Sport
Late goals see Bluebirds into round three
HAVERFORDWEST COUNTY booked their place in round three of the Nathaniel MG Cup on Saturday (Aug 7) as they beat Goytre United 3-0 at the Bridge Meadow.
The game was the Bluebirds’ first competitive game of the season, while opponents Goytre held a 100% record from their opening three JD Cymru South games.
With social distancing rules being relaxed there was a good crowd at the Bridge Meadow but they saw a first half that lacked any real chances.
The goals eventually came late on as the Bluebirds were finally rewarded for their dominance.
New signing and captain Dylan Rees was in the starting line up for the home side as was Henry Jones who also signed in the summer.
The first chance of the game fell the way of the hosts as Corey Shephard sent a strong shot just over the bar.
Ten minutes later, Shephard found Jack Wilson in the box but the striker saw his shot deflected wide for a corner. From the resulting corner Dylan Rees was brought down in the box but the referee pointed for a goal kick.
Kieran Lewis then found Wilson but he couldn’t get the ball out of his feet and Goytre were able to clear.
Daniel Birch then saw a shot blocked for the visitors and the ball fell to Louis Gerrard but his low drive was comfortably gathered by County keeper Wojciech Gajda.
Birch then crossed into the box for Liam Griffiths whose header looped just over the bar with Gajda scrambling to try and reach it.
Dylan Rees and Henry Jones linked up well for the Bluebirds but, as had been the case on a couple of occasions in the first half, the final ball was lacking and Goytre were able to get the ball away.
On the stroke of half time Jones sent a long range effort wide of the posts and the score remained 0-0 when the referee brought the first half to a close.
Both sides knew that the first goal would prove crucial and it was the Bluebirds who were inches away from getting it, ten minutes in to the second half.
Kieran Lewis saw his low shot come back off the post and Goytre breathed a sigh of relief.
With twenty minutes to go the visitors enjoyed a good spell of possession. However, Callum Bateman may have rued his decision to shoot from a free kick in the middle of the half when he could have floated it into the box for a team mate.
Liam Griffiths then saw his effort go over but it wouldn’t have counted had it gone as the flag had gone up for offside.
Louis Gerrard was then played in but Gajda, who had had little to do, came out to clear the ball away.
With fifteen minutes to go the Bluebirds finally got the breakthrough as Shephard’s cross from the right fell kindly for Kieran Lewis and he had time to compose himself before lifting the ball into the net.
Gerrard then had another chance for the visitors as they looked for a late equaliser but his weak shot was easily saved by Gajda.
With the clock ticking towards 90 minutes, the Bluebirds broke and Wilson held the ball up well before squaring for sub Mason Jones-Thomas. He then sent a cross into the box and after Wilson left it Henry Jones was on hand to curl the ball back across goal and into the net.
In injury time, Goytre were reduced to ten men as Callum Bateman was shown a second yellow for late tackle.
There was still time for Jazz Richards to try his luck but when his shot was saved the ball fell to Shephard who fired in to the bottom corner for a deserved goal.
That was the last kick of the game and the Bluebirds will now look forward to the draw for the third round.
The Bluebirds begin their JD Cymru Premier campaign next Saturday (Aug 14) as they travel to Caernarfon Town.
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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