 Hakin United lose as Merlins Bridge win again to take a giant step towards title
Merlins Bridge took a giant step towards winning the title after last year’s champions Hakin United lost for the first time this seaon in the Manderwood Pembrokeshire Football League First Division.
The Bridge beat Hundleton 3-1 to go 11 points clear at that top. Paul Thomas, Simon Thomas and Matthew D’Ivry netted for the potential league winners, whilst Simon Shanahan scored for the visitors.
 Richard Hughes’ second half goal secured a shock 1-0 victory for Pennar Robins at Hakin United. The Vikings had goalkeeper Steven Hartley sent off for handling the ball outside the area and from the resulting free kick Hughes struck a delightful winner. The Vikings chances of retaining the title look remote, they also drop down to third in the table as the Robins leap frog them into second spot.
Goodwick United and Tenby fought out a goalless draw at Phoenix Park with both parties happy with a point apiece.
Neyland won for the first time this year gaining a hard fought 3-1 victory at Clarbeston Road who ironically beat them at the Athletic ground last week. Paul Hannon gave the Nomads the lead only for Richard Bevan to equalise, but the Nomads secured the points as Michael Chandler scored two late goals to secure the points.
Johnston bagged the biggest win of the afternoon, beating second from bottom Solva 8-1 at the Glebelands Ground. There was a double hat-trick for strikers Joe John and Adam Hawkins and Luke Hayward also struck a brace as Solva’s Ben Jones scored his side’s only goal with a well-struck penalty.
Milford United lost 2-1 at home against Narberth. Richie Adams gave the visitors the lead after clinically despatching from the spot the Robins equalised when Ashley Mathias slotted home to make it 1-1 at half time, but two minutes from full time Ashley Williams scored the winner to nick the points.
Haverfordwest County gained a thoroughly deserved 3-1 win at Monkton Swifts. The Bluebirds are fighting for their first division lives and only have four games of their season to go and these points could prove crucial. Gethin Roberts, Declan Carroll (on his debut after transferring from Tenby) and Martin Carroll netted for the visitors whilst Ben Steele scored a consolation effort for the Swifts.
PHOTOS:
Top, Johnston's Scott Murray is persued by Solva's Ben Jones.
Pennar Robins' Mikey Powell puts his best foot forward in his team's shock win at reigning champions Hakin United.
Pictures by Joseph Kiff.
21st January 2012
 Merlins Bridge win at Solva to go ten points clear at top of the table
Incredibly there were four draws from seven matches played in Saturday’s Manderwood Pembrokeshire Football League First Division.
League leaders Merlins Bridge won 4-1 at Solva and have gone ten points clear after second placed Hakin United could only draw 3-3 at home against Monkton Swifts.
Matthew Price (penalty), Stephen McNabney, Nathan Thomas and Mikey Williams netted for the Wizards, and Ben Jones scored a solitary goal for Solva who sit second from bottom in the table.
Hakin United led 3-0 at half time thanks to goals scored by Steve Mathias, James Stanmore and Justin Harding, but back came the Swifts with goals claimed by Matthew Davies, Jamie Callan and Ben Jones to earn a point and dent the Vikings’ title aspirations.
Joe John scored to give Johnston the lead at Goodwick United, but James Evans equalised as the game finished 1-1 at Phoenix Park.
Clarbeston Road moves out of the relegation zone after winning 4-3 at Neyland in a seven-goal thriller. Richard Bevan, Nicky Hardman, Emyr Griffiths and Matthew Griffiths bagged the vital Road goals, whilst Wayne Parry (2) and Michael Chandler scored for the luckless Nomads.
New signing Craig George scored both Pennar Robins’ goals in an expected 2-0 victory over bottom of the table Milford United.
Kristian Griffiths scored to give Haverfordwest County the lead at Narberth, but Jordan Williams, who earned his side a 1-1 draw at Jesse Road, cancelled out Griffiths’ opener.
Hundleton drew 3-3 at Tenby as Dean Rossiter, Jordan Richards and Daryl Mansbridge found the back of the net for the Seasiders, whilst Gareth Howells, Craig Manning (penalty) and Nicky Grange netted for the visitors.
PHOTO: Merlins Bridge player/boss Matthew Price scored from the penalty spot to help his team win 4-1 at Solva and open up a ten points lead at the top of the table.
14th January 2012
 Senior Cup fever grips football in the county
Four teams have progressed into the semi-finals of Senior Cup following Saturdays’ gripping quarter-final ties.
Current holders Hakin United gained an emphatic 5-1 win at derby rivals Milford Athletic of the Second Division.
Paul Jones, Justin Harding (2) and Ashley Bevan grabbed the goals for one of the hot favourites of the competition and Hadyn Dimond scored a consolation goal for brave Athletic.
