Sport
Goodwick spoil Hakin’s title party
GOODWICK United ended the season with a 3-2 win over rivals Hakin United at the Obs on Monday night (May 21), but the Vikings still celebrated an 18th league title following an excellent season.
Hakin had won the title with a draw in Thursday’s game at Goodwick and they were keen to end on a high but Goodwick were in no mood to let that happen.
Lee Hudgell gave the visitors the lead in the first half on Monday before Ryan Wilson levelled matters for Hakin.
Justin Harding then came close to putting the home side ahead but he dragged his shot wide of James Gwilt’s goal.
The half time whistle went with the sides still level and the game was still up for grabs.
With barely a minute gone in the second half, Hudgell found Johnny Horgan but he saw his shot saved by Hakin keeper Adrian Devonald.
Two minutes later Goodwick were back in the lead as Horgan’s free kick wide on the right floated in to the net without anyone getting a touch to it.
Jordan Griffiths then came close for the visitors as he juggled the ball inside the box before shooting just over the top.
Goodwick continued to look for a third goal and Gwilt sent the ball up field and the Hakin defenders missed the ball allowing Griffiths in but his shot was saved by Devonald.
Nicky Woodrow was then brought on for the home side and one of his first involvements was to set up Ryan Wilson but he curled his shot over from the edge of the box.
Jack Wilson then crossed into the box from the left but Ben Fawcett was inches away from making contact.
With just over twenty minutes to go, Hakin were back level as Devonald’s whipped free kick came off the head of Anthony Couzens and into the back of the net.
Five minutes later Goodwick were back in the lead as Griffiths saw a shot saved before he played the ball back for Horgan who fired the ball in despite Devonald getting a touch on it.
Hakin pushed forward looking to level the game once more and from a corner Woodrow bounced a shot goalwards before it was cleared from danger.
Jimmy Walker sent a cross into the box with five minutes to go and Gwilt slipped as he came for the ball but no one was able to take advantage as Goodwick again cleared.
Ben Fawcett then crossed into the box and the ball was crying out to be hit but the ball floated wide.
Goodwick then came forward but Walker’s cynical foul gave the visitors a chance to all but seal the points with a free kick just on the edge of the box.
Adam Raymond curled his effort just past the post and moments later the whistle was blown for full time.
It meant a win for Goodwick but after the match Hakin were presented with the Division 1 trophy following a brilliant season.
The Vikings won 21 of their 24 league games, only losing twice and are worthy winners and they also won the Senior Cup making it a memorable double-winning season.
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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