Sport

Swans grab last gasp play-off spot

Published

6 years ago

July 23, 2020

WAYNE ROUTLEDGE’s last-gasp header saw Swansea City secure a play-off spot with a handsome away victory over 10-man Reading on a dramatic Wednesday night (July 22).

Steve Cooper’s side knew they had to win at the Madejski Stadium to have any hope of a top-six finish, and Rhian Brewster’s 10th goal of the season gave them an ideal start.

The sending off of Yakou Meite then gave the Swans a man advantage, but the Royals equalised before the half through a George Puscas penalty.

The Swans restored their lead through a classy finish from substitute Routledge, before Liam Cullen showed great composure to steer in his first goal for the club.

And when Routledge popped up at the death to complete his brace it put the Swans into the top six as Forest suffered a 4-1 defeat at home to Stoke, meaning Swansea got into the play-offs on goal difference.

The Swans started on the front foot, with centurion Connor Roberts having particular joy down the right-hand flank.

Brewster then nearly threaded Conor Gallagher in on goal after fine work by Andre Ayew, before Roberts hit a strike into the ground and over the bar after Jake Bidwell had made the overlap on the opposite flank.

The hosts responded by having a good spell of possession, probing and asking a few questions of their own.

But the visitors hit the lead in the 16th minute through Brewster. The striker picked the ball up some 30 yards out and got the ball out of his feet before smashing a long-range drive that completely deceived Rafael in the Reading goal.

John Swift curled a free-kick over at the other end, while more good work by Roberts could not quite end with Bidwell getting on the end of a deep cross before Rafael made a hash of dealing with a Gallagher cross.

Swift headed straight at Erwin Mulder from a good counter on the half-hour mark, with Ayew quickly advancing up the field to work Rafael again.

Opportunities were coming at both ends, with Mulder called into action again as Meite took aim from the left side of the area.
Swansea were riding their luck a little and had a let-off when a sliced clearance landed on top of the bar.

Matt Grimes had a free-kick pushed away by Rafael before the home side were reduced to 10 men after Meite had pushed Mike van der Hoorn in the face after a tussle for the ball.

But the hosts made light of the numerical disadvantage by levelling after Bidwell was adjudged to have fouled Andy Rinomhota, with Puscas beating Mulder – who got a hand to the strike – from the spot.

However, the Swans should have led at the break. Ben Cabango’s shot was blocked and fell to Jay Fulton, but the Scot pulled his shot wide of the target.

Rafael pushed away an Ayew drive right on half-time, with Swansea frustrated that referee Stephen Martin did not award them a penalty of their own as Fulton went down under a challenge from Omar Richards.

With Cardiff winning and Nottingham Forest losing, Cooper knew goals were needed and he made two changes at the break.

Yan Dhanda came on for Fulton, while Routledge replaced van der Hoorn, and they were immediately on the front foot.

With Swansea committing so many players forward, Reading looked to sit deep and play on the break and they proved resolute as the visitors battled to find a way through.

Grimes curled a free-kick wide of the target and Gallagher also threatened from distance, but the hour mark came and went without any clear-cut chances to show for their dominance of possession and territory.

However, when they did craft a sight of goal they took the chance clinically. Grimes produced a lovely ball, and Routledge controlled superbly to loft the ball over Rafael and into the net.

Unfortunately for the Swans, that goal went in moments after Forest had equalised against Stoke, which appeared to put a sizeable dent in their playoff aspirations.

Nevertheless, Cooper’s side continued to search for more goals in the hope events in the East Midlands would turn back in their favour.

They so nearly made it 3-1 with 17 minutes to play as lovely link play from Rutledge and Bidwell ended with Ayew steering just wide.

The situation was changing all the time, and Stoke retook the lead at Forest to leave the door ajar for the Swans.

And, when Stoke scored a third at the City Ground and Cullen coolly fired home his first senior goal for the club with six minutes remaining, they suddenly only needed a goal to finish in the play-off places.

