Sport

Spotlight – Fishguard Sports Manager Phil Jones

Published

1 year ago

December 19, 2023

Earlier this week we spoke to Fishguard Sports manager Phil Jones to get his thoughts on the season so far. As it’s Christmas he even treated us to his all time Pembrokeshire League XI too..

Herald – Firstly, how would you reflect on the season so far. A tough one so far for you, did you expect to be in a bit of a relegation fight before the season began?

Phil – We finished last season in 10th place and that was (and still is) my minimum target for this season. Whether I expected a relegation battle was perhaps a realistic evaluation but we’re certainly in one now. The division is much stronger for everyone in that there are no easy games and with the majority of teams I honestly think that there is not much to choose between them

Herald – September seemed a tough month for you, however since that you’ve had some positives even in defeat? Narrowly losing to Goodwick stands out, as well as a good cup win. Would you say you’re improving?

Phil – I thought our start was especially hard as four of our first five games were away.

We were poor the last 30 minutes at Milford United and the last 60 at Goodwick getting thumped on both occasions.

Other than that we have competed well in all games but our performances haven’t realised in the league the points we perhaps deserved.

I can think of a few times when things haven’t gone our way like leading Monkton at home 2-1 with 20 minutes to go and losing 3-2; behind 2-1 against Clarbeston Road and having the best of it but conceding the next goal to lose 3-1 and as you mention Goodwick at home – still in the game with 10 to go but again conceding to lose 2-0.

The table doesn’t lie but I honestly believe we have a chance to turn things around.

The shining light of our season so far has been our performances in the West Wales Cup.

We have played at our best on 3 occasions against teams from the Neath area (2 away from home) and along with 6 other Pembrokeshire teams are in the last 16.

As far as hopes and expectations for the remainder of the season I trust we can find the answer to our league difficulties, put in some decent performances, get more points on the board and strive to get to that elusive 10th position.

A run in the Senior Cup would be nice (although St Ishmaels may have other ideas) and a Home Draw in the West Wales Cup.

I’m not asking for much am I haha.

Herald – And finally as it’s Christmas, you’ve been a very well respected and successful coach in Pembrokeshire a long time now if you don’t mind me saying. If you had to pick your best ever Pembs 11 for a game on Boxing Day let’s say, what would it be?

Phil –

GK – Nicholas Jones

In goal I would have my youngest boy – he’s Nick or Nicky to all but he’ll always be Nicholas to me.

Currently at Carmarthen Town he provides a safe pair of hands, good feet, vocal (I wonder where he gets that from) and a re-assuring presence between the sticks.

Full Backs – Matthew Divry and Lee Hudgell.

A pair of marauding full backs in Matthew D’Ivry and Lee Hudgell. Both previous managers of Merlins Bridge who are still playing and who I have the utmost respect for.

Centre Backs – Nigel Delaney and Patrick Hughes

My centre backs would be Nigel Delaney and Patrick ‘Chesney’ Hughes.

Nigel has won all you can win in local football and his experience would shine through. Ches is my Captain and right hand man at Fishguard and the sort of individual you would want at your side if you had to go to war

Midfield – Alan Davies. Nathan Thomas. Matthew Delaney.

My midfield 3 combines experience and youth.

First there is Alan Davies with his combative and industrious style who very rarely came off second best.

Next would be Nathan Thomas who is the epitome of what Merlins Bridge is all about. His competitive edge alongside Alan would ensure most midfield battles would be won and they would cover when Divs and Hudge bombed forward.

Completing the midfield would be Matthew Delaney.

Now back at Goodwick I coached Mattie for most of his junior career and he has developed into a fine box to box player who can finish if given the opportunity

Right Wing – Adrian Haworth

On the right would be a Pembrokeshire legend who won titles galore in Adrian Haworth. His pace and goal scoring exploits would be beneficial to the team and add to that the fact that he’s such a nice guy.

Left Wing – Charlie Davies

Left of an attacking three would be another one of my junior successes. Now at one of Nicholas’ previous clubs in Cinderford Town and scoring goals for fun, here we have Alan’s boy Charlie Davies and his wand of a left peg.

