Sport

Bluebirds soar to the top after beating Wingmakers

Published

2 years ago

August 29, 2022

HAVERFORDWEST County went joint top of the JD Cymru Premier on Saturday (Aug 27) after a strong second-half display earned the Bluebirds a convincing 3-0 win against Airbus UK Broughton.

A brace from substitute Jordan Davies, after Henry Jones’ free-kick had given the hosts a half-time lead, helped Tony Pennock’s side to a second league victory of the season.

County had to work hard against a competitive Wingmakers side, who were very much in the contest in the first-half, but the Bluebirds’ extra quality made a telling difference after the break as they put on a show for a home crowd of over 400 at the Ogi Bridge Meadow.

Pennock made three changes to the side that drew 1-1 with Bala Town on MD3, with Zac Jones and Jamie Veale coming in to make their first league starts for the club, while wing-back Ryan George was also handed a starting berth as Lewis Brass, Elliot Scotcher and Jordan Davies dropped to the bench.

It was the visitors who had the first sight on goal, when Jake Phillips’ long throw into the box was met by George Peers, who directed his effort wide of the right post.

After Joe Palmer had seen his shot from distance fly well over the crossbar, the Bluebirds had a good chance to go ahead when Jack Wilson headed the ball into the path of Ben Fawcett, who saw his shot under pressure gathered by Lewis Dutton.

The hosts suffered a setback nine minutes before half-time when midfielder Ricky Watts was forced off through injury after taking a knock minutes before. Scotcher came on in his place.

Chances were few and far between in a scrappy opening 45 minutes, however, with almost the final action of the first-half, County took the lead.

After Ben Fawcett had been fouled five yards from the left side of the area, Jones stepped up and saw his effort go under Dutton and into the net for his first goal of the season, which gave the team a real confidence boost heading into half-time.

The Bluebirds took this momentum into the second period, as a cross into the area found an unmarked Fawcett, but the striker’s header went over the bar.

Pennock introduced Jordan Davies from the bench after 63 minutes, and just moments after coming on the forward was played through on goal but was unable to keep his shot down and saw it fly over.

There was another big chance for County three minutes later when George was played through on goal, but Dutton was equal to his effort to keep thee deficit at one for the time being.

Pennock’s men continued to keep the pressure on, as Fawcett saw his shot saved at the near post just a minute later.

And the pressure eventually told soon after when Dutton’s misplaced clearance landed at the feet of Scotcher, who slid a pass through to Jordan Davies, and he made no mistake by firing into the left corner to double the advantage with less than 20 minutes remaining.

Goalkeeper Jones had a solid first outing between the sticks for Haverfordwest County, and the New Zealand stopper got down well to deny substitute Beau Cornish’s shot in the closing stages to preserve the clean sheet.

And with the win already secured, there was just enough time for the hosts to add a third and final goal.

After substitute Ioan Evans had won possession back in midfield, the ball fell to Veale who played a through ball for Jordan Davies, with the striker showing great composure to take it around Dutton and roll it into an empty net to end the game in perfect fashion.

The Bluebirds are next in action on Tuesday (August 30), when we travel to the SDM Glass Stadium to take on Penybont. Kick-off is at 7.45pm, and the game will be shown live on Sgorio via their digital platforms (Facebook and YouTube).

Report by Haverfordwest County

Related Topics:Bluebirds Football Haverfordwest pembrokeshire

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Sport

New Hedges Saundersfoot win cup final in style.

Published

2 days 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

3 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

3 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.