Grimes had a deflected shot tipped over but the Swans then got the goal they needed in stoppage time as Routledge popped up to nod in at the far post, with Stoke’s fourth goal putting the matter beyond doubt a few moments later to spark delighted celebrations among Cooper, his players and his staff.

Sport

Adam Muskett memorial football tournament returns to Tenby

Published

10 hours ago

June 22, 2026

Herald Sport

Annual event will honour popular young footballer while raising funds for Wales Air Ambulance

FOOTBALLERS, friends and families from across Pembrokeshire will come together next month to celebrate the life of a much-loved local sportsman at the second Adam Muskett Memorial 7-a-side Tournament.

The event, organised by Tenby AFC, will take place at The Clicketts Playing Fields on Saturday, July 25, bringing together teams for a day of football, remembrance and fundraising in memory of Adam Muskett.

Adam, 27, tragically lost his life alongside his girlfriend, Katie Worrell, 25, in a road traffic collision in June 2024. The tournament was established by his football club as a lasting tribute to his passion for the game and the impact he had on those around him.

Last year’s inaugural event proved a great success, raising £620 for Wales Air Ambulance. Following the positive response from players, supporters and the wider community, Tenby AFC has committed to making the tournament an annual fixture.

Recently, Adam’s parents, Helen and Andrew Muskett, joined Tenby AFC secretary Gareth Noot in presenting a cheque to Wales Air Ambulance Regional Fundraising Manager Mike May.

Speaking ahead of this year’s tournament, Helen and Andrew said: “As a family, we are extremely grateful to Gareth and the members and players at Tenby AFC for setting up this tournament as a tribute to Adam, and for all their support over the last two years.

“In particular, Gareth has been amazing and has worked incredibly hard, in such a respectful and considerate way, to support us in this and other matters.

“Last year’s tournament was such an enjoyable day, and we want to thank everyone who attended or contributed in any way. We especially want to thank the participating players, the referees, and those who helped at the entrance and with refreshments. It was wonderful to see so many families there.

“It really was a very special day that meant an awful lot to us as a family and a fitting tribute to Adam, who was passionate about football.”

Supporting a lifesaving charity

The family said they were keen for Wales Air Ambulance to remain the main beneficiary of the fundraising efforts.

They added: “We wanted Wales Air Ambulance to benefit from the funds raised because they helped Katie at the time of the collision, and Adam would have wanted them to be the first benefactor of the tournament.

“Our heartfelt thanks go to everyone involved, and we hope the tournament will continue for many years to come.”

Wales Air Ambulance is a consultant-led service that brings hospital-standard emergency care directly to patients across Wales. Working in partnership with the NHS Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service (EMRTS), its crews can provide advanced critical care at the scene of an incident, including anaesthesia, blood transfusions and minor surgical procedures.

Mike May, Regional Fundraising Manager for Wales Air Ambulance, said: “It’s humbling to hear that Adam’s club, family and friends will continue to come together to hold an annual tournament in his memory. It’s a touching tribute.

“We are deeply grateful that Adam’s family has chosen to support Wales Air Ambulance through this tournament following the care provided at the time of the collision.

“We hope as many people as possible support this event in honour of a very popular young man who was passionate about football.”

Teams invited to enter

The tournament is open to registered senior men’s football clubs. Each squad can register up to ten players and the entry fee is £50 per team.

Organisers are hoping for another strong turnout and a day that not only celebrates football, but also keeps Adam’s memory alive while supporting a charity that provides lifesaving care throughout Wales.

For more information or to enter a team, email [email protected] or call 07815 189374.

Photo caption: Helen and Andrew Muskett with Gareth Noot, Secretary of Tenby AFC, and Mike May of Wales Air Ambulance during the cheque presentation following last year’s tournament fundraising success.

News

Long Course Weekend set to bring thousands to Pembrokeshire

Published

23 hours ago

June 21, 2026

Herald Sport

Three days of swimming, cycling and running will once again transform Tenby into one of the UK’s biggest endurance sporting festivals

TENBY is preparing to welcome thousands of athletes and spectators from across the UK and around the world as the Long Course Weekend returns to Pembrokeshire from Friday, June 26 to Sunday, June 28.

