Sport
Cody Gakpo on course for Euro 2024 Golden Boot
The 2024 European Championships in Germany has been a spectacular footballing event, with the biggest and best teams from across the continent doing battle in some spectacular contests.
Whilst the likes of holders Italy and highly fancied Belgium have already been eliminated and pre-tournament favourites England and France requiring plenty of luck to sneak through to the quarter finals, it has been a tournament packed with drama.
With the tournament having reached the quarter final stage, there are plenty of sides in the hunt for Euro 2024 glory with many football betting sites and there are plenty of options out there for punters and bookmakers alike, with some superb sports betting bonus offers on the market for Euro 2024 currently.
Another side that have been through the mill at the tournament is the Netherlands, a team that were seen as one of the dark horses in the competition from the outset and despite some tetchy moments, they have progressed to the last 8.
An opening last gasp win over Poland was backed up by a turgid draw with France and a pain-staking loss to Austria, results that left the Dutch finishing 3rd in Group D and with plenty of work to do if they are to go all the way at Euro 2024.
Next up was a potentially tricky tie against Romania, a game that the Dutch comfortably prevailed from and the goal threat of Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo, a man who always steps up for his country and who finds himself in the conversation for the Euro 2024 Golden Boot.
Glorious Gakpo
The impact Cody Gakpo has had on this Dutch side at Euro 2024 has been huge, with plenty of reds fans hugely enthralled by the performances he has been putting in for Holland at this tournament.
Playing on the left and cutting in on his right foot is a new role for Gakpo under Ronald Koeman for the Dutch national team but it maybe something incoming Liverpool manager Arne Slot looks to employ, as he seeks to get the best out of a player that has yet to develop a sense of consistency at Anfield.
Cody Gakpo has been the talisman for the Netherlands so far at Euro 2024, scoring the opening goal against Poland, before backing that up with further goals against Austria in the group stages and against Romania in the last 16.
3 goals in 4 games has propelled him firmly into Golden Boot contention and how Liverpool would love to have a fully fit and confident Gakpo this summer, before he returns to Anfield for a big season ahead in 2024/25.
Dutch Dream
The Netherlands last won a major tournament back in 1988 and their long wait for silverware is only three games away at Euro 2024.
Next up for Koeman, Gakpo and co. is a tricky looking tie against Turkiye, one of the best supported sides in the tournament and if they win that, the likes of England or Switzerland will be waiting for them in the semi-finals.
Despite the collective opinion that the Netherlands haven’t hit anywhere near top gear in Euro 2024, they have progressed through to the quarter finals relatively seamlessly and they will believe that if their performances improve, they could have the tools to go all the way and end their 36 year wait for a major tournament victory.
Golden Boot glory
With each of the sides left in the competition all having played 4 games each, the goal tallies across the competition from some players have been hugely impressive.
Cody Gakpo is joined at the top of the tree by German wonderkid Jamal Musiala, a player that has set the tournament alight thus far and who will be looking to propel his home nation to glory here at Euro 2024.
Elsewhere, big names such as Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Kai Havertz have all netted twice in the tournament and with their presence in the Golden Boot race noted, it could be an epic battle for individual honours here in Germany.
If the Netherlands are to go all the way however, it would be a huge achievement for Cody Gakpo and his Liverpool team mates Virgil van Dijk and Ryan Gravenberch, who will be buoyed when they return to club life ahead of next season.
Sport
Devonald’s hat-trick secures St Ishmaels’ dominant win over Herbrandston
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
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
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.
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