Sport

Manderwood Pembs Division One: Pennar Robins 0-2 Goodwick United

Published

2 years ago

September 8, 2024

REIGNING champions Goodwick United came away with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over a spirited Pennar Robins side at Bush Camp Playing Fields, in what proved to be a pulsating early-season encounter in the Manderwood Pembrokeshire League Division One.

On a fine day for football, with both sets of supporters turning out in strong numbers, Pennar Robins were brimming with confidence as they aimed to take down the champions. The match began with a minute’s silence in memory of the late Brian Hawkins, respectfully observed by all in attendance.

From the outset, Pennar came out with real intent, catching Goodwick off guard. Under the astute leadership of manager Craig Butland, Pennar’s tactics appeared spot on, with skipper Connor Roberts, Jimmy Wilkes, and the lively Ben Adams controlling the midfield battle. Ross Jones, meanwhile, was in commanding form at the back, keeping the Goodwick forwards at bay in the early exchanges.

Despite Pennar’s early dominance, it was the visitors who struck first against the run of play. Goodwick captain Scott Delaney pounced with a clinical finish, leaving Pennar stunned and giving Goodwick a crucial lead. For a period, the champions looked comfortable, with Jake Smith putting in a commanding display in midfield, orchestrating play almost at will.

However, Pennar refused to be cowed and soon regained their composure, pressing hard for an equaliser. As the half-time whistle blew, Pennar had Goodwick on the back foot, with Chris O’Sullivan, the Goodwick manager, venting his frustrations to referee Martin Jones as the sides headed for the break.

The second half saw Pennar continue their dominance in possession, as they pushed relentlessly for a leveller. However, Goodwick’s goalkeeper Nick Jones stood tall, relieving the pressure with a series of long clearances, often finding the reliable Will Haworth and man-of-the-match Jake Smith, who worked tirelessly to maintain control.

The match turned dramatic in the 70th minute when tempers flared on the pitch. Goodwick manager Chris O’Sullivan was sent off after storming onto the field to protest a decision, while striker Dalling was shown a ten-minute sin-bin, reducing the visitors to ten men temporarily. Sensing an opportunity, Pennar laid siege to the Goodwick goal, but the champions’ defence held firm under immense pressure.

As Dalling rejoined the fray, Goodwick focused on seeing out the result, using game management tactics to frustrate the home side. With the clock ticking down, Pennar’s captain Connor Roberts, in a moment of frustration, brought down a Goodwick player in the box, and Rhys Jones coolly dispatched the resulting penalty with the final kick of the match to seal a 2-0 win for the visitors.

In a match full of intensity, passion, and no small amount of controversy, Pennar Robins can count themselves unlucky not to have come away with something after such a spirited performance. Nonetheless, their display offers plenty of promise for the season ahead. The match was, however, somewhat marred by abuse directed at the referee—a worrying trend in grassroots football at a time when match officials are increasingly in short supply.

As for Goodwick, their resilience and ability to grind out results like this suggests they remain the team to beat this season. All signs point to a classic campaign in the Manderwood Pembrokeshire League Division One!

Sport

Haverfordwest County Under-13 girls shine at final FAW festival

Published

4 hours ago

April 5, 2026

Herald Sport

HAVERFORDWEST COUNTY AFC Women and Girls have praised their under-13s after another strong showing at the third and final FAW Festival of the season.

The young Bluebirds travelled to Colliers Park in Wrexham on Saturday (Apr 4), where they once again impressed with their performances.

Club officials said the girls had performed fantastically well throughout the season, adding that everyone at Haverfordwest County was incredibly proud of their efforts.

The squad for the day was Libby O, Ela I, Ines M, Mila E, Scarlett C, Rachel B, Lydia H, Lilly M, Zara E, Leila P and Lillie EJ.

Well done girls.

Sport

South Pembrokeshire Short Mat Bowls: Friendly League week 22 results

Published

5 hours ago

April 5, 2026

Herald Sport

RESULTS from week 22 of the South Pembrokeshire Short Mat Bowls Association Friendly League have been confirmed, with Badgers recording a comprehensive 10-0 win over Lamphey and St Twynnells edging past Cosheston 6-4.