Now firmly established as one of Europe’s largest participation sporting events, Long Course Weekend Wales combines swimming, cycling and running challenges over three days, attracting everyone from elite athletes to first-time competitors.

Unlike a traditional triathlon, competitors can enter one, two or all three disciplines, choosing distances that suit their ability. Those who complete the full long-course distances across all three days earn the coveted fourth medal, one of the event’s most sought-after prizes.

Three days of endurance

The weekend begins on Friday evening with the Wales Swim off Tenby’s famous North Beach.

Athletes will take to the waters of Carmarthen Bay in a range of distances, including the iconic 2.4-mile swim, while younger participants will have the chance to get involved through the popular LC Kinder event.

Saturday is dedicated to cycling, with thousands of riders expected to tackle the Pembrokeshire countryside during the Wales Sportive. Routes cater for a variety of abilities, from recreational cyclists to seasoned endurance competitors taking on the full long-course challenge.

The weekend reaches its climax on Sunday with a series of running events, including a 5K, 10K, half marathon and full marathon.

The marathon route is regarded as one of the most scenic and demanding road races in Wales, taking runners through some of Pembrokeshire’s most spectacular coastal and rural scenery before the final run back into Tenby and the cheers of thousands of spectators.

A major boost for the local economy

Long Course Weekend has become one of Pembrokeshire’s most important annual events.

Hotels, guest houses, campsites, restaurants, cafés and shops across Tenby, Saundersfoot and the wider county benefit from the influx of visitors, many of whom stay for several nights.

For many businesses, the event provides a welcome boost at the start of the summer season, filling accommodation and generating significant spending across the local economy.

The event has also helped establish Tenby as one of Britain’s leading destinations for endurance sport alongside the annual Ironman Wales competition.

Spectators welcome

One of the defining features of Long Course Weekend is the support provided by local communities.

From the swim start on North Beach to villages along the cycling and running routes, competitors are encouraged by thousands of spectators throughout the weekend.

The finish-line atmosphere in Tenby is widely regarded as one of the highlights of the event, with runners and cyclists greeted by packed crowds as they complete their challenge.

Families, residents and visitors are encouraged to come along and support participants, with viewing areas available throughout the course.

Road closures and travel advice

Residents are being urged to plan journeys carefully throughout the weekend.

Organisers have confirmed that the Wales Sportive cycling event will once again operate without full road closures, although motorists should expect increased numbers of cyclists on roads across south Pembrokeshire and are urged to drive with extra care.

Traffic restrictions and road closures will, however, be in place around Tenby and along parts of the running routes on Sunday.

Drivers should allow extra travel time and check the latest information from organisers before setting out.

Emergency access arrangements will remain in place throughout the weekend and organisers have worked closely with emergency services, local authorities and transport providers to minimise disruption while ensuring participant safety.

What to expect

For three days, Tenby becomes the centre of the endurance sports world.

Visitors can expect a festival atmosphere throughout the town, with athletes arriving from across Britain and overseas, cafés and restaurants bustling with activity, and competitors of all ages taking on personal challenges.

Some will be chasing podium places. Others will simply be aiming to cross the finish line.

Whatever their goal, Long Course Weekend continues to showcase Pembrokeshire at its best, combining world-class sporting competition with some of the finest scenery in Wales.

As thousands gather once again on the county’s coastline this weekend, organisers are promising another unforgettable celebration of endurance, determination and community spirit.

Long Course Weekend 2026 at a glance

Friday, June 26

Wales Swim
LC Kinder children’s events

Saturday, June 27

Wales Sportive cycling events

Sunday, June 28

5K run
10K run
Half marathon
Full marathon

Location: Tenby and surrounding Pembrokeshire routes

Spectators: Free to attend

Advice: Check road closure information before travelling and allow extra time for journeys throughout the weekend.

