Sport
Rooks stand tall over Giants
CAREW ensured there would be a first all Pembrokeshire West Wales Cup Final on Wednesday night (Mar 27) as they beat Giants Grave 4-2 at Garden Village.
They will now play Merlins Bridge in the final at the Liberty Stadium on Tuesday, May 7, days after the two sides also meet in the Senior Cup Final.
The Rooks beat Giants Grave 5-2 on their way to the semi-finals in last years competition but were expecting it to be much tougher this time around.
However, the Pembrokeshire side blew their Neath opponents away in the first half, coming from behind to lead 4-1 at the break and that was enough to seal their passage to the final.
Giants Grave struck first as they were awarded penalty after only seven minutes when Iwan Izzard was penalised for a handball. Richard Evans slotted the penalty home.
The Rooks looked to get back into it and they eventually levelled just before the half hour mark when Sam Christopher scored after being played in by Alex Bayley.
Three minutes later Carew were ahead as Lloyd Hughes’ shot was fumbled in by Grave keeper Keiron Hyde.
They were not done there and four minutes after Christopher scored his second to make it 3-1.
Three minutes before half time Carew had their fourth as Hughes rounded the keeper to score his second of the night.
It was an excellent period for the Rooks and one that all but secured their place in the final.
However, they knew they would face a strong fight back from the Grave and they seemed determined to get back into it.
Eight minutes into the second half they did pull a goal back when Richard Evans scored a free kick from 20 yards to make it 4-2.
Try as they might the Grave were unable to add to their scoring and Carew saw the game out.
Speaking to the Herald after the game, assistant coach Jeremy Griffiths said: “It’s a bit surreal, a strange feeling but we are elated. We’ve been building for the last two-three years and we’ve finally got there.
“It’s a great honour for the club, it was our third time in the semi-finals so it was third time lucky for us and we look forward to taking on Merlins Bridge at the Liberty.
“We knew Giants Grave would come at us in the first quarter and they took the lead but they had a little wobble and we took full advantage and we scored some good goals.”
Carew: Tom Davies, Shaun Whitfield, Jack Christopher, Max Brindley, Zak Rowell, Iwan Izzard, Ian Darbyshire, Lloyd Hughes (James Hinchliffe 83), Alex Bayley, Jordan Richards (Tom Grover 86), Sam Christopher.
Subs not used: Ben Evans, Scott Richards, Haydn Shapcott.
Giants Grave: Keiron Hyde, Dan Williams, Simon Hanford, Ross Hobson, Chris Mahoney, Ross Davies (Josh Davies 65), Dean Evans, Luke Pearson, Tim Stephens, Richard Barness (Rob Canny 59), Richard Evans.
Subs not used: Jack Surman, Adam Llewellyn, Anthony Price.
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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