Football News . . . from PembrokeshireSport.co.uk

28th June 2009

Shock waves as Price leaves Newcastle Emlyn

Newcastle Emlyn Football Club parted company with player/manager Matthew Price last week after the Haverfordwest-based manager had spent five seasons at the club.

Price told pembrokeshiresport.co.uk ,

“It did come as a shock to me because I felt that I had done a good job and brought some success to the Club. I also felt that it was a realistic aim for Newcastle Emlyn to be playing in the Welsh League Division 1 in the future.”

Price had managed Newcastle Emlyn for the last five seasons and during that time they were promoted from Welsh League Division 3 in 2008 and last season’s 7th place finish in Welsh League Division 2 was the highest position that the Club has been in its history.

On the field, he scored 124 Welsh League goals for the Club, including 36 last season so he told pembrokeshiresport.co.uk that he had absolutely no reason to believe that he had anything other than the full support and backing of the committee.

However, Price added,

“It is a new chapter for me now and I was invited to train with Haverfordwest County yesterday. I have spoken to Derek Brazil and it looks like I will get an opportunity during pre- season to show him what I can do."

 

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8th June 2009

Camrose Under 14s complete league and cup double

Camrose Under 14s talented footballers have won their league for three consecutive seasons, and completed the league and cup double this recently-completed campaign, as well as reaching the last four of their age group in the West Wales Cup.

They had previously won their league at U12s and U13s under coach Jonathan Davies,

Assistant coach Nigel Johnson and junior secretary Mark Hicks. Pembrokeshiresport.co.uk is delighted to say ‘well done, lads!’

Back Row (L-R) Club junior secretary Mark Hicks, Ieuan Llewellyn, Elliot Llewellyn, Liam Thomas, Jevon Barnes, Martyn Carroll, Dominic Bower-Rees, Adam Richards, Lawrence Bartlett, Scott Delaney, Ryan Howells, Nigel Johnson (assistant coach). Front Row (L-R) coach Jonathon Davies, Sion Riley, Arron Johnson, Liam Davies (Vice Capt ), Josh Hicks (Capt), Scott Nash, Rhys Clutterbuck.

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7th June 2009

Cricketers win football referees' sportsmanship cup

Haverfordwest Cricket Club’s 2 ^nd XI are the recipients of the Margaret Davies’ Sportsmanship Cup, awarded annually by the Pembrokeshire Referees’ Society and new society chairman Steve Evans performed his first duty in presenting the trophy   to Tudor Walters, manager of Haverfordwest Cricket Club’s 2nd XI.

It was his team’s first success and built on the club’s achievement since the Cricket Club’s 1st Xl last season came runners-up to Clarbeston Road last season and were second in Division Two this campaign.

Remarkable result

What makes this achievement so remarkable is the average mark of 4.60 out of 5, where Walters’ team recorded a remarkable maximum five marks on thirteen occasions.   Society secretary Jonathan Twigg commented that he had not seen such a consistent set of marks over a season by any team, paying due credit to how Walters and officials of the Cricket Club set a high standard of expectation for their players.

Walters responded,

  “It is important to have a referee for the good of the game,”

and paid tribute to all referees in Pembrokeshire for their commitment and dedication.   He also thanked his players for the way they had conducted themselves throughout the season, echoing the thoughts of 2nd Xl skipper Mark Hicks, who said,

“This award is more important in the long term of the club than promotion from division five of the Pembrokeshire League. This season was about gaining respect for each other, our opponents and referees.”

The sportsmanship cup was presented to the Society by former Chairman Hayden Davies in memory of his mother in 1960. Hayden was a life-long football supporter and inaugural president of Prendergast Villa AFC. Referees award marks out of five for each team, based on the conduct of players on the field, club officials and supporters’ attitude during the game whilst also acknowledging the overall respect shown to them pre and post match.

The runners-up in the competition were Carew 1 ^st XI and in third place Lawrenny 2 ^nd Xl.   In total 63 of the 65 clubs achieved a five mark, with clubs like St Clears and Tenby 1 ^st Xl (who came bottom in 2007/8) performing as well as the front three.  