Monkton Swifts clinched a thrilling 4-3 victory over close neighbours Tenby. Jordan Richards grabbed an impressive hat-trick for the visitors, whilst Tom Meiring, Ben Steele, Lee Brockway and Michael Canton grabbed the vital goals that sealed success for proud Swifts’ manager Byron Phillips.
 Also reaching the semis is hotly fancied Merlins Bridge who beat Second Division Herbrandston 2-0. Stephen McNabney and player manager Matthew Price scored the crucial goals for Wizards.
Solva reached the semis by the skin of their teeth as it finished 3-3 in their clash with Second Division St Ishmaels after 90 minutes and extra-time period at Maesymor. Sean Ellison (2), Joe Elliott scored for the homesters whilst Marc Devonald (2), Adam Davies scored for the visitors. But Solva kept their nerve to progress to the semis by winning 3-1 on penalties.
Semi-final draw
Hakin United versus Solva
Merlins Bridge versus Monkton Swifts.
Dates to be confirmed.
Two games end in a draw in First Division clashes
The Manderwood Pembrokeshire Football League First Division featured four fixtures on Saturday, two of which finished in a draw.
The foot of the table clash between Clarbeston Road and Milford United finished 3-3. Richard Bevan (2), Emyr Griffiths netted for the Road and the Robins replied with goals scored by Scott Griffiths, Joff Lennon and Jonathan Fawcett.
Haverfordwest County drew 1-1 with Goodwick United at the Bridge Meadow Stadium. Jay Brockway struck for the Bluebirds and James Dean equalised for the visitors.
Hundleton gained a crucial 1-0 away victory over Johnston at Gleblends. Nicky Grange struck the winner in the first half to bag valuable points.
Narberth grabbed a cracking 3-2 win at Pennar Robins. Jordan Williams (2), Tony Evans netted for the visitors whilst Jonathan Hyde and Sam Southcott netted for out of luck Pennar Robins.
Photos: Pictured are Merlins Bridge AFC and Herbrandston AFC teams before Senior Cup quarter final.
Bill Carne Pembrokeshiresport.co.uk
7th January 2012
 Hakin draw at Hundleton and lose ground in race for the this season's title
Six matches out of seven scheduled went ahead in Saturday’s Manderwood Pembrokeshire Football League First Division.
The only match that did not go ahead involved leaders Merlins Bridge versus Narberth at the Racecourse; the clash was postponed due to two sudden bereavements connected with the Bridge Camp. Pembrokeshireport.co.uk expresses its sincere condolences to the respective families.
The surprise result of the day was last season’s champions Hakin United only picking up a 3-3 draw at Hundleton. The Vikings have lost ground in the race for the title. They are now eight points behind Merlins Bridge and only have two games in hand. Nicky Grange, Gareth Howells and Geraint Lewis netted for the homesters, whom also had Joe Lewis sent off in the first half. The Vikings replied with goals from Paul Jones, Justin Harding and a last minute equaliser from Kieran Rendell. Despite this tremendous result for Hundleton, ironically they have slipped into the relegation zone second from bottom.
Goodwick United won the north county derby with Solva 3-0 at Phoenix Park. Lee Burrows (2) and Rob Morgans scored the goals.
Bottom of the table Milford United lost 4-2 at home to third placed Pennar Robins. Lewis Haines and Dai Patterson put the visitors two up. But back came the Robins with goals from Ashley Mathias and Lee Dennison. But just before the break Sam Southcott scored to earn Pennar a 3-2 interval lead and Southcott added his second of the match midway through the second half to secure the points.
Monkton Swifts thrashed Clarbeston Road 8-1 at Monkton Lane. James Russell (2), Daniel Scourfield (2 penalties), Michael Canton, Matthew Davies, Ben Steele and Lee Brockway netted for the rampant Swifts, and a solitary strike from Steffan Morgan Davies was all that the Road could muster.
Haverfordwest County gained an excellent 3-1 victory at Neyland. Goals from Rhys Jones, David Evans and Bradley Barrett helped the visitors claw their way out of the drop zone. Steve Peterson scored the Nomads’ only goal as they slipped to their eighth defeat of the campaign.
Tenby have recaptured last season’s impressive form by hammering Johnston 5-1 at the Clicketts. Daryl Mansbridge (2), Jordan Richards (2) and Billy Vaughan netted for the homesters, whilst Liam James scored Johnston’s solitary goal on a day that they quickly want to forget.
PHOTO: Jonah scored for Hakin but they could only draw at Hundleton and have lost ground in the race for the title.
17th December 2011
Bridge win derby to stay top for Christmas and New Year – Vikings thrash Johnston - Swifts win in dramatic fashion – Milford fear relegation after poor home defeat
 Merlins Bridge will stay top of the table for Christmas and the New Year after they won their derby battle 4-2 at Haverfordwest County in the Manderwood Pembrokeshire Football League Division One.
