Manderwood Pembrokeshire Football League –

Senior Cup Semi-Final

  
 

Neyland 1 - Monkton Swifts 2

 
Dylan Davies struck twice to earn division one Monkton Swifts a hard-fought victory over second division Neyland in front of a decent crowd at the Ogi Bridge Meadow Stadium.
 
Five minutes into the game Davies gave The Swifts the lead from the spot, five minutes before the interval Jake Booth also scored with a penalty as the score stood 1-1 at the break. Shortly after the break the Swifts regained the lead as Davies pounced for his second goal from close range.
 
The Swifts took an early lead as referee Neill Crawsahw spotted a handball inside the area which saw skipper Dylan Davies who made no mistake from 12 yards past Nomads’ goalkeeper Sam Laugharne.
 
The Nomads defended strongly as veterans Sean Hannon and Simon Eliis put in some telling tackles against the slick Swifts.
 
Danny James threatened down the left for The Swifts and he cut inside twice but his lack of finding the target didn’t trouble Laugharne.
 
The Nomads were awarded a free kick on the edge of the 18 yard box, but Gary Hughes’ effort struck the Swifts’ defensive wall.
 
At the other end Davies had a low shot palmed wide by Laugharne, from the resultant corner Martyn Carroll struck a wicked volley which flew wide.
 
Neyland were then awarded a penalty which Jake Booth coolly despatched past Taylor Gullam which levelled matters,before referee Crawford ran over to the Swifts’ dugout and issued a straight red card to Ben Steele for possible decent.
 
No further goals were scored as it stayed 1-1 at half time with all to play for in the second half.
 
The division one outfit came out with more attacking purpose in the second half and were rewarded shortly after the interval as goal poacher Davies pounced on a Laugharne parried effort from a Paul Miller cross cum shot from the right to find the back of the net from close range, the skipper claiming his second goal of the night.
 
Full credit to Neyland, they battled all the way and  gave an excellent account of themselves and will now concentrate on gaining promotion.
 
But it is the Swifts who edged it and will be looking to win the Senior Cup they last won 19 years ago.
 
Monkton Swifts will play either  Goodwick United or  St Ishmaels  in the final - they play each other on Friday (10^th April) evening at the Ogi Bridge Meadow Stadium, kick off 7pm.
 
Neyland: Sam Laugharne, Jay Johnstone, Jack John (Joe Gale73’), Sean Hannon, Harry Young, Max Bowman-Davies, Gary Hughes (Richad Mills 57’), Mike Chandler (Captain), Jake Booth (Morgan James 66’), Matthew Phillips (Ben Gale 69’), Simon Ellis (Leon Barrett 66’).
 
Monkton Swifts: Taylor Gullam, Jay Kilby (Will Abrahams 87’), Jimmy Walker, Luke Phillips (Jack Clarke 73’), Liam Butland, Daniel James (James Russell88’), Jamie Wilkes, Dylan Davies (Captain), Gareth Finnegan (Jason Finnegan 66’), Paul Miller (Connor Davies 65’), Martyn Carroll.
 
Referee: Neill Crawshaw.
 
Assistants: Stefan Jenkins & Ioan Nevatte.
 
Fourth Official: Scott Trayhern.