Divisional awards:

Division 1

1 Carew

2 Clarbeston Road

3 Hakin United  

Division 2

1 Tenby

2 Haverfordwest Cricket Club

3 Saundersfoot Sports

Division 3

1 St Clears

2 Lawrenny

3 Narberth 2 ^nd Xl

Division 4

1 Clarbeston Road 2 ^nd Xl

2 Kilgetty 2 ^nd Xl

3 Carew 2 ^nd Xl

Division 5

1 Haverfordwest Cricket Club 2 ^nd Xl

2 Lawrenny 2 ^nd Xl

3 Hubberston 2 ^nd Xl

  Unfortunately there were some teams awarded zero marks in game, with Monkton Swifts 1 ^st & 2 ^nd Xl’s, Pembroke Boro 1 ^st Xl and Pennar Robins 1 ^st Xl achieving this dubious distinction on more than one occasion.

Pictured in the photograph are l-r Jonathan Twigg (Secretary), Helmut Reinhardt (International officer), Alan Buckfield, Steve Evans(Chairman), Tudor Walters (Haverfordwest Cricket Club 2 ^nd Xl Manager), Mark Hicks (Captain) Joel Hardaker (Assistant Manager).  

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30th May 2009

Under 12s Cup Final:

Clarbie Juniors scoop the silverware

Clarbeston Road 4 goals St Clears 1 goal

Clarbeston Road secured the under 12 silverware as they fended off the strong challenge of an equally determined St Clears outfit at Marble Hall, Milford Haven, in excellent end-of-season conditions.

With both teams at the top of the table a close game was on the cards and it was St Clears who drew first blood on the 13 ^th minute despite Clarbie doing all the attacking when Clarbie failed to clear and a St Clears striker hit the back of the net at close range.

Clarbie were under pressure for the next 10 minutes and had their keeper, Rhys Lucas, to thank for some great saves - and Clarbies’ midfield of   Blair, Boswell, Weber and Morgan kept pressurising the St Clears defence. Harley-Davies and Howell came close on a couple of occasions but the St Clears keeper stood firm and pounced on every shot until Blair released Harley-Davies and his pass found Howell, who this time made sure and drilled it home to make it 1-1.

St Clears pressurized yet again but on hand was Wood to mop-up every time and Ratcliffe made his presence felt with some great tackles. In the 22 ^nd minute a great cross from Weber was met by Howell who beat the keeper just inside the box to make it 2-1 to the delight of the travelling Clarbie fans!

Nail in the Coffin

Right from the kick off in the second half Lucas came under attack and made some excellent saves denying St Clears, but Jones and Ernest Harrison were both cool at the back, making crucial tackles. It was Harley-Davies who picked the ball up from Boswell, who was commanding midfield, and spread the ball to Weber, whose cross was yet again met by Howell, who rifled the ball home for a well deserved hat-trick.

Clarbie were now well in control and with only 1ten minutes to go, Morgan was substituted for Lewis Harrison, who almost scored from a surging run, only to be denied by an excellent tackle. Clarbie produced another quality goal from hard working Weber as his shot from the edge of the box could not be held by the keeper to make it 4-1. Ratcliffe was substituted by Ellis, who was called upon as soon as he came on to help halt a Saints fight-back. This was an excellent performance by Clarbie and a well deserved win which topped off a fine end to the season for Clarbie, who later that day were also presented with ‘Runners Up’ in the League. Congratulations and well done to all the boys.

Pic: Back Row (L to R:):   Nigel Davies (Coach), Lewis Harrison, Benedikt Weber, Louis Morgan, Gwion Howell, Marc Boswell, Jack Wood, Ernest Harrison, Marcus Blair,

Front Row (L to R): William Ratcliffe, Jack Jones, Rhys Lucas, Ryan Harley Davies & Thomas Ellis.

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27th May 2009

Schools Football:
Greenhill School are Welsh Under 14s girls’ football champs

Greenhill School 3 goals Treorchy School 1 goal  

Greenhill School’s talented under 14 girls are the new football champions of Wales after a fantastic few months of football where they definitely won the title in style. On Sunday May 10 ^th , players, coaches and supporters travelled to Oswestry, North Wales to play the final of the Welsh Schools Cup against Treorchy Comprehensive School.

