Sport
Bluebirds edged out by Canaries in closely-fought encounter
Haverfordwest County were left wondering what might have been after a competitive game at The Oval ended 2-1 in favour of Caernarfon Town on Saturday (Sept 17).
JD Cymru Premier action returned after a week’s break following the death of Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and the Bluebirds got off to a poor start with Fidel O’Rourke’s strike giving the Canaries an early lead.
A fine solo effort from Jack Wilson drew the Bluebirds level, but, despite appearing to have the momentum, County conceded for a second time when Joe Faux found the net with what turned out to be the decisive goal.
Manager Tony Pennock made one change to the starting lineup from the last outing against Newtown a fortnight ago, with Elliot Scotcher coming in for Jazz Richards, who was unavailable through injury. There was also a first appearance in the matchday squad for striker Ivan Watkins, who joined the club on deadline day.
It was the hosts who started better as Rob Hughes’ shot from the edge of the area took a deflection and looped over the crossbar inside the first minute of the game.
Then, just four minutes later, Caernarfon went ahead when the ball landed invitingly for O’Rourke to fire home from inside the area, with the Bluebirds defending with just nine men with Rhys Abbruzzese and Ioan Evans off the pitch receiving treatment.
The heavy knock which Evans sustained eventually forced him off five minutes later, after he had tried to shake it off to no avail, with Watkins coming on in his place to make his debut for the Bluebirds.
Pennock’s side showed a good response to going a goal behind, and they created a great chance to equalise when a pinpoint ball upfield from Abbruzzese picked out Wilson, but he was denied by Josh Tibbetts after bringing the ball under control and shooting from just inside the area.
The remainder of the first-half was keenly-contested, as both sides battled to gain control. The closest County came to levelling was when Scotcher’s free-kick in stoppage time flew just over the bar.
Haverfordwest County came out with real intent after the restart, and could have found the net just two minutes into the second-half when Wilson’s ball to the far post almost picked out Jordan Davies, but the striker was unable to reach it and get the touch which surely would have sent it goalwards.
Watkins then blazed an effort over the bar as the Bluebirds continued to keep the pressure on, and it paid off just minutes later when another inch-perfect pass from Abbruzzese found Wilson, and the winger’s quick feet left Dion Donohue floundering before he shot past Tibbetts into the left corner to make it 1-1.
Now with the momentum, County pressed for a second goal, and they came close when Watkins’ squared pass found Ben Fawcett and Wilson was close by to strike the loose ball which was tipped over the bar by Tibbetts.
However, just five minutes later, the Caernarfon restored their lead when Faux was played in by a through ball and struck his first-time effort into the right corner.
After signing his first professional contract with the club last week, youngster Harri John was introduced with just under 20 minutes remaining to make his senior debut for Haverfordwest County.
The remaining chances in the game both fell the way of the Bluebirds. Captain Dylan Rees was unable to mark his birthday with a goal as his lobbed effort from inside the area was off target, before Fawcett saw his header from point-blank range well saved by Tibbetts to deny the Bluebirds what would have been a deserved share of the spoils.
Haverfordwest County are next in action on Tuesday evening, when they travel to Rhiw’r Ddar to face Taff’s Well in the third round of the Nathaniel MG Cup, kick-off is at 7.45pm.
The Bluebirds then return to league action on Saturday, September 24 as they host Flint Town United at the Ogi Bridge Meadow, kick-off at 2.30pm.
FISHGUARD will once again play host to the Wales Triathlon this summer, with hundreds of competitors set to descend on the town for the popular sporting event on Sunday, June 15.
Organised by Activity Wales Events, the triathlon includes a two-lap sea swim in Fishguard Bay, followed by a two-lap cycle from Fishguard to St Davids and a four-lap run along the Marine Walk and out onto the breakwater.
In order to facilitate the bike leg on closed roads, several road closures will be in place throughout the day.
Major road closures
The A487 between Goodwick and Mathry will be closed between 9:45am and 3:00pm.
Between Mathry and Croesgoch, the A487 will be closed from 10:00am to 3:00pm, and from Croesgoch to St Davids the closure will run from 10:00am until 2:45pm.
Crossing points will be in operation at Mathry crossroads, Croesgoch crossroads, and the Llangoffan to Granston junction. Diversions will be signposted, with local traffic routed via minor B roads and through Haverfordwest for longer journeys.
Town centre impact
In Fishguard, West Street will be closed between 12:00pm and 6:00pm for the running stage. Residents will still be able to exit side roads, with diversions clearly marked.
Goodwick residents will be able to exit the town via the Tesco roundabout, which will remain open all day.
Care access and course passes
Care workers will be allowed access to visit clients within the closed sections, but must obtain a course pass via their organisation in advance.
On the day, carers using the route must:
- Follow the direction of the race
- Display their pass clearly
- Keep hazard lights on at all times
- Exit the route as soon as safely possible
Further information
The event attracted over 1,000 athletes last year, and organisers anticipate another strong turnout.
