Sport

Wizards hit back to earn a point

Published

9 years ago

October 30, 2017

MERLINS BRIDGE fought back from 3-1 down to earn a draw against Carew in an excellent match on Saturday (Oct 28).

Going into the match, Carew sat second and Merlins Bridge were third and with both sides level on points, they were keen to keep up their good start to the season with another victory.

It was Merlins Bridge who the first chance of the game with a minute gone when a corner from Joey George was headed wide by Peter Thomas.

However, Carew went up the other end of the pitch and almost scored themselves as the dangerous Jack Christopher beat the offside trap but Wizards keeper Gary Thomas came out well to block his effort and the following effort by Ian Derbyshire was also saved.

Joey George then went down in the box but no penalty was given by referee Alan Boswell.

With eleven minutes gone, Will Haworth won a corner which George swung into the box and Nathan Greene met it with a towering header only to see his shot blocked on the line by Derbyshire.

Three minutes later Carew took the lead as Alex Bayley crossed from the left hand side and Jack Christopher rose to head the ball down into the net.

They could have doubled their lead soon after when Jack played in brother Sam Christopher but his shot was blocked by an excellent covering tackle.

George then played in Luke Heywood but his fizzing cross ran across the face of goal with no one on the end of it to knock it in.

With half an hour gone the Wizards were back level as Will Haworth turned and saw his shot well saved by Carew keeper Dan James but the rebound fell to Matthew D’Ivry who drilled the ball low into the net to make it 1-1.

Seven minutes before half time Jack Christopher won a free kick 25 yards out and he stepped up to take it. The striker brilliantly curled the ball over the wall and it went in off the left hand post, leaving keeper Thomas with no chance.

Shortly before half time the ball was again played through to Jack who ran on before firing into the roof of the net to complete his hat trick and make it 3-1 to the Rooks.

The Wizards came out for the second half, determined to make up the deficit and also keep intact their unbeaten start to the season.

Eight minutes in they pulled a goal back when a corner was headed in by Ashley Beck.

Greene was then sent through and he beat the defender but his shot was saved by the Carew keeper.

On the hour mark, Luke Heywood also came close to scoring but his shot was blocked on the line.

With fifteen minutes to go, a throw in was flicked on by James Hinchcliffe but Sam Christopher’s acrobatic effort went wide.

Chance: Alex Bayley’s curling effort comes back off the post

They had another chance soon after when Jack Christopher held the ball up well before passing to Alex Bayley in the box but his curling effort rebounded back off the post.

Then with ten minutes to go the Wizards finally drew level as a free kick from Gary Thomas found its way to Luke Heywood who cut inside before firing into the bottom left corner of the net.

Jack Christopher came close to a fourth goal when his long range effort from just inside the half way line only just flew over the top of the net.

A late head injury to Ashley Beck disrupted play and although the Wizards pushed forward in the closing minutes, they were unable to find a winner.

Both sides settled for a 3-3 draw which sees them slip to fourth and fifth respectively following wins for Narberth and Neyland.

On Saturday, November 4, both sides take a break from league action once more as they take part in the second round of the West Wales Cup.

Carew are away to Glynneath Town while Merlins Bridge are at home against Penclawdd.

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Fresh Hamilton wage claims raise new questions for Haverfordwest County fans

Published

7 hours ago

May 4, 2026

Herald Sport

Scottish reports of late and short wages add a new and more immediate concern for Bluebirds supporters already watching problems elsewhere in the same football network

REPORTS in Scotland that Hamilton Academical players were paid late, with some allegedly underpaid ahead of the club’s final game of the season, have added to scrutiny around the football network linked to Haverfordwest County AFC chairman Rob Edwards.

The latest claims were reported by Lanarkshire Live Sport and the Daily Record.

The relevance for Pembrokeshire lies in the links between Hamilton and Haverfordwest through Rob Edwards and Morley Sports Management.

Hamilton has previously stated that Morley Sports Management owns 100 per cent of 1874 Holdings Limited, and that 1874 Holdings in turn owns 97.5 per cent of Hamilton Academical FC.

Haverfordwest County has previously said Morley Sports Management has been the business vehicle behind Edwards’ takeover and funding of the Bluebirds since 2020.

Earlier this month, Haverfordwest County A.F.C. Ltd faced an HM Revenue & Customs winding-up petition at the High Court in London. The case was dismissed on April 15, but only after reaching a live hearing at the Rolls Building, with costs ordered against the company.

Separately, 1874 Holdings has faced a winding-up petition in Scotland. Hamilton later issued a statement acknowledging that petition, while saying the claim is disputed and that the company is seeking dismissal.

The latest Scottish wage claims come against a background of previous disciplinary action involving Hamilton. Earlier this year, the club was punished over failures to pay players on time and in full, resulting in a points deduction following an independent disciplinary process. Hamilton acknowledged that outcome in a club statement.

Companies House has also shown 1874 Holdings with overdue accounts and a strike-off notice. Those are separate processes from a winding-up petition, but they add to the list of recent off-field issues involving companies in the same football network.

There are also operational links between the two clubs. Haverfordwest publicly credited chief executive Beccy Nuttall with key work during the club’s licensing process earlier this month, while Hamilton has also announced Rebecca Nuttall in a senior role there.

The timing of the Haverfordwest case also drew attention because the club announced on April 8 that it had secured both its UEFA licence and FAW Tier 1 licence for the 2026-27 season, even though the HMRC petition remained live at that stage and was not disposed of until April 15.

The Herald contacted the Football Association of Wales for comment on the licensing position last week, but had received no response at the time of publication.

The Hamilton wage claims remain reports from Scotland, and there is no suggestion that Haverfordwest County AFC is facing the same issue. However, the developments are likely to be of interest to Bluebirds supporters because they concern companies and senior figures linked to the same wider football operation.

Sport

Young Crymych players step up to senior stage

Published

1 day ago

May 3, 2026

Herald Sport

Five youth team players earn praise after impressing at championship level

CRYMYCH RUGBY CLUB has hailed the contribution of five of its youth players after they stepped up to feature in a senior side at championship level.

The young players, who remain part of the club’s youth setup, were given the opportunity to test themselves in a higher-level fixture, and impressed coaches and supporters alike with their attitude and commitment on the field.

Club representatives said it was “fantastic to see” the dedication shown by the youngsters, who rose to the occasion in what was described as a special experience for both the players and the club.

The match provided a valuable opportunity for development, allowing the next generation of Crymych players to gain experience in a more competitive environment while contributing to the senior squad.

The rugby club said the move reflects its long-term focus on nurturing homegrown talent and creating a clear pathway from youth rugby into the senior game.

Officials added that the future of the club looks bright, with the performance of the young “Teirw” – or Bulls – offering reassurance that the next generation is ready to carry the club forward.

The club congratulated the players on their achievement and said it hopes to see more youth players progressing through the ranks in the coming seasons.

Sport

Tenby youngsters book places in West Wales cup finals

Published

1 day ago

May 3, 2026

Herald Sport

Under 13s and under 14s progress after District H finals day success

TENBY UNITED RFC’s junior sides enjoyed a memorable District H finals day, with two age groups securing victories and places in the West Wales cup finals.

The club’s under 13s lifted silverware after beating Crymych 32-17, while the under 14s edged a thrilling contest against Neyland, winning 18-17.

Tenby’s under 12s were also involved in a close match, narrowly losing 31-28 to Haverfordwest.

The under 13s and under 14s will now go on to represent the club at the West Wales cup finals at Parc y Scarlets on May 24.

Tenby United RFC congratulated the young Swifts on their achievements, saying: “Well done Swifts.”