Striker – Peter Nash

Leading the line would be my old team mate from our time at Crundale, Peter Nash.

He moved to the area from Cardiff, joined his local team and helped us through the Divisions to ‘almost’ get to Division One. He had electric pace, was a brilliant finisher, is a true friend and could have played at a much higher level.

An 11 of family and friends that would make others sit up and take notice.

Add to that a bench containing Laurie; Will and Joe Haworth; Scott Delaney and Peter Thomas.

As manager I’d have Fishguard’s Gareth ‘Mad Dog’ McKenzie and Matthew Griffiths as my Assistants and a supportive Chairman in Jon Luke.

I’d like to end by wishing all players and officials in the Pembrokeshire football community a very Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

We’ll all be back at it in January.’

Thanks to Phil for taking the time to share his thoughts with us. That team would take some beating and I’m sure will spark debate up and down the county this festive break.

Sport

Devonald’s hat-trick secures St Ishmaels’ dominant win over Herbrandston

Published

4 days ago

December 18, 2024

Herald Sport

Herbrandston 0 – St Ishmaels 6

BRENNAN DEVONALD delivered a masterclass as St Ishmaels thrashed Herbrandston 6-0, with the skipper leading from the front and scoring a stunning hat-trick. The comprehensive victory propels St Ishmaels to eighth in the league table, while Herbrandston remain rooted to the bottom without a single point.

The visitors asserted their dominance from the outset. Devonald opened the scoring in the 9th minute, latching onto a pinpoint assist from Owen Lawrence. He doubled their lead just before halftime in the 40th minute, again set up by Lawrence, giving St Ishmaels a comfortable cushion at the break.

St Ishmaels maintained their momentum in the second half, adding four more goals to cap off a stellar team performance. Adam Kingsbeer’s clever play set up Ieuan Hawkins for the third, before Tom Williams capitalised on another opportunity to make it 4-0. Devonald sealed his hat-trick in the 85th minute with an expertly taken goal, and Joel Mills added the finishing touch in the dying moments, courtesy of an assist from Sol Goodall.

Team line-ups

Herbrandston: Adrian Rees, Oliver Robinson, Ethan Chalker, Scott Findlay, Dean John (Captain), Harley Barrett, Gedion Hockin, Leon Whatling, Scott Gillespie, Cian Davenport. Subs: Leo Duncan, Jacob James, Nico Cockrell.

St Ishmaels: Owen Thomas, Sol Goodall, Owen Lawrence, Finley Armstrong, Brennan Devonald (Captain), Adam Kingsbeer, Ieuan Hawkins, Joel Mills, Tom Williams, Daniel Coe, Nathan Thomas. Subs: Max Howells, Tyler Sheil.

Sport

Dominant wins for Pembrokeshire sides in West Wales Intermediate Cup round 3

Published

4 days ago

December 18, 2024

Herald Sport

Goodwick United 7-0 Carew

Goodwick United put on a commanding performance with a 7-0 triumph over Carew. The home side proved too powerful for their opponents, with Rhys Dalling and Rhys Jones each bagging two goals. Matty Delaney, Will Haworth, and Daniel Bryce also got their names on the scoresheet. As one of Pembrokeshire’s top teams, Goodwick will aim to build on this dominant win as they progress to the next round.

Hakin United 13-0 Clydach Sports

Hakin United were in ruthless form as they dispatched Clydach Sports 13-0. Jack Britton led the charge with an impressive five-goal haul, while Liam Parks netted a hat-trick. Jack Griffiths, Jay Kilby, Kieran King, Justin Harding, and Mason Dolling all contributed to the comprehensive scoreline. Hakin, one of the premier teams in Pembrokeshire, will be keen to continue their pursuit of the cup after this emphatic victory.

