Senior Cup – Who will win the silverware?

 
 
As usual when the Senior Cup Final comes around we have a bit of fun in asking local teams’ officials to predict the outcome and for the Goodwick United versus Monkton Swifts’ match on Saturday it is clear that the Phoenix Park boys are hot favourites – something that will delight Chrissie Lowe, Stuart James and the players at Monkton Lane.
 
 
So have a look at the comments below and if you want to text us your name, club and Scorecast (without any comments) text us on 07807 054743 before 5pm on Friday and we’ll publish them that evening!
 




 

Gordon Thomas – PembrokeshireSport.co.uk co-owner:
 
I think Goodwick United will win the double because they are the best team in the league this season and have a high level of consistency and real strength in depth. Monkton manager Chris Lloyd will relish being the underdog and will have his players nicely motivated but his opposite number Chris O’Sullivan will make sure there is no complacency in the Goodwick camp. It should be a real battle for the first hour but then I think Goodwick will pull away – and claim a deserved double.
 
Scorecast: Goodwick United 3 Monkton Swifts 1
 
 







Sean Hannon – Neyland captain
 
I think it might well be closer than a lot of people think and the score could be 2-2 at full time before Goodwick United’s greater experience and fitness will pay off in extra time. Monkton Swifts will be looking for big games from Declan Carroll and Ben Steele but Goodwick also have their proven goal-grabbers in Rhys Dalling and Rhys Jones, especially from free kicks. Chris O’Sullivan’s influence from the touchline will also play a part.

 
Scorecast: Goodwick United 4 Monkton Swifts 2







 
 
Gerard Gray - St Ishmaels manager:
 
Goodwick United join Hakin United as the strongest teams we have faced and so it is hard to go against them. I expect Ben Steele and Dylan Davies to need some watching up front but Goodwick’s centre half Scott Delaney will play his part in keeping them out and I expect Luke Hayward and Johnny Horgan to be involved alongside Nathan Greene as a powerful player up front.
 
Scorecast: Goodwick United 3 Monkton Swifts 1
 
 









Scott Richards – Carew manager:
 
Monkton are the best team we played this season when they were at full strength and full of confidence, with Dylan Davies, Ben Steele, Chris Richards and Declan Carroll as key players – but Goodwick seem to have got stronger in recent months, as they proved by beating Hakin, and it is hard to see a weakness in their side. Rhys Jones is a real threat from dead-ball situations and Scott Delaney marshals their defence so I think they will just get the verdict.
Scorecast: Goodwick United 2 Monkton Swifts 1
 
 





Matthew Fox – Clarbeston Road Coach:
 
Experience often counts on big occasions and there is no doubt that Goodwick just hold the edge over a very good Monkton side which played really well in the semi-final against Kilgetty. But The Swifts will have to get amongst them from the start and stop Goodwick playing their passing game – and will have to watch they don’t concede and free-kicks in Rhys Jones’ range because he is the best I’ve seen in a long time at this aspect of play.
 
Scorecast: Goodwick United 2 Monkton Swifts 1
 
 










Scott Davies – Hakin United manager:
 
Monkton Swifts are sure to start as underdogs but I think they might cause an upset because they have good players back from injury and have outstanding players in Ben Steele and Declan Carroll who are really in good form and can swing a game. Goodwick are strong overall but it is theirs to lose and it’s all on the day and I think it could be their year.
 
Scorecast: Goodwick United 1 Monkton Swifts 2
 
 











Christian Phillips – Kilgetty co-manager
 
These are two very strong and experienced teams and I think it will be down to one goal either way. We’ve had good battles against both and lost to Kilgetty and I think Goodwick defenders will have to keep a close eye on Ben Steele and Declan Carroll – but Scott Delaney will organise his back four well and they have just that extra touch of experience which I think will play a key part in the final analysis.
 
Scorecast: Goodwick United 3 Monkton Swifts 1
 
 




Jason Chapman – Merlins Bridge chairman/secretary:
 
Goodwick are bound to start as favourites since they are already league champions and I think they will win but need to make sure Monkton don’t get amongst them early on because they are a good team if everyone is fit. Luke Hayward is a key player for Goodwick and if The Swifts allow him to boss the midfield they could be in trouble. So I’ll go for Chris O’Sullivan’s team but won’t be in the least bit surprised of Chrissie Lloyd and his boys cause an upset.
 
Scorecast: Goodwick United 2 Monkton Swifts 1
 
 




Phil Jones - Fishguard Sports’ manager:
 
There are two strong teams so it should be a quality final so tactics will be interesting. I think Goodwick will man-mark Monkton play-maker Declan Carroll so it will be interesting to see who gets that job. The Swifts will also try to get amongst Goodwick early on so it could be a fascinating tussle. I think Goodwick are marginally stronger all-round though so I have to go for them.
 
Scorecast: Goodwick United 3 Monkton Swifts 2
 








Fraser Watson – Well-known local sports journalist
 
We have two good teams in the final but Goodwick have far more experience of big occasions so I think that will count in their favour – although Monkton pushed them all the way in their recent league game and had chances to win it. But that was at Monkton Lane so it will be interesting to see how both teams cope on the wide open spaces of the Bridge Meadow Stadium – and I think Goodwick’s fitness levels might tell then.
 
 
Scorecast: Goodwick United 3 Monkton Swifts 1
 
 



Craig Butland – Pennar Robins’ co-manager:
 
I think Goodwick United will do the double by taking control of the game. For The Swifts Ross Jones could be pivotal in the aerial battle and the experience of Declan Carroll and Ben Steele will be vital but I think Goodwick have too much quality in every area of the game and have much of the possession and control matters on such a big pitch.
 
Goodwick United 3 Monkton Swifts 1