Sport

Pembroke County Cricket League: Week nine round-up

Published

1 day ago

June 21, 2026

Herald Sport

Saundersfoot extend Division One lead as Cresselly III continue unbeaten run

SAUNDERSFOOT strengthened their position at the top of Division One in the Thomas Carroll Pembroke County Cricket League with a convincing 145-run win over Burton.

Tom Mansbridge led the way with 86 as Saundersfoot posted 219-6, before Burton were bowled out for 74. Ollie Cook finished unbeaten on 20 and took 3-17, while Sam Franklin added 20 and 2-17.

Carew also enjoyed a strong afternoon, bowling Herbrandston out for 77 before reaching 79-2 to win by eight wickets. George Waters was the standout performer with 7-15, while Morgan Grieve made an unbeaten 61.

Cresselly kept themselves in the Division One chase with an eight-wicket win over Lawrenny. Mike Shaw took 4-10 before Tom Murphy’s unbeaten 105 saw Cresselly home.

Narberth beat Whitland by 103 runs, while St Ishmaels defeated Neyland by four wickets.

Division One results

Fixture	Result
Saundersfoot 219-6 v Burton 74 all out	Saundersfoot won by 145 runs
Carew 79-2 v Herbrandston 77 all out	Carew won by eight wickets
Cresselly 178-2 v Lawrenny 173 all out	Cresselly won by eight wickets
Whitland 108-9 v Narberth 211-4	Narberth won by 103 runs
St Ishmaels 139-6 v Neyland 137-8	St Ishmaels won by four wickets

Division One table

Pos	Team	Pld	Points
1	Saundersfoot	9	148
2	Carew	9	126
3	Neyland	9	117
4	Cresselly	9	116
5	Burton	9	99
6	Herbrandston	9	95
7	Narberth	9	78
8	St Ishmaels	9	64
9	Whitland	9	49
10	Lawrenny	9	47

Hook stay top in Division Two

HOOK remain top of Division Two after a dramatic one-wicket win over Johnston.

Johnston were bowled out for 137, with Callum James taking 4-26 and Brennan Martin 3-37. Hook then edged home on 141-9, helped by Aled Phelps’ 68.

Haverfordwest kept up the pressure with a seven-wicket win over Pembroke. Simon Williams took 5-11 and Fin Ateyo 4-19 before Ben Field’s unbeaten 43 guided Haverfordwest to victory.

Cresselly II beat Llangwm by 11 runs, Fishguard defeated Pembroke Dock by 18 runs, and Llechryd beat Llanrhian by 71 runs.

Division Two results

Fixture	Result
Llangwm 155 all out v Cresselly II 166 all out	Cresselly II won by 11 runs
Pembroke Dock 57 all out v Fishguard 75 all out	Fishguard won by 18 runs
Pembroke 93 all out v Haverfordwest 94-3	Haverfordwest won by seven wickets
Hook 141-9 v Johnston 137 all out	Hook won by one wicket
Llechryd 204-6 v Llanrhian 133 all out	Llechryd won by 71 runs

Division Two table

Pos	Team	Pld	Points
1	Hook	9	138
2	Haverfordwest	9	133
3	Johnston	9	131
4	Cresselly II	9	129
5	Pembroke	9	129
6	Fishguard	9	93
7	Pembroke Dock	9	73
8	Llanrhian	9	73
9	Llangwm	9	70
10	Llechryd	9	65

Laugharne lead Division Three

LAUGHARNE stayed top of Division Three with a five-wicket win over Carew II.

Carew II were bowled out for 128 before Laugharne reached 129-5. Callum Collins-Davies took 4-13, Joe Hodges claimed 3-33 and finished 21 not out, while Matt Tait made an unbeaten 53.

Hundleton beat Kilgetty by one wicket in a close contest, Lamphey defeated Stackpole by eight wickets, Pembroke II beat Burton II by seven wickets, and Haverfordwest II beat Saundersfoot II by 43 runs.