The game was played on 3G Astroturf at a fantastic venue in Park Hall Recreation Centre where there had been eight finals played altogether over the weekend. The organisation and standard of the event was extremely impressive which allowed the players to rise to the occasion and play a great level of football.

The atmosphere was created with professional photographs, an UEFA-style line up and music to introduce officials. From the whistle Greenhill got involved with Holly Furlong, Hannah Taylor and Hannah Lewis looking dangerous in attack and creating some problems for the Treorchy defence, and testing out the goalkeeper’s ability.

Great start for Greenhill

Kirstie Lewis and Darcy Escott made some excellent runs down the wings and made good use of the space in creating some dangerous attacks. Darcy Escott’s great left foot strike took Greenhill into the lead early on with a long-range shot into the right hand corner of the net, which was without a doubt one of the best goals of the whole competition for Greenhill.

The Greenhill girls played the ball around nicely and allowing Maisie John and Hannah Lewis to dominate the centre of midfield, feeding balls through to Hannah Taylor and Holly Furlong, who created another great chance for Hannah Lewis to attack the keeper and carefully place the ball at the back of the net to take Greenhill 2-0 up.

Strong defence pays dividends

Treorchy also took advantage of any loose balls to test the Greenhill defence, although Sam Croft, Jess Webb, Shannon Knowles and Kim Alman created a wall, which made it difficult for the opposition to break down and left Lori Amos confident in her goal, making some very important saves on occasions when Treorchy looked dangerous.

Maisie John looked confident in her midfield position, feeding Hannah Lewis another opportunity to show her skill, running rings around the Treorchy defence to bag another goal for Greenhill with another strike into the bottom right corner of the net and taking the lead up to 3-0.

Kim Alman looked extremely strong at the back but after a head collision she was substituted for Becky Gwyther, who settled in well alongside Kirstie Lewis to ensure Greenhill kept their lead until half time.

Deserved three-goal interval lead

Hannah Taylor ran herself into the ground and was replaced by Bethan ‘Ozzy’ Osborne after half time, who constantly battled away as Hannah Lewis fulfilled her captain’s role by keeping her team together with constant encouragement and support

Treorchy became a lot more dangerous towards the end of the game, which allowed Kirstie Lewis and Shannon Knowles to prove their strengths by making some excellent tackles and allowing Jess Webb to run the ball out from defence again. Lori Amos made some excellent and crucial saves as Treorchy became more lively, but unfortunately managed to take the score to 3-1 with an unlucky break through the defence.

Strong finish for deserved success

This gave Greenhill the wake up call for the last ten minutes of the game as Nicole Bevans and Casie Paxton fulfilled their roles in the last stretch of the game, with fresh legs running around. As the final whistle blew, Greenhill were without doubt the deserved winners with a score of 3-1, as all players cheered and celebrated their Welsh Title. Each player received an individual medal and Hannah Lewis stepped up to raise the Winner’s Cup as the presentation commenced. After a fantastic performance by the girls on the day; supporters, officials and coaches were left very impressed with the standard they played.

A huge thanks you to all players from Miss Bennett for their hard work, commitment and achievement over the past few months. She was very proud of all the girls and I’m sure parents, family and friends would support this as the girls hold the position of the best school U14 Girls Football Team in the Country.

Finally, a big thank you to all friends and families for their support and encouragement throughout the competition, especially to Mike Lewis for all his help.

Well Done Girls from pembrokeshire sport.co.uk!

Greenhill School team: Hannah Lewis (Capt), Maisie John, Lori Amos, Darcy Escott, Bethan Osborne, Sam Croft, Shannon Knowles, Kim Alman, Nicole Bevans, Jess Webb, Casie Paxton, Kirstie Lewis, Hannah Taylor, Becky Gwyther, Holly Furlong.

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20th May 2009

U13s Cup Final:

Tenby won top-notch final

Kilgetty under 13s 1 goal Tenby under 13s 4 goals

Tenby won the under 13s Cup Final in difficult conditions at Monkton Lane, the ground of Monkton Swifts FC, last Friday evening as they fought off the challenge of a Kilgetty under 13s who never gave up trying.. The strong wind and bright sunlight posed problems for both teams when playing up the slope, and this was proved by the way in which the goals were scored.