More information can be found at: www.walestriathlon.com/athletes/event-info
Road closure details are available at: community.walestriathlon.com
For course pass enquiries, contact: info@activitywalesevents.com
All matches complete as season concludes
THE 2024/25 season of the South Pembrokeshire Short Mat Bowls Association – known as The Friendly League – has now officially concluded, with all clubs completing their outstanding fixtures.
The past few weeks saw the following catch-up matches played:
- Carew 8–2 Llanteg
- St Johns 8–2 Cosheston
- Hundleton 8–2 Reynalton
- Reynalton 9–1 Lamphey
- Cosheston 10–0 Kilgetty
- East Williamston 9–1 Kilgetty
Final League Table (2024/25 Season)
| Position | Club | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | S/D | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | East Williamston | 20 | 18 | 0 | 2 | 313 | 158 |
| 2 | St Johns | 20 | 14 | 0 | 6 | 111 | 122 |
| =3 | Carew | 20 | 11 | 1 | 8 | 105 | 111 |
| =3 | Cosheston | 20 | 12 | 0 | 8 | 77 | 111 |
| 5 | Reynalton | 20 | 11 | 0 | 9 | 28 | 104 |
| 6 | Hundleton | 20 | 9 | 0 | 11 | 74 | 97 |
| 7 | Llanteg | 20 | 7 | 1 | 12 | -71 | 92 |
| 8 | St Twynnells | 20 | 8 | 1 | 11 | -97 | 89 |
| 9 | Badgers | 20 | 6 | 1 | 13 | -22 | 82 |
| =10 | Lamphey | 20 | 6 | 0 | 14 | -179 | 67 |
| =10 | Kilgetty | 20 | 6 | 0 | 14 | -262 | 67 |
Congratulations to East Williamston, who finish the season as clear champions with an impressive 158 points and a shot difference of +313.
FORMAL plans to redevelop the grounds of one of the oldest football clubs in Wales – which includes a new 310-seater stand – have been submitted to the council.
Aberystwyth Town Football Club has submitted an application for the redevelopment of its grounds at Park Avenue Stadium, Aberystwyth.
A supporting statement from agent JMS Planning and Development says the proposal seeks “full planning permission for the demolition of the existing main stand and the creation of a new clubhouse, turnstile, changing rooms, business unit and improvements to the existing seated and standing terraces which will include new roof canopies and all associated works”.
The formal application follows an earlier public consultation.
It adds: “Aberystwyth Town Football Club is proudly one of the oldest football clubs in Wales, whereby the club was founded some 140 years ago in 1884. The club is one of the founding members of what is now known as the ‘Cymru Premier’, of which it is only one of two teams to have never been relegated since its inception in 1992.
“The men’s senior team is loyally supported by local community and has seen an increase in attendance over the past couple of years, reaching nearly 6,000 spectators over the year for the men’s team alone. A number of Cymru Premier matches are broadcast live from the ground each season on S4C and streamed online to a worldwide audience. The Football Association of Wales recently confirmed a new structure and strategy to the league with the aim of boosting its commercial profile, competitiveness, and fan interest both nationally and internationally.
“As a Premier European Division, clubs are provided the opportunity to qualify for UEFA competitions and compete across the Continent, whereby it is imperative that facilities and infrastructure across the country are developed to meet UEFA Licensing requirements. Should Aberystwyth Town qualify – or host other clubs’ European matches as has occurred in recent years – the redevelopment of the facilities at Park Avenue will enable Ceredigion to continue to host continental sporting events.”
It says Aberystwyth Town Football Club “is often called ‘home’ by a number of other teams in the region which rely on the club’s facilities and all-weather pitch for the provision of training sessions and matches”.
The scheme itself is the first phase of development, the second relating to residential development.
Of phase 1, it says: “The proposal seeks the construction of a new clubhouse and community facility, a 310-seater stand, replacement turnstile, ticketing office, roofs over existing seated and standing terraces, new primary and secondary changing room facilities, dedicated business/employment unit, with improvements to accessibility throughout the site, including the re-construction of a dedicated disabled viewing platform.”
It adds: “The scheme proposes vast improvements to the accessibility of the site by providing step-free access throughout the whole site, thus promoting an inclusive environment. Similarly, the scheme introduces improvements to a dedicated viewing platform for less-able bodied.”
It goes on to say: “The existing main stand and changing rooms are in a state of deterioration and require significant investment if required to serve the club for years in the future. Hence, modern and fit-for-purpose facilities are proposed to revitalise the site which will enhance the provision of the community facility, encourage the uptake of sports, and in-turn promote the health and well-being of a wide range of social groups in the local and regional area.
“The development also promotes equality and inclusivity for both male and female players and officials, who will benefit from segregated and modern changing facilities, in accordance with the requirements of the Football Association of Wales.”
The application will be considered by county planners at a later date.
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