Sport
Bluebirds edge past Cwmamman
HAVERFORDWEST County kept the pressure on Welsh League Division 1 leaders Llanelli Town as they beat Carmarthenshire side Cwmamman United 2-1 on Saturday (Jan 6).
A host of postponements in the Pembrokeshire League saw the Bluebirds enjoy a bumper crowd at the Bridge Meadow and they were treated to an excellent game.
The Bluebirds beat Cwmamman 2-0 in September and also beat them in a cup match in 2016 but they knew they would be up against much tougher opposition this time around.
There was an even start to the game as both sides looked to gain the upper hand and it was the visitors who had the first real chance of the game when Chris Allen was played in but his shot was saved by County keeper Conah McFenton.
The home side responded with some pressure of their own and when the ball fell kindly for Steffan Williams on the penalty spot it looked as if he might score but he got his angles wrong and sent his effort wide of the left hand post.
Three minutes later Cwmamman had the best chance of the half as Tom Blackburn raced free only to see his effort rebound back off the post and Declan John could only send the rebound wide in what was a real let-off for the Bluebirds.
Declan Carroll then tried his luck from long range but his shot fell straight into the arms of Cwm keeper Chris Curtis.
John also tried a shot from long range for the visitors but his shot also went wide and the score remained 0-0 when the half time whistle was blown by referee Tom Bevan.
Ten minutes into the second half the deadlock was finally broken as Declan Carroll stepped inside a defender before firing an unstoppable shot into the top left corner of the net.
Cwm did not let that setback get to them and immediately looked to get back on level terms. They sent a dangerous free kick into the box but Bluebirds striker Joe Leahy put the ball behind for a corner.
Both teams then made substitutions but with just over twenty minutes to go the Bluebirds doubled their lead as Dan Williams’ free kick wasn’t cleared and Kristian Speake was in the right place to stab the ball home.
However, just three minutes later the Blues of Cwmamman were back in the game as a free kick into the box wasn’t cleared and after Chris Allen couldn’t get a shot away the ball fell to sub Colin Harris to fire into the net to give his side hope of a comeback.
Tom Blackburn did well to win the ball for the visitors and passed to Harris but he was tackled before he could get a shot away.
Jordan Vickers had also caused problems for the home side with his lively running throughout the match and with eight minutes to go he made a darting run into the box but his cross flashed across the face of goal with no one on hand to turn it in.
The Bluebirds survived that onslaught and took to taking the ball into the corner to preserve their lead.
Referee Bevan called time on the match with the Bluebirds hanging on for a twelfth win of the season and they remain two points behind leaders Llanelli.
The Bluebirds now have a week off and they return to action at the Bridge Meadow on Saturday, January 20, when they take on Goytre AFC with that match kicking off at 2pm.
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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