Tenby worked hard to make an impression right from the start, and although they created several chances the forwards lacked the composure to shoot on target. The Kilgetty defence, with Kim Parmanand outstanding at left back, withstood almost constant pressure in moves largely set up by George Wilkins and Richard Tebbutt, both of whom looked impressive for Tenbt.

Vital goals for Tenby

In the middle of the first half, Jerome Mansbridge seized on a half clearance and fired high into the Kilgetty net. Tenby were encouraged by this, and with JamesBridge surging down the left, a low cross was put into the Kilgetty net by a defender surrounded by eager Tenby players. This 2-0 lead was the cushion Tenby needed to try to play their usual type of possession football. With most of the play in the Kilgetty half it was no surprise when Richard Tebbutt headed in a superb Jerome Mansbridge corner, and then swivelled to fire in an unstoppable cross shot fit enough to win any Cup Final, to make the half-time score 4-0 to Tenby.

Kilgetty fight back in second half

The second half gave Kilgetty the chance to have the benefit of the slope, wind and sun, and they gave the Tenby defence several anxious moments. Tenby got the ball to Elliott Rivers in the second half and he showed his speed with some dashes along the touchline but Kilgetty’s pressure got some reward when a Tenby defender headed past his own goalkeeper. It raised Kilgetty hopes of a come-back but Shaun Whitfield, Marcus Read, Jacob Dent and Nathan Wilson all made saving tackles to restrict Lewis Robert’s difficult work to one high shot which he skilfully plucked from under his crossbar.

Ellis Morgan came on for the hardworking Luke Conbeer and Aaron James and Ryan Price managed to keep up the team momentum when they came on. Jerome Mansbridge rattled Andrew Barnard’s crossbar out of nothing, as a reminder of his team’s scoring potential and a more evenly contested second half ended with Tenby emerging as 4-1 winners in what had been an entertaining match.

Tenby Squad: Lewis Roberts, Jacob Dent, Shaun Whitfield, Marcus Read, Nathan Wilson, Elliott Rivers, George Wilkins, Richard Tebbutt, James Bridges; Luke Conbeer, Jerome Mansbridge.
Subs: Ellis Morgan, Aaron James, Ryan Price .

Tenby Under 13s are sponsored by T’s R Us.

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15th May 2009

Division Five Cup Final:

Dragons complete unbeaten double

West Dragons 6 St Clears 2nds 1

Venue: Monkton Lane, Monkton
Referee: Sean O’Connor
Assistants Gary Davies & Helmut Reinhardt
Fourth Official: Chris Stapleton

West Dragons completed a highly successful first season in Pembrokeshire Football as they followed up an unbeaten season in the league with a comprehensive cup final victory over St Clears 2nds which gave them a deserved double in Division Five.

It was always going to be tough for the Saints, who have won seven games from 20 league starts, taking on a side which has won all 20 league games and can boast a goal difference of 98 – and who had established a 5-0 lead by the half way stage.

To be fair to St Clears they kept plugging away and were level on second half scoring – but blotted their copybook by giving excellent ref Sean O’Connor little choice but to send two of their players, Andrew Walters and Lloyd Evans, from the pitch.

The Dragons took the lead within ten minutes when Scott Campbell lobbed Howard Pickersgill but the Saints had some good defensive work by Pickersgill and his back four until the 30th minute, when Scott Jenkins showed good control to score a similar goal.

It was the start of a purple patch for the Dragons as they scored three times in 15 minutes when Joey Jones, Ian Harries, Jamie and Lee Palmer helped them take control and Scott Jenkins added his second goal with a cross cum shot, Jamie Palmer put Crawford through for his second successful strike and Jay Brockway’s tap in from a Jenkins cross right on half time allowed the Dragons to go nap.

The Dragons were unable to score any further goals in the third quarter but a Jamie Palmer shot put them six clear before Saints’ sub Isaac Colquhoun joined the fray late on and grabbed a good consolation goal - and League Council president Keith Scourfield awarded the divisional silverware to the West Dragons to round off a memorable first campaign.

