Sport

County beaten by young Swans in final friendly

Published

2 years ago

August 3, 2022

HAVERFORDWEST County suffered defeat in their final friendly on Saturday (Jul 30) as they were beaten 5-2 by Swansea City’s Under 23s.

In an entertaining affair which saw both sides display a willingness to play an attractive style of football, the visitors’ clinical touch was key to deciding the final outcome.

Captain Dylan Rees and winger Jack Wilson found the net for the Bluebirds, who were playing in front of their home supporters for the first time since April.

Swansea went close to taking the lead after eight minutes when a shot came back off the left post and and into the path of an onrushing Swans player, who was unable to react in time to direct his shot goalwards.

They did find the net two minutes later though, when a cross from inside the area was headed in from point-blank range to make it 1-0.

County had a chance to make a swift response when they won possession back high up the pitch to give Ben Fawcett the chance to sprint through on goal, but Swansea were able to recover and make a vital challenge to dispossess the striker.

Tony Pennock’s men were made to rue this missed opportunity when the Swans struck twice in space of two minutes to extend their lead to three. Firstly, a shot from inside the area found the bottom left corner, before a well-worked move ended with the ball being tapped in at the back post.

The Bluebirds weren’t feeling sorry for themselves though, as Wilson saw his effort from the edge of the area roll just wide of the left post. And not long after, the deficit was reduced to two when Rees rose highest to head in at the near post from Jamie Veale’s corner to make it 1-3.

Just two minutes after pulling a goal back, however, County conceded again when Swansea worked the ball into the area to provide space for a shot which beat Lewis Brass at the near post, giving the visitors a 4-1 interval lead.

After making a bright start to the second-half, Pennock’s side got their reward after a break upfield saw Wilson advance on goal, before showing good composure to direct his shot into the left corner.

Shortly before the hour mark, Jazz Richards was introduced from the bench for the first time in pre-season, allowing him to get 30 minutes under his belt with the new season just around the corner.

With the final 10 minutes approaching, Fawcett had a chance to get his name on the scoresheet when Ryan George’s cross into the area picked him out, but the forward’s flicked effort was saved at the near post.

Swansea had displayed a ruthless streak in front of goal throughout the afternoon, and they found the net for a fifth time with 10 minutes to go to round off the scoring.

The Bluebirds will now look forward to Friday’s (Aug 5) game in the first round of the Nathaniel MG Cup, having been drawn at home against Barry Town United. Kick off is at 7:45pm.

Their first game of the JD Cymru Premier season is just over a week later, at home against Caernarfon Town.

Related Topics:Football Haverfordwest pembrokeshire

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New Hedges Saundersfoot win cup final in style.

Published

23 hours ago

May 2, 2024

Herald Sport

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

Published

2 days ago

May 1, 2024

Herald Sport

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.

Published

2 days ago

May 1, 2024

Herald Sport

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.