Division Three results

Fixture	Result
Laugharne 129-5 v Carew II 128 all out	Laugharne won by five wickets
Hundleton 164-9 v Kilgetty 163-5	Hundleton won by one wicket
Stackpole 112-8 v Lamphey 113-2	Lamphey won by eight wickets
Burton II 146 all out v Pembroke II 150-3	Pembroke II won by seven wickets
Haverfordwest II 133 all out v Saundersfoot II 90 all out	Haverfordwest II won by 43 runs

Division Three table

Pos	Team	Pld	Points
1	Laugharne	9	143
2	Carew II	9	113
3	Kilgetty	9	113
4	Pembroke II	9	112
5	Lamphey	9	110
6	Saundersfoot II	9	91
7	Burton II	8	87
8	Hundleton	9	78
9	Haverfordwest II	9	76
10	Stackpole	8	35

Division Four remains tight

LAWRENNY II remain top of Division Four, although they had no game against Carew III.

Narberth II recorded a heavy win over Crymych, making 216-7 before bowling Crymych out for 58 to win by 158 runs. Manu Iddagoda made 62 and Arron Keane 57.

Neyland II beat Hook II by seven wickets, Herbrandston II defeated Llechryd II by 85 runs, and Haverfordwest III beat St Ishmaels II by 41 runs.

Division Four results

Fixture	Result
Lawrenny II v Carew III	No game
Narberth II 216-7 v Crymych 58 all out	Narberth II won by 158 runs
Neyland II 184-3 v Hook II 182-6	Neyland II won by seven wickets
Herbrandston II 216-6 v Llechryd II 131 all out	Herbrandston II won by 85 runs
Haverfordwest III 128-9 v St Ishmaels II 87 all out	Haverfordwest III won by 41 runs

Division Four table

Pos	Team	Pld	Points
1	Lawrenny II	8	120
2	St Ishmaels II	9	119
3	Narberth II	9	114
4	Hook II	9	109
5	Herbrandston II	9	104
6	Neyland II	9	103
7	Crymych	9	92
8	Llechryd II	9	85
9	Haverfordwest III	9	84
10	Carew III	8	45

Cresselly III stay unbeaten

CRESSELLY III continued their unbeaten Division Five campaign with a 15-run win over Llangwm II.

Cresselly III made 190-6, with Steffan Jenkins scoring 57, Ollie Toy 47 and George Davies 32. Llangwm II replied with 175 all out, despite Toby Asson’s 68 and Bill Brant’s 40.

Llanrhian II beat Pembroke Dock II by three wickets, helped by Michael Lawrence’s unbeaten 43 and 2-6. Pembroke III defeated Whitland II by 67 runs, with Harry Penniket making 48.

Division Five results

Fixture	Result
Cresselly III 190-6 v Llangwm II 175 all out	Cresselly III won by 15 runs
Llanrhian II 104-7 v Pembroke Dock II 102 all out	Llanrhian II won by three wickets
Pembroke III 128-8 v Whitland II 61 all out	Pembroke III won by 67 runs
Llechryd III v Hundleton II	No game

Division Five table

Pos	Team	Pld	Points
1	Cresselly III	8	146
2	Llangwm II	8	113
3	Llanrhian II	8	108
4	Whitland II	9	106
5	Pembroke III	8	79
6	Pembroke Dock II	9	63
7	Llechryd III	7	58
8	Hundleton II	7	28

Haverfordwest IV lead Division Six

ONLY one Division Six match was completed, with Haverfordwest/Cresselly beating Lamphey II by eight wickets.

Lamphey II were bowled out for 89 before Haverfordwest/Cresselly reached 90-2. Tom Rowlands was unbeaten on 66, while Dan Cole finished 12 not out and took 2-13.

Whitland III’s match with Haverfordwest IV was abandoned, as was Kilgetty II’s fixture against Laugharne II. Neyland III had a bye.

Division Six results

Fixture	Result
Whitland III v Haverfordwest IV	Match abandoned
Kilgetty II v Laugharne II	Match abandoned
Lamphey II 89 all out v Haverfordwest/Cresselly 90-2	Haverfordwest/Cresselly won by eight wickets
Neyland III	Bye