Sport
Bluebirds earn a point against Nomads
BEN Fawcett struck a dramatic late equaliser to earn Haverfordwest County a deserved point in a 1-1 draw with reigning Cymru Premier champions Connah’s Quay Nomads on Saturday (Oct 2).
Neither side were at their fluent attacking best in the first-half, with Elliot Scotcher’s blocked effort and Jack Wilson’s shot from outside the area the closest the Bluebirds came to opening the scoring.
The visitors took the lead 10 minutes before half-time, when Alhagi Touray Sisay was adjudged to have fouled Nomads forward Jamie Insall inside the area, and Nomads captain Callum Morris made no mistake from 12 yards.
This was to be the Nomads’ only clear-cut opportunity of the entire 90 minutes, with the Bluebirds defence limiting Craig Harrison’s side to speculative efforts, as they dealt well with crosses into the area.
Wayne Jones’ side were much more purposeful in the second period, as they ramped up the pressure in search of an equalising goal.
They nearly made the perfect start to the second-half when Scotcher’s effort from distance flew just wide of the right post.
Touray Sisay, who had scored five goals in his last three matches, had a great opportunity to level matters with just over 20 minutes left to play. The striker was freed inside the area by Wilson, giving him a chance to shoot from close range, however a last-ditch challenge forced the ball behind for a corner.
Mason Jones-Thomas was introduced with just under a quarter of an hour left to play, and the young winger provided real impetus from the bench as the Bluebirds continued to push hard for an equaliser.
The hosts thought they had found that equaliser when Jazz Richards played Wilson through on goal, and the winger dinked the ball over Oliver Byrne but saw it stop agonisingly short of the goal line.
It appeared that it was going to be one of those afternoons for County. However, with just two minutes of normal time remaining, a cross into the area came off the head of captain Dylan Rees and onto the left post, taking it across the goal line.
The Nomads tried desperately to stop it going in, but Fawcett was alert to the situation and managed to force it from underneath Declan Poole and across the line to spark wild celebrations.
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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