Sport
Championship round up: Cardiff hit four, Swansea hit for four
CARDIFF City strengthened their push for a play-off place on Saturday as they thrashed Preston North End 4-0 at the Cardiff City Stadium.
The Bluebirds are now three points off the play-off places with managerless Bournemouth well within reach after their 2-1 defeat to QPR at the weekend.
Cardiff were ahead as early as the second minute in their game with Preston as a penalty was given after Sean Morrison was brought down in the area.
Kieffer Moore fired the ball in for his fourteenth goal in a Cardiff shirt.
The home side came close to doubling their lead when Harry Wilson’s free kick was headed towards goal but Preston keeper Daniel Iversen made a good save to keep it out.
Preston striker Ched Evans also came close with a header but City keeper Dillon Phillips also made the save.
It remained 1-0 at the break but within a minute of the restart the Bluebirds did double their lead.
Wilson set up Josh Murphy who shot low into the far bottom corner.
Preston seemingly woke up after that goal and were awarded a penalty when Wilson brought down substitute Anthony Gordon.
City keeper Phillips guessed the right way to save Paul Gallagher’s spot kick but in the follow up, Aden Flint was judged to have fouled Gallagher and the referee pointed to the spot for a second time.
This time it was Ched Evans who took on the responsibility but Phillips again guessed the right way to make a second save in a matter of minutes.
That all but ended Preston’s brief fight back and the Bluebirds were soon three goals ahead.
A mix-up at the back saw Sheyi Ojo gain the ball and his cross found Moore whose header was saved by Iversen but the rebound was followed up by Marlon Pack who tapped in.
Cardiff were not done there though as sub Mark Harris latched on to a poor back pass and rounded the keeper and defenders to slot into an empty net to make it 4-0.
Swans suffer shock defeat in Yorkshire
SWANSEA City suffered a shock 4-1 defeat at the hands of Huddersfield Town on Saturday.
The Swans came into the game on the back of a win against Nottingham Forest the previous Wednesday.
They came up against a Huddersfield side though who had beaten them 2-1 at the Liberty earlier in the season and it was former Cardiff man Fraizer Campbell who put them ahead at the John Smiths Stadium.
Conor Hourihane did level for the Swans on the stroke of half time with an excellent free kick but that was as good as it got for Steve Cooper’s side.
The Terriers scored three goals in the space of ten minutes at the start of the second half to seal an emphatic win.
Lewis O’Brien put Huddersfield ahead and Duane Holmes then added a third. He saved the best for last though as his stunning strike found the top corner.
There was more disappointing news for the Swans after new signing Jordan Morris was taken off on a stretcher with boss Cooper saying it ‘doesn’t look good’.
Swansea have slipped to fourth in the table following the weekend’s other results while Cardiff sit seventh.
Swansea are in action again on Wednesday as they host Coventry City in a 7pm kick off.
Cardiff visit Bournemouth in what will be a crucial game for both sides, kick off is at 7:45pm.
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.
-
News4 days ago
Police investigating after woman found dead on beach near Pennar
-
News4 days ago
Police discover body in search for Luke Stephenson, 19
-
News4 days ago
Councillors block Milford Haven boxing event – promoter to appeal
-
Crime5 days ago
Llandissilio man accused of making hundreds of child abuse images
-
News3 days ago
Beautiful, funny and lovely: Family pay tribute to Sian Batchelor
-
Business5 days ago
Lidl GB eyes Pembroke Dock for new larger supermarket
-
News5 days ago
Search efforts continue for missing teenager Luke Stephenson
-
Politics6 days ago
Fears new 4G phone mast would impact on historic building