West Dragons: Dean Fleet, Simon Owens, Ewan Cunningham, Joey Jones, Ian Harries, Lee Palmer, Scott Jenkins, Jamie Palmer, Jay Brockway, Rob Headley, Scott Crawford.
Substitutes, Nathan Lowe, Jamie Barratt, Matthew Waters.

St Clears 2nds: Howard Pickersgill, Ollie Thomas, Andrew Walters, Craig Weston, Stefan Jenkins, Lloyd Evans, Terry Phillips, Alex Weston, Andrew Edwards, Simon Bancroft, Craig Williams.
Substitutes: Dean Oliver, Andrew McKay, Isaac Colquhoun.

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Wednesday, 29th April

Division Four Cup Final

Jack’s extra time screamer earned Tish dramatic cup glory

Herbrandston 2nds 4 goals – St Ishmaels 2nds 5 goals

Venue: Monkton Lane.
Referee: David Badger.
Assistants: Adrian Harries and Huw George.
Fourth Official: Keith McNiff.

St Ishmaels 2nds’ midfielder Jack Palmer struck a last minute extra-time screamer to defeat unlucky Herbrandston 2nds in a nine-goal cup final fest.

As the dreaded penalty shoot-out was ominous, Palmer sweetly struck an edge of the box left-foot strike into the top corner. The scores were level at 3-3 after 90 minutes, and in the first period of extra-time Simon Mathias put Herbrandston ahead, latching onto a Wade Keesmatt free kick.
Midway through the second half of extra-time and Tish equalised with a stinging Lyndon Clark volley and right at the death Palmer unleashed an unstoppable winner.

Conditions were wet and slippery underfoot as the rain lashed down at Monkton Lane in an end-to-end nine-goal cup final bonanza. Tish opened the scoring in the 10th minute, Gareth McKeown’s cross into the danger area led to defender Leigh Marchant, getting the final touch past goalkeeper Gareth Marshallsay and into his own net.

Herbrandston replied with an equaliser within two minutes. Central defender Alex Ouzman headed home a well-delivered corner. The score was level at 1-1 at half time with both side’s trying hard to carve open goal-scoring opportunities. Tish bagged two quick goals within eight minutes of the restart to give them a 3-1 cushion. Firstly, the ball bobbled in the 18-yard box from a corner, and Graham Ninnis reacted quickest to hammer the ball into the roof of the net.
Then secondly, Herbrandston defender Scott Beavis picked up a yellow-card from referee Dai Barker for fouling Tish’s midfielder Jack Palmer in the box. Gareth McKeown took responsibility to smash the resulting spot-kick past goalkeeper Martyn Cheshire. Herbrandston deserve praise for not throwing in the towel and were rewarded when they pulled a goal back in the 61st minute. Craig Nicholson’s pinpoint cross from the right saw Matthew Hearne buried his effort from eight-yards.
Five minutes from full time and Gavin Peace’s deflected edge of the area equaliser forced this gripping cup-tie into extra-time.

Herbrandston: Gareth Marshallsay, Andrew Mathias, Daniel Munn, Scott Beavis, Daniel Armstrong, Alex Ouzman, Matthew Hearne, Lee Galdo, Craig Nicholson, Scott Reid, Simon Mathias.
Substitutes: Wade Keesmat, Peter Frank, Gavin Peace.

St Ishmaels: Martyn Cheshire, Lewis Davies, Matthew Cheshire, Liam Duffield, Robbie Riggs, Peter Bradshaw, Lyndon Clark, Jack Palmer, Gareth McKeown, Philip Cockburn, Graham Ninnis.
Substitutes: Steve Hastings, Lenny Rees, Leigh Hartevelt.

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27th April 2009 : Second Division Cup Final

Robins gain Cup revenge

Milford United 2 goals Prendergast Villa 1 goal

Venue: Bridge Meadow Stadium, Haverfordwest

Referee: Dean Boswell

Assistants: Alan Boswell and Jeff Hurton

Fourth Official: Colin Newberry

Pictured are:

Milford United Captain Rob Jones parades the cup

 

Winners Milford United celebrate

 

Runners-up Prendergast Villa

Officials: Jeff Hurton, Dean Boswell and Alan Boswell

 

 

below:-- League Council Chairman Keith Scourfield with Milford United winning manager Jimmy Harding

Milford United gained a measure of consolation for missing out on promotion this season as they beat Prendergast Villa, who are already bound for Division One, in an action-packed final on a superb playing surface at the Bridge Meadow Stadium in front of a large, vociferous and well-behaved crowd.

