Sport
Fawcett sends Bluebirds through in extra time
TWO extra time goals from Ben Fawcett sent Haverfordwest County into the third round of the League Cup at the expense of holders Bridgend Street on Saturday (Sept 8).
The Street had beaten Haverfordwest County on their way to winning the Cup last season and the Bluebirds were out for some revenge in manager Wayne Jones’ first game in charge.
Both sides had chances early on but it was the Street who went ahead as Paul Fowler tucked away a penalty midway through the half.
The Bluebirds looked to get themselves back into the game and eight minutes before half time they did just that as Elliot Scotcher crossed into the box for Sean Pemberton to head home.
Then on the stroke of half time Trundle was brought down in the box and he was given the chance to put the Bluebirds into the lead. He made no mistake and the home side led 2-1 when referee Tom Bevan blew for half time.
Scotcher then saw a shot go just wide at the start of the second half before he again teed up Pemberton but this time his header was wide of the mark.
After some good build up play, Trundle played the ball through for Ricky Watts but he shot over the bar.
Ben Fawcett was then brought on for Trundle with fifteen minutes to go and he nearly had an instant impact but his header went wide.
Then with ten minutes to go the visitors levelled as the ball was played to Callum Smith after keeper Steve Hall had come out of his net and the striker shot into an empty net.
Smith then came close again moments later but his long range effort was pushed wide by Hall.
It looked as if the game would go to extra time but with four minutes left Leon Luby played an excellent ball to the back post for Jack Wilson who volleyed in superbly to make it 3-2.
There was still time for more drama when Fawcett won the ball back before going one on one with keeper Damian Lack who just got a hand on it to pluck the ball away.
Watts also saw a shot saved before Lack pulled a dangerous cross out of the air with Fawcett waiting to knock in.
With time running out Bridgend looked to force the game into extra time but Luby was in the right place as he cleared a David Brooks effort off the line.
In the last minute of time added on captain Paul Fowler unleashed an unstoppable shot which flew into the top left hand corner of the net.
An extra thirty minutes was needed to see if the teams could be separated and it was the Street who nearly went ahead when White flicked through for Brooks but his shot was saved.
Smith then saw a shot go over before Fraser Finlay hit the post for the Bluebirds.
Six minutes into extra time Fawcett fired into the top corner to put the home side into the lead.
Five minutes later a corner wasn’t cleared properly and sub Michael Nessbert lashed the ball into the net to level the scores once again.
Bridgend again had another chance to score but it remained 4-4 when the whistle went for half time.
The second half of extra time got underway with the Bluebirds looking to get themselves back into the lead for the fourth time.
They did just two minutes in as Ricky Watts won the ball well on the edge of the box and he crossed to the back post for Wilson who headed back across into the middle for Fawcett who headed in.
Wilson then saw a header saved as the home side looked to make the game safe.
Bridgend pushed for another equaliser but tempers boiled over as Brooks was shown a second yellow card for a kick out and goalscorer Nessbert was also given his marching orders for what appeared to be dissent.
They then saw the game out to book their place in the next round and they will look forward to seeing who they will be drawn against.
Before that the Bluebirds will return to league action on Saturday, September 15, when they play at home to Afan Lido, kick off 2:30pm.
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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