An earlier fixture also saw Cosheston claim a 10-0 victory over Reynalton.

Several matches were postponed during the week, including Kilgetty v Carew, Llanteg v St Twynnells and Hundleton v East Williamston.

St Johns had the bye.

Latest results:
Cosheston 4 St Twynnells 6
Badgers 10 Lamphey 0
Cosheston 10 Reynalton 0

League table after week 22:
East Williamston — Played 19, Won 13, Drawn 0, Lost 6, Shot difference 169, Points 126
St Johns — Played 20, Won 12, Drawn 1, Lost 7, Shot difference 132, Points 118
Reynalton — Played 20, Won 8, Drawn 2, Lost 10, Shot difference 24, Points 99
St Twynnells — Played 19, Won 10, Drawn 2, Lost 7, Shot difference 9, Points 99
Carew — Played 19, Won 10, Drawn 0, Lost 9, Shot difference -12, Points 98
Hundleton — Played 19, Won 10, Drawn 1, Lost 8, Shot difference -7, Points 97
Llanteg — Played 18, Won 10, Drawn 0, Lost 8, Shot difference -16, Points 95
Badgers — Played 20, Won 7, Drawn 1, Lost 12, Shot difference -104, Points 89
Cosheston — Played 19, Won 7, Drawn 2, Lost 10, Shot difference -39, Points 88
Lamphey — Played 20, Won 9, Drawn 0, Lost 11, Shot difference -71, Points 80
Kilgetty — Played 19, Won 6, Drawn 1, Lost 12, Shot difference -85, Points 73

League officials have reminded clubs that all outstanding matches must be completed by midnight on Sunday, April 19, 2026.

Sport

Amman United Youth suffer agonising semi-final defeat

Published

5 hours ago

April 5, 2026

Herald Sport

Cup final dream slips away as Newcastle Emlyn battle back to seal 20-19 win in windy Carmarthenshire Cup clash

AMMAN UNITED YOUTH saw their Carmarthenshire Cup final hopes ended in heartbreaking fashion on Saturday (Apr 4) as Newcastle Emlyn snatched a 20-19 victory in a dramatic semi-final.

Played in difficult, windy conditions, the contest was fiercely competitive throughout, with Amman left to rue a series of handling errors that allowed the visitors back into the game.

Newcastle Emlyn made the stronger start, taking an early 3-0 lead through a penalty and then missing a chance to add to their tally.

Amman responded well and took control of the first half. Captain Ceian Lewis crossed following a well-worked catch-and-drive to put his side 5-3 in front. Toby Slater then produced an excellent touchline conversion in tough conditions to extend the lead to 7-3.

Amman continued to build momentum when Harvey Duncan made a sharp break down the wing to score their second try. Slater was again on target with an impressive conversion in the wind, giving his side a 14-3 lead at the break.

But the game turned soon after the restart. A costly Amman mistake allowed Newcastle Emlyn back into the contest, with the visitors scoring in the corner before adding the conversion to close the gap to 14-10.

Amman appeared to have steadied themselves when Kelston Fairhurst powered over from another catch-and-drive, stretching the lead to 19-10.

However, Newcastle Emlyn refused to give in. Strong forward play brought them another try, and the conversion cut the deficit to just two points at 19-17 as the pressure mounted in the closing stages.

The decisive moment came in the final five minutes when another Amman handling error handed Emlyn a crucial opportunity. The visitors worked their way into range and slotted a late penalty to edge ahead 20-19.

Amman had one final chance to rescue the game and opted for a catch-and-drive from a late penalty, having already found success with that tactic earlier in the match. This time, though, Newcastle Emlyn held firm to deny them and secure their place in the final.

It was a bitter end for Amman United Youth, who had looked in control at half-time, but Newcastle Emlyn showed resilience and composure when it mattered most.