Sport
Ten man Swifts defeat table toppers
By Jonathan Twigg
TABLE TOPPING Goodwick United fell to their first league defeat of the season on Saturday (Feb 17) when ten man Monkton Swifts deservedly left with a 3-2 victory in a game which saw Clarbeston Road referee Tom Bevan issue one red and seven yellow cards.
The Swifts opened the scoring just before the half hour mark when vociferous centre forward James Russell converted a penalty after Llyr Tobin was cautioned for a trip in the box.
Jordan Griffiths equalised before half time as he neatly finished, the striker having only recently returned from injury combining well with skipper Adam Raymond and teenage midfielder Matty Delaney.
Swifts winger Luke Hendry restored the lead before half time, capitalising on some hesitation in the home defence and taking advantage of the sticky conditions to plant the ball beyond the despairing dive of goalkeeper James Gwilt.
Striker Patrick MacDonnagh extended the blues lead with a clinical finish after an hour and as the game entered the final quarter, the heavy conditions and tired limbs accounted for numerous free kicks leading the game to lose momentum.
Goodwick were handed a lifeline with ten minutes remaining, Griffiths sending goalkeeper Michael Murray the wrong way from the penalty spot following Shaun Jones dismissal for a second yellow card as he clattered centre half Scott Delaney in the box.
Midfielder Kieran O’Brien had opportunities to equalise and Bevans, strong in his decision making with both sides committed to their cause.
Substitute winger Johnny Horgan and teenage full back Steffan Hayes delivered crosses into the danger zone with all the players camped in the Swifts half as a key moment in the Division 1 title race panned out in the gloomy conditions.
The result sets up the finale of the season as six teams vie for pole position, the Swifts heading to the Knock playing Field to take on Clarbeston Road next, whilst the red and blacks take their trip to relegation haunted Herbrandston to put the train back on the tracks.
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.
-
News1 day ago
Police investigating after woman found dead on beach near Pennar
-
News1 day ago
Police discover body in search for Luke Stephenson, 19
-
Crime3 days ago
Llandissilio man accused of making hundreds of child abuse images
-
News1 day ago
Councillors block Milford Haven boxing event – promoter to appeal
-
Business6 days ago
Largest Welsh port appoints communications and marketing director
-
Business2 days ago
Lidl GB eyes Pembroke Dock for new larger supermarket
-
News10 hours ago
Beautiful, funny and lovely: Family pay tribute to Sian Batchelor
-
News2 days ago
Search efforts continue for missing teenager Luke Stephenson