The Bridge faced a strong Haverfordwest County outfit but they still had enough firepower to secure three more precious points in their quest to try and win the title this season. Bradley Barrett and Nicky Woodrow bagged the goals for the Bluebirds, but further goals from Chris Ormond, Paul Thomas, Mike Preddy and Matthew D’Ivry ensure that the Bridge remains eight points clear, as there is a two weeks break over the festive period. Both teams observed a minute’s silence in memory of former Haverfordwest County Welsh League player Clifford Pawlett, who sadly passed away on Friday (16th December 2011).
 Hot on the Wizards’ heels are Hakin United, who thrashed Johnston 9-2 at the Observatory, playing some lovely one-touch football. Ashley Bevan (4), Justin Harding (3) and James Stanmore (2) hit the back of the net for the goal-thirsty Vikings and Joe John and Luke Hayward replied for the visitors.
Milford United lost 3-1 at home to fellow strugglers Solva. William Goodall gave the Robins the lead, but Solva fought back with second half goals from Morgan Elliott, Matt Harries and Ben Jones (penalty) to secure their second win in a row and leave the Robins deep in the relegation mire.
Another team struggling of late is Clarbeston Road, who lost 4-1 at home to Tenby. Callum Proctor (2), Kyran Lewis and Callum Greer bagged the goals for the visitors whilst Terry Fitzgerald scored a consolation effort for Clarbie Road.
 Monkton Swifts dramatically won 4-3 at home to Neyland. The visitors led 3-0 at the break thanks to goals from Jack Button, Jeremy Evans and Andrew Kemp. But the Swifts grabbed second half goals through James Russell (2) and Ben Steele (2) to steal victory in injury time and complete a tremendous turnaround.
Pennar Robins clinched a slender 1-0 victory over close neighbours Hundleton to secure their third win on the bounce. The only goal of the game came in the second half scored, by Dean Driscoll’s co-manager Jimmy Probert.
The game between Narberth versus Goodwick United was called off due to a waterlogged Jesse Road pitch.
PHOTOS:
James Stanmore sets off on a run . . .
. . . Jim Payne is beaten by James Stanmore . . .
. . . Stanmore is congratulated by Justin Harding
Bill Carne of Pembrokeshiresport.co.uk
10th December 2011
Bridge stay top – Hakin claim big win - Monkton and Johnston win cup-ties
 Merlins Bridge stay eight points clear of the Manderwood Pembrokeshire Football League after overcoming Milford United 3-0 who are at the foot of the table.
James Skudder scored a brace as Peter Thomas also found the target at The Racecourse.
Hakin United are second with three games in hand grabbed the biggest victory of the afternoon, winning by an impressive 10-3 final margin over Clarbeston Road. Justin Harding (3), Andrew Kingston (2), Mike Cooper (2), James Stanmore, Steve Mathias, Jamie Harding bagged the goals for the red-hot Vikings, whilst Richard Bevan (2), Nick Hardman netted for the visitors.
Pennar Robins are third in the table after claiming a narrow 3-2 victory at Narberth. Jonathan Hyde, Dean Driscoll, an own goal gave Pennar the edge despite goals from Narberth’s Ashley Williams and Ryan Williams.
Goodwick United thrashed Hundleton 5-1. James Evans (2), Chris O'Sullivan, James Dean, Rob Morgans grabbed the goal for the visitors, whilst Geraint Lewis netted Hundleton’s solitary effort.
Solva gained an important 2-0 home win over Neyland. Ben Jones and Medi George netted for the triumphant homesters. Jordan Richards (2) and Darryl Mansbridge bagged the goals for Tenby who won 3-1 at the Clicketts against second from bottom Haverfordwest County. Gethin Roberts scored first but it was the Seasiders who finished the stronger to collect the all-important points.
It turned out to be a special afternoon for two Pembrokeshire teams involved in the West Wales Intermediate Cup Third Round.Luke Hayward scored a vital penalty to secure a shock 1-0 victory for Johnston over Swansea League first division outfit Swansea Dockers. Monkton Swifts also progressed to the next round after easily winning 5-0 at Ynysmeudwy Athletic. Daniel Scourfield claimed a hat-trick; he scored two of them from the penalty spot alongside others scored by Michael Canton and Ben Steele.
PHOTO: Justin Harding in the heart of the action grabbed a hat-trick for Hakin United in their emphatic 10-3 win over Clarbeston Road.
Picture by Joseph Kiff.
3rd December 2011
West Wales Cup Third Round:
 Kingston kills off Goodwick hopes
Goodwick United 2 - Hakin United 4
Two goals by Andrew Kingston helped Hakin United beat Goodwick United in the West Wales Cup on a superb playing surface at Phoenix Park and provide manager Gary Dawes with an extra 42nd birthday present.