Play was very committed throughout but always fair as referee Dean Boswell and his assistants maintained a firm control, with only William Goodall (Milford United) and Damian Ellis (Villa) booked for slightly mistimed tackles, with plenty of chances at each end, near misses and good saves, big tackles and neat touches.

The Villa had beaten the Robins 5-0 on their tight pitch at Prendergast but on the wide open spaces of the Bridge Meadow this was always going to be a tight tussle and both sides had early chances as Simon Atyeo fired over the bar and Matthew Fox was also off-target for the Villa and Lee Dennison missed from close range at the other end with a gilt-edged chance. Paul Jenkins looked to have scored the opener for the Villa but his volley was disallowed for offside.

The first goal came after 23 minutes and it was scored by Robins’ striker Chris Thompson, who showed his nose for goals with a well-taken strike that gave Grant Young no chance on the Villa goal.

The Villa almost levelled matters but Nathan Greene had a shot well saved by Jason Rickard at his near post – and when play swung to the other end the Robins doubled their lead after Mike Cooper had been bundled over in the box for Justin Harding to send Young the wrong way from the resulting penalty.

The second half was even tighter as the Villa reduced the deficit when they were awarded a penalty for a careless challenge and Steve Allen’s penalty gave Rickard no chance of a save. Jason Rice sent in a superb left foot volley which was equally well saved by Rickard to prevent the Villa taking the game into extra time and the Milford United players and supporters were delighted by their win – although a huge consolation for the Villa must be the fact that they will play in the top echelon again next campaign!

Milford United: Jason Rickard, Matthew Salter, William Goodall, Lee Dennison, Chris Davies, Michael Cooper, Rob Jones, Joseph Lennon, Ashley Mathias, Chris Thompson, Justin Harding.
Subs: Jordan Harding, Jamie Black, Matthew Charnley.

Manager : Jimmy Harding.

Milford United’s cup final sponsor : Rite Connection.

Prendergast Villa: Grant Young, Stephen Atyeo, Tom Goring, Steven Allen, Jason Rice, Matthew Fox, Simon Atyeo, Damien Ellis, Paul Jenkins, James Skudder, Nathan Greene.
Subs: Michael Williams, Richard Davies, Joe John.

Manager : Adrian Blundell.

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20th April 2009 : Third Division Cup Final

Sam steers Saints through

Lamphey 0 St Clears 1

Venue: Marble Hall, Milford Haven

Referee: Bernie Coyle

Assistants: Paul Jackson & Keith Amos

A goal by striker Sam Thomas gave St Clears the Third Division Cup silverware as they fought off a strong challenge by a Lamphey side that is two places below them in fourth spot in the table.

The Saints had already completed a league double over Lamphey with a 3-1 home verdict and 5-0 success in Lamphey but this match was a different kettle of fish as neither side was able to gain the ascendancy in a scoreless first period where the midfields were on top and chances were few and far between.

But then Thomas struck after 65 minutes when Lamphey keeper Jason Oatley could only parry a shot and Eddie Wiggins headed the rebound back across goal for Thomas to tuck the ball into the Lamphey net.

Lamphey tried valiantly to claw their way back into contention in a match that was well controlled by Bernie Coyle but St Clears were able to hold out and so receive the trophy from league chairman Keith Scourfield as their reward.

Lamphey: Jason Oatley, Stuart Morrison, Sean Doyle, Jansen Parsley, Ross Fortune, Mark Parsons, Byron Woodward, Ben Randall, Mike Davies, Anthony Webb, Nico Morrison.
Subs: Ritchie Williams, Rob Jones, Leighton Doyle.

St Clears: Jason Owen: Mike Leaf, Steve Phillips, Jason Baxter, Mark Snelling, Eddie Wiggins, Andy McCabe, Gareth Griffiths, Nathan Evans, Sam Thomas, Steve Trevitt.
Subs: Colin Reynolds, Charlie Smith, Matthew Bowen.