Merlins Bridge 7-3 Treboeth United

Merlins Bridge secured a thrilling 7-3 victory over Treboeth United in an exciting encounter. Nathan Evans was the star of the show, scoring a hat-trick, while Tom Jago, Jason Griffiths, Hayden Dimond, and Ashton Plunkett all found the back of the net. Treboeth’s Liam Manning, Cori Jones, and Matthew Colley fought valiantly but could not prevent the home side from taking the win. Merlins Bridge will be pleased with their attacking display and will look to build on this result.

Monkton Swifts 5-4 Clarbeston Road

In a dramatic local derby, Monkton Swifts edged out Clarbeston Road 5-4 in a high-scoring affair. Dylan Davies was the standout performer with four goals, and Liam Butland added another. Clarbeston Road fought hard with goals from Laurie Haworth, Matthew Davies, Greg Brown, and Ben John, but it was the Swifts who held on to secure the victory. Monkton will be happy to progress after such a closely contested match.

Neyland 1-2 Cwm Wanderers

Neyland were narrowly defeated 2-1 by Cwm Wanderers in a closely contested match. Ben Gale scored for Neyland, but goals from Joseff Shaw and Corey Raven-Sayce gave the visitors the edge. Despite a valiant effort from Neyland, Cwm Wanderers held firm to secure the win and advance to the next round.

Plough Colts 0-2 Pennar Robins

Pennar Robins comfortably saw off Plough Colts 2-0, with Kieran Smith and Jamie Wilkes scoring the goals. Pennar demonstrated their class and will look to carry this momentum forward into the next round.

Tenby 2-0 Blaen-y-Maes

Tenby continued their fine form with a 2-0 victory over Blaen-y-Maes. Sam Butler and Scott Ferney were on target for Tenby, who have been one of the most impressive sides this season. This win further cements Tenby’s status as one of the top contenders in the competition.

Analysis:

Pembrokeshire’s leading teams, Goodwick United and Hakin United, demonstrated their superiority with commanding wins, while Tenby showed their credentials with a solid 2-0 victory. With such dominant performances, Goodwick and Hakin are likely to be among the favourites to claim the title, with Tenby also emerging as a serious contender in this year’s West Wales Intermediate Cup.

Sport

Thrills and dominance: Narberth shine in 6-1 victory

Published

4 days ago

December 18, 2024

Herald Sport

Broad Haven 4-4 Solva

In an exhilarating, high-scoring encounter, Broad Haven played out a 4-4 draw with Solva. Marco Valentine netted twice for Broad Haven, with Owen Sheppard and Shane Howells also getting on the scoresheet. Solva responded through Josh Bland, who scored a hat-trick, and Lucas Price, ensuring the points were shared in this thrilling clash.

Camrose 1-3 Fishguard Sports

Fishguard Sports claimed a 3-1 victory over Camrose, with a clinical display of attacking play. Andrew John scored the only goal for Camrose, but Fishguard’s offensive strength proved overwhelming. Anthony Couzens, Luke Thomas, and Ieuan Llewellyn all found the net to guide their side to victory.

Carew II 0-2 Hakin United II

Hakin United II earned a solid 2-0 win over Carew II. Rowan Dixon and Tom Edmonds were the scorers for the visitors, with Carew struggling to break down Hakin’s defense. It was a well-executed performance that saw Hakin advance with all three points.

Johnston P-P Merlins Bridge II

The match between Johnston and Merlins Bridge II was postponed, with no further details available at the time of writing.

Lawrenny 1-6 Narberth

Narberth cruised to a commanding 6-1 victory over Lawrenny. Owen James scored the lone goal for Lawrenny, but Narberth’s attacking prowess was on full display as Steffan Williams scored twice, and Ashley Williams, Chris Brown, Conor Bowen, and Ryan Williams each found the back of the net in a comprehensive win.

Analysis:

The 14th December 2024 fixtures saw a blend of thrilling draws and dominant victories. Broad Haven and Solva shared the spoils in an action-packed 4-4 draw, while Fishguard Sports, Hakin United II, and Narberth all secured convincing wins. Narberth’s 6-1 triumph over Lawrenny was the standout result of the day, highlighting their attacking firepower.