Sport

Williams brace helps Robins to comeback victory over Bluebirds

Published

2 years ago

September 6, 2022

HAVERFORDWEST County ended up on the wrong end of a 3-2 scoreline for the second time in a week as Newtown came from behind to beat the Bluebirds at the Ogi Bridge Meadow.

Dylan Rees’ excellent strike – his first goal for the club – gave County a 1-0 lead before Louis Robles’ header levelled matters, however Jack Wilson’s goal in first-half stoppage time meant Tony Pennock’s side led at the interval.

Things did not go the Bluebirds’ way after the break, though, as a brace from Aaron Williams helped the visitors to turn the game around and take all three points.

Manager Pennock selected the same starting 11 from the game against Penybont earlier in the week, with the returning Lee Idzi – who completed a return to the club this week – taking his place on the bench, along with Ricky Watts, who missed the game in Bridgend through injury.

In testing conditions, the hosts started well and had the first opportunity of the game when Rees glanced a header wide from Jamie Veale’s corner.

After fouls on striker Ben Fawcett had earned Ryan Sears and George Hughes a yellow card apiece, Pennock’s side took the lead after a quarter of an hour when a headed clearance fell into the path of Rees, and he showed excellent technique to unleash a first-time volley which flew into the bottom left corner past the helpless Dave Jones.

This goal gave the Bluebirds a confidence boost, and they could well have doubled their advantage seven minutes later when Jordan Davies got to the byline and squared to Rhys Abbruzzese, but the full-back’s first-time effort whistled over the crossbar.

Chris Hughes’ side began to grow into the game as the half wore on, and they found an equalising goal when Nick Rushton’s cross into the area picked out the unmarked Robles who headed home to make it all square.

The momentum had swung the way of the Robins following the goal, and they could have taken the lead as Hughes’ ball into the area was deflected on to left post by the outstretched leg of Lee Jenkins, with Zeli Ismail shooting just wide shortly after.

It appeared that the teams were going to head into the break level, but, just as they had done last weekend against Airbus UK Broughton, the Bluebirds struck in first-half stoppage time when Ryan George crossed to Fawcett, and he swept the ball into the path of Wilson who prodded home from close range to give County a 2-1 half-time lead.

With the momentum shifting again after Wilson’s second league goal of the season, Pennock’s side came close to doubling their advantage two minutes into the second-half, but midfielder Jamie Veale lost his footing on the wet turf as he prepared to direct Wilson’s cross on goal.

Jordan Davies then got a shot away from a tight angle which forced a save from Jones as Haverfordwest County searched for a third goal.

Newtown remained in the contest though, and shortly after the hour mark they equalised for a second time when Williams produced an acrobatic effort from inside the area to set up a grandstand final 30 minutes or so.

Both teams had opportunities to swing the match their way after this, with Rushton’s snapshot from inside the area saved by Zac Jones, before Jordan Davies’ shot from a similar angle was saved at the near post by Jones.

However, with just over five minutes left on the clock, the decisive moment went the way of last season’s third place finishers when Hughes’ shot rolled into the path of Williams, and the forward reacted to divert it home and hand the Robins all three points.

The Bluebirds are next in action on Saturday, September 10 when we travel to Park Hall to take on reigning champions The New Saints.

The game kicks off at 5.15pm, and will be shown live on Sgorio via their digital platforms on Facebook and YouTube.

Related Topics:Bridge Meadow Football Haverfordwest pembrokeshire

Up Next

Neyland begin season with win over Llanybydder

Don't Miss

Robson-Kanu teams up with Haverfordwest County AFC to provide functional nutrition

Sport

New Hedges Saundersfoot win cup final in style.

Published

3 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

5 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

5 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.