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20th April 2009

Lamphey under 13's do it again

For the second year in a row Lamphey Under 13's have won the Pembrokeshire league. The league was won after the boys convincingly beat Camrose 15-0 last Saturday 11th April, having lost just two games throughout the season, to Tenby, who came runners up in the league. and Clarbeston Road.

All praise must go to the coaches Harry Sillance, Martine Aries and James Probert (for refereeing home games) and to all parents for their continued support. Their next game is the semi-final of the Pembrokeshire Cup against Tenby.

The boys are now looking forward to their end of season tournament which is held at Minehead on May 1st-4th, for which they have been working hard at fundraising. Through their hard work and dedication they achieved the result they were looking for.

Well done the Lamphey lads

Back Row: Harry Sillance (Coach), Ryan Jakes, Connor Gammer, Cory Mair, Billy Wood, Cory Lowndes, Martin Aries (Asst. Coach)
Front Row: Matthew George, Jake Seaton, Scott Brunton, Jamie Aries, Jack Sillance, Bradley James, Ben Pannell, Callum Cronin (Absent Boys: Jack Steele, Kyle James)

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18th April 2009 :

Senior Cup Final at the Bridge Meadow

Vikings grab dramatic league and cup double!

Hakin United 4 goals - Merlins Bridge 3 goals  

( view match photos )

Hakin United's Senior Cup goal scorers Paul Jones and James Stanmore are pictured right . >>

Hakin United completed the league and cup double in dramatic fashion over stunned Merlins Bridge at the Bridge Meadow.  

With just six minutes of full time remaining, the Vikings looked dead and buried as they trailed 3-2 but, miraculously the Vikings clawed their way back against the odds. Left sided midfielder James Stanmore equalised when a stunning right foot strike flew into the top corner. Then bang on full time - with extra time looming - captain Paul Jones grabbed a sensational winner. The evergreen striker chased what seemed a lost cause, but his tenacity paid off as he beat two Wizards’ defenders before coolly tucking the ball past advancing goalkeeper Ian Kerrison to send players and fans ecstatic.  

The Wizards got off to a fairytale start as Chris O’ Sullivan’s 35 yard free kick embarrassingly beat Vikings’ keeper Steve Hartley in the first minute.  

The Vikings had hardly any time to reflect on their lead before Paul Jones fired home a third-minute equaliser.  

James Stanmore’s 35-yard free kick bobbled past Kerrison (another keeper blunder) to give Hakin United a 2-1 half time lead.  

Stephen McNabney drilled home a 59 ^th minute equaliser. The Vikings were rocking at this stage and it was no surprise when Peter Thomas toe-poked home a goalmouth scramble to give the Wizards a 75 ^th minute lead.  

The Vikings’ never say die attitude paid off late as Stanmore equalised and Jones scored a sensational winner to maintain his proud record of scoring in every round and giving him an incredible total of 12 goals in the competition.  

Hakin United: Steve Hartley, Scott Davies, Kristan Bennett, Terry Bevan, Ewan Findlay, Steve Mathias, Ashley Bevan, Andrew Kingston, James Stanmore, Paul Jones, Adam Davies. Subs: Craig Robertson, Neil Mathias, Aaron Owens.  

Merlins Bridge: Ian Kerrison, Matthew Morrissey, Chris Ormond, Paul Thomas, Peter Thomas, Simon Thomas, Carl Mason, Nathan Thomas, Matthew D’Ivry, Stephen McNabney, Chris O’Sullivan. Subs: Michael Canton, Robbie Waters, Ben Field.  

Referee: Ian Baxter.  
Assistants: Steve Williams & Dai Barker.
Fourth official: Chris Stapleton.

Cup Final Snippets:

Record crowd at the Bridge Meadow:

Pembrokeshire League treasurer/chairman Keith Scourfield was pleased to report a record crowd on a superbly sunny day at the Bridge Meadow Stadium – and a well-behaved one it was too as both sets of supporters made sure it was a match to remember.

Players played their part

The players also played their part in a match where good sportsmanship was prevalent because there were only two bookings for the Bridge to Chris Ormond (for a clumsy challenge) and Mike Canton (for getting a little too pumped up when he came on as sub!) There was also a high degree of skill, some cracking goals and others caused by basic errors, plenty of swings in fortune and a real treat for the crowd.

