Sport
Wizards win well on new pitch
MERLINS BRIDGE picked up their first win of the season as they beat Monkton Swifts 6-2 on their new pitch at the Pembrokeshire Sports Village.
It was Monkton who took the lead though as Ben Steele scored with the assist coming from Jamie Wilkes.
The Wizards then turned the game on its head with three goals in as many minutes.
Joe Leahy scored first and Dai Davies then put the home side ahead a minute later.
They weren’t done there as Alfie Stottor added the Wizards’ third.
There was another chance for the Bridge but Swifts keeper Jordan Boswell gathered the ball before being clattered into.
Nothing was done about the collision and moments later Boswell committed a foul which gave the Wizards a penalty.
Joe Leahy stepped up and fired low into the bottom left corner to make it 4-1.
Ben Steele shot wide towards the end of the half as the Swifts looked for a way back into the game.
Midway through the second half the Swifts were also given a penalty. Steele scored from the spot to give his side hope of rescuing a point.
However, with 15 minutes to go, Stottor grabbed his second of the game to make it 5-2 and to all but seal the points.
Sub David Cromwell then added Merlins Bridge’s sixth goal to put the icing on the cake.
Merlins Bridge boss Jay Kennedy ‘JK’ said after the match: “Delighted with the result yesterday, the lads were first class in there application and the way they played.
“We have an amazing facility to play at with the Pembrokeshire Sports Village and the lads have embraced that & the way I want them to play & conduct themselves.
“To play & train on the new 4G the boys have got the best facilities in the Pembrokeshire league.
“With all the new club tracksuits & training wear coming soon & the 4G facility we’re playing at the club are moving in the right direction.
“We’re still actively looking to strengthen the squad & I am sure we will do that in the coming weeks.
“We move forward again & continue to keep improving next weekend away at Pennar which we will be ready for.”
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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