleman.
Predicted as the biggest game for Wales in a generation, after the disappointment of play-off elimination at the hands of Russia in 2004, a Paul Bodin penalty miss in the fatal night in 1994 and perhaps back as far as Scotland’s Joe Jordan’s handball in 1978. Wales can’t make that final step to infinity and the World Cup Finals, their last game being a quarter final defeat at the hands of champions Brazil in Gothenburg, Sweden, although an inspired semi-final performance at the 2016 Euro’s had heightened the publics expectations, perhaps falsely.
Without Bale, the collective team spirit needed to come to the fore for the Dragon, but it failed to ignite against an Irish team which out muscled them in key areas. Stoke City’s Pembrokeshire born midfielder Joe Allen left the field in a groggy state after being the filling in a sandwich, the bread supplied by skipper David Meyler and striker McClean. Wales couldn’t adapt to the loss of Allen with the normally bright Aaron Ramsey and youngster Lawrence unable to produce the magic moments.
The winner came in the 57 minute with the crowd rekindling the spirit of Euro 2016 with a rendition of ‘please don’t take me home’ when Jeff Hendrick robbed skipper Ashley Williams of the ball to whip in a cross from the right hand side for McClean to meet on the half volley.
The goal which stunned 30,000 voices into silence, 3000 Irishmen apart, saw Wales fall behind for the first time in the World Cup qualifying campaign and the crowd felt the unease as the team struggled to gain parity in the game.
Reflection shouldn’t be on the disappointing result in the final game, more perhaps on the team’s inability to secure three points in fixtures they were in control of during the campaign.
In 12 months they drew with Austria, Georgia, Serbia twice and the Republic of Ireland in Dublin, the first four of those fixtures saw them leading on each occasion. Coming into the last game they had won three on the bounce and held prime position for qualification for the play-offs in their own hands.
The defeat, a first on home soil since Serbia in 2013 takes some of the momentum out of Chris Coleman’s managerial reign, where a top draw offering of a return to Club football may see him venture to pastures new.
It could also mark the end for some stalwart performers as Ashley Williams, Chris Gunter and Joe Ledley head a list of players who may find another two year campaign too much for their aging limbs.
Wales’ golden generation may well be changing although the future is bright with a conveyor belt of talented youngsters now on the verge of the squad.
Optimism remains high from a Welsh public desperate to see their heroes reach a World Cup Final, where we are ranked thirteenth in the World.
There is still time for the Dragon’s roar to breath some real fire on the World stage.
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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