Fantastic pitch

The pitch at the Bridge Meadow Stadium looked a real picture and Haverfordwest County groundsman/chairman Rob Summons and his merry men deserve a huge pat on the back. The Pembrokeshire League officials also deserve a mention for their hard work, organised by the afore-mentioned Mr Scourfield and sec Brian Hawkins.

Bridge relax at the Glen and Eddie’s

Merlin’s Bridge had breakfast together at the Glen ( and I promised I wouldn’t mention who ate the most!) followed by a relaxing game of snooker at Eddie’s Snooker Hall.

Vikings chill out as usual:

Hakin boss Gary Dawes decided his team would follow the same pattern as other cup matches and so they just chilled out at home before meeting at the Obs to board their mini-bus and arrive together at the ground.. The ploy certainly worked because Dawsey’s gang just edged through to victory.

Referees meet at the Friars:

Referee Ian Baxter was joined by 13 colleagues for a light lunch at The Friars, who sponsor the refs, and Ian had a very good game in charge with his quiet, but firm, control. He was ably assisted by Steve Williams and Dai Barker, plus fourth official Chris Stapleton. Well done Ian!

Nice pre-match tradition:

It has become a nice pre-match tradition that the teams and officials parade out together before a presentation to league president Eddie Oliver and Tim Green, from sponsors Brains Brewers. It certainly adds something to the occasion!

Pink rosettes for the Wizards

The Bridge supporters had nice pink and blue rosettes, made up by Tina Jones and Sue Thomas, whose sons were involved on the pitch – well done girls!

Jonah plans to carry on . . .

As was mentioned in our match report, Hakin skipper Paul Jones grabbed two goals to maintain his proud record of scoring in all five rounds and ending up with 12 goals in this season’s competition, a remarkable record of consistency. ‘Jonah’ is now 35 and told pembrokeshiresport.co.uk afterwards that he would be carrying on for another season now!

. . . . and Man of the match ball!

Paul Jones received another boost, as well as lifting the cup as captain, when he was awarded the Ocky White ‘man of the match’ accolade, the match ball as a memento. There’s life in the old dog yet!

Award for surprised Gary

Gary Dawes has won countless medals as a player with Hakin, but the Vikings’ manager had a pleasant surprise after the match when he received the Lilian Holman Memorial Cup , and commemorative shield as winning manager, presented by League official, Royston Holman.
Gary has taken his young team to the league and cup double in only his second season at the helm – and deserved special praise for that feat!

Final word:

The top tipsters were Steve Batty (Herbrandston) and Steve Maytum (Monkton Swifts), who were just a goal out each way as they predicted a 3-2 win for Hakin – so well done lads!

Final final word!

Daisy Picton would say that he was just as close with his 4-1 prediction in favour of his Hakin United lads and I suppose he was right. I sat by Mr P for the second half and his two best tit-bits of commentary were the following:

Now nothing can follow that, can it?

 

( view match photos )

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Vikings crowned Division One Champions 2009

Pictured are delighted Hakin United showing off the silverware and medals after being crowned Pembrokeshire League Division One Champions - presented after beating Narberth 5-2 at the Observatory Ground on Saturday, 11th April 2009.

 

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11th April 2009

County Vets show nice touches

Pembrokeshire Over 45s 2 goals Barnstaple Over 45s 0

Pembrokeshire's enthusiastic veteran footballers entertained their counterparts from Barnstaple at Phoenix Park, Goodwick and after a goal-less first half came away with an excellent 2-0 win.

It was a deserved victory as Steve James played another blinder in goal behind a solid defence where Bobby Bevan, Glyn Griffiths and Gary Stephens caught the eye. Midfielders John Ryan, Mike Smith and Micky Algieri played well and in the absence of team manager Bob Nelson and key players like Jeremy Morris, Glyn Ruloff, Gerald Hicks and Brian Morris it was a pleasing all-round effort.

Tim Phillips finally broke the deadlock when he latched onto a Griffiths' cross and his looping header found the net - and the ubiquitous Bernie Armstrong added the second when he was played into space and rifled an unstoppable right foot drive into the top corner.

Well done the Pembrokeshire 'Golden-Oldies'!