Sport
Clarbeston Road unveil ground improvements
FOLLOWING a programme of work carried out over the summer months, Clarbeston Road AFC have today (Sept 29) unveiled a package of improvements to their facilities at Knock Field, Clarbeston Road.
The work has been delivered as the first stage of a long-term development plan for the site and follows a feasibility study commissioned from W A Spees Architects in 2015 with funding from the Solafields Community Fund.
“Back in 2015, we realised that we needed to do something to cope with the growing membership of our club and the increased demand on our facilities” said Clarbeston Road AFC Chairman, Steve Brown.
“We have grown year on year as a club and for the current season we are fielding 15 teams, as well as supporting the Cleddau Warriors Disability Football club. We needed to take action to provide suitable facilities to cater for this growing demand and today marks the completion of the first stage.”
Funding for our current project has been provided by the Welsh Rural Communities – Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government. Contributory match funding has been provided through the Landfill Community Fund, with the support of local landfill operator, Potters Waste Management.
Both pitches at the site have been improved. The first choice senior pitch has been extended and a new ball stop net system has been installed at each end. This pitch now has purpose built coach shelters and pitch-side bench seating for around 120 spectators.
The mini/junior pitch has been extended to provide the footprint for a future floodlit artificial surface for mini and junior football and training. It is also now large enough to be divided into 2 separate mini pitches.
The work has been designed to provide essential services, such as 3 phase power and sewage treatment, and to create the footprint for the next development stage. This has involved considerable excavation work at the site and has included improvement to the access to the site from the highway, improved site drainage and reconfiguration of car parking.
“We believe users of the site will notice a big difference and the experience for both players and supporters should be much improved. Our focus will now turn to planning and fundraising for a new building to be constructed on the site to house changing rooms and a clubroom.
“Our club is already an important part of the local rural community and once the proposed building is complete we plan to make it available for wider community uses, as identified in our community consultation.”
Cabinet Secretary for Energy, Planning and Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths, said: “Our Rural Development Programme is designed to boost rural communities and this project achieves these aims by tackling poverty and supporting economic priorities, whilst helping the community to thrive.
“I am pleased we have been able to assist in improving Clarbeston Road AFC. The work carried out to improve the pitches will support football in the community, promoting social inclusion, poverty reduction and economic development in rural areas.”
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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