County veterans delighted to seal first silverware

Pembrokeshire Over 45s 2
Burnley Miners Working Men’s Club 0

Pembrokeshire’s over 45s football team pouched its first-ever piece of silverware after making the long journey to the National Sports Centre in Lilleshall, near Newport in Shropshire, and coming away with the Sporting Cup.
They took on, and beat, the Burnley Miners Working Men’s Club from Lancashire as keeper Steve James and his defence kept a clean sheet as goals by John Ryan and Bernie Armstrong took them through.
Pembrokeshire Over 45s have to travel as far afield as Barnstaple, Taffs Well, Dinas Powys and Merthyr Tydfil for the matches in their regional section and although they didn’t make it into the National Final the plate competition provided them with a chance to progress to the final as they beat Ruthin by 3-1 in the semi-final at Goodwick, for once benefiting from a home draw.

Strong back four

There were three finals in total at the superb facilities at Lilleshall and Pembrokeshire made a good start as the back four of right back Glyn Ruloff, central defender Bobby Bevan, sweeper Brian Morris and left back Gary Stephens made sure that keeper Steve James was protected, although the Johnston custodian was on form and saved well whenever he was called upon to stifle a half chance, particularly from set-piece moves where he took control of his box.

Ryan nets for county team

Pembrokeshire grabbed the lead with a very good first-half goal by John Ryan as the Camrose midfielder benefitted from some good work by Paul Mansbridge before Micky Algieri played the ball in for Ryan to find the net after 31 minutes.

Glory goal for Armstrong

A 1-0 interval lead just about reflected the play and Pembrokeshire doubled their advantage with an even better solo goal by Bernie Armstrong as the Goodwick united manager revived glory years of yesterday when he received the ball from Gerald Hicks on half way and ghosted between would-be tacklers. Armstrong withstood the challenge of a third defender before he looked up and spotted the keeper off his line and chipped the ball into the top corner with some aplomb. It was a quality strike and sealed the win for Pembrokeshire as they comfortably held on to their advantage and might have added a third goal with just a little luck.

Long journey home

It was a long journey home but one enjoyed by the players as they were clearly delighted to add a set of medals to the huge haul they shared when they were younger footballers!
Manager Bob Nelson was understandably jubilant to play in the final and wished to thank all his players, especially those who were unable to be involved, like Jeremy Morris and Brian Broome (injured); Glyn Griffiths, Mark Powell and Tim Phillips (work commitments).
Pembrokeshire Over 45s: Steve James (Johnston): Glyn Ruloff (Merlins Bridge); Bobby Bevan (Kilgetty); Brian Morris (Goodwick United); Gary Stephens (Johnston): Mick Algieri (Johnston); Gerald Hicks (Carew); Jeff Button (Neyland); John Ryan (Camrose): Paul Mansbridge (Kilgetty); Bernie Armstrong (Goodwick). Subs: Charlie Watts (Neyland); Bob Nelson.
Venue: Lilleshall National Sports Centre, near Newport, Shropshire