In a typically competitive match between these old rivals it was Hakin who made the better start to lead 2-0 after the first quarter but Goodwick pulled back a goal before the interval. It was a similar story after the break as the Vikings went further ahead before Goodwick scored from a penalty – but then were caught at the back as they pushed forward in search of an equaliser, and paid the inevitable price.
Hakin manager Gary Dawes was quick to praise the opposition as he said,
“It was a good cup tie and I am always pleased to get a result here because they are a good side. Before I left the house today my son Joe (10) tipped a 4-2 verdict for us and he got it just right – and our boys deserved to win in the final analysis.”
It left Goodwick disappointed because they also had chances but their manager Bernie Armstrong, who is 52 on Sunday, said afterwards,
“Today just wasn’t Goodwick’s day. Adrian Devonald made a blinding save from our sub Lee Burrows at 3-2 and we thought one of their goals was definitely offside but that’s football and now we must focus on improving our league position.”
 Vikings go two goals up
There was no doubting Hakin’s ability to score goals in the opening 25 minutes as Steve Mathias, Mike Cooper, Ashley Bevan and Steve Mathias called the shots in midfield. They had early chances as Paul Jones flicked a nice touch from Justin Harding just wide and a Bevan header from a Mathias corner brought a good save from Carl Woodhouse. The Vikings took the lead after 12 minutes when another Mathias corner was only partially cleared and Kristan Bennett was up from the back and able to volley home from 12 yards for a cracking goal.
At the other end a subtle Steve Blackford cross from the left only needed a touch but no-one in the Goodwick side could react quickly enough – and Goodwick found themselves two goals adrift soon afterwards when a Harding drive was parried by Woodhouse but Kingston followed up well to fire the ball home from 12 yards with a piece of clinical finishing.
Goodwick fight back well
Goodwick had a clear-cut chance after James Evans had hit the post and the ball rolled along the goal line with Devonald stranded but again no-one was able to get that vital touch – but the home side reduced the deficit when Tom Jones popped up in a goalmouth melee and found the net from close range.
Devonald also made a good save to deny Steve Evans and Darren Devonald had a shot blocked to leave his side still trailing 2-1 at the interval.
Vikings grab a third but Goodwick keep plugging away.
 Hakin started the second half well and Woodhouse made two good early saves before Steve Mathias added their third goal as he found space on the right and with the Goodwick fans howling for offside he cut in from the by-line, rounded the keeper and a would-be tackler to almost casually slip a left foot shot into the net for a quality finish.
It is to Goodwick’s credit that they still refused to throw in the towel and they reduced the deficit again after a Hakin defender had handled the ball in the box and Tom Jones scored from the spot.
Tense finale
It set up a tense finale where there were a few yellow cards for mistimed tackles before Hakin sealed their success as the ball broke nicely in midfield and Justin Harding raced through and unselfishly supplied the scoring pass for a simple Kingston tap-in which ended Goodwick’s hopes and saw Hakin through to Round Four.
There was a minute’s silence before the match in memory of Gary Speed and watching the match was John Gow, the Referees’ Officer for West Wales and former top official whose final game with the whistle was in 1978, when Scotland and Ireland met in the old Home International series at Hampden Park. He was impressed by the refereeing of 21 year old referee Daniel Beckett, who hails from Llanelli and is already officiating Welsh League games.
Goodwick United: Carl Woodhouse, Kieran O'Brien, Wayne O'Sullivan, Anthony Couzens, Steve Blackford, Ryan Thomas, Darren Devonald, Tom Jones, James Evans, James Dean, Steve Evans. Sub: Lee Burrows.
Hakin United: Adrian Devonald, Matthew Broome, Ewan Findlay, Steven Allen, Kristan Bennett, Michael Cooper, Ashley Bevan, Steve Mathias, Andrew Kingston, Paul Jones, Justin Harding. Subs: James Stanmore, Jamie Harding, Kieran Randall.
Referee: Daniel Beckett (Llanelli).
PHOTOS:
Mike Cooper just beats Tom Jones to the ball in midfield.
Steve Blackford and Steve Mathias go head to head.
21 year old referee Dan Beckett in the action.
Pictures by bill Carne of PembrokeshireSport.co.uk
26th November 2011
 Goals bonanza as Hakin thrashes Narberth and foot of the table Milford United win well at Marble Hall
It was another bonanza day for goals in the Manderwood Pembrokeshire Football League Division One where 33 were scored in total from seven games, working out at almost five goals per game.
The league leaders Merlins Bridge trounced Monkton Swifts 7-2 at Monkton Lane. Peter Thomas (2), Steve McNabney (2), James Skudder (2) and Mike Preddy all got on the score sheet for the triumphant visitors. Michael Canton and Daniel Scourfield netted for the Swifts, on a day that they will quickly want to forget.
Second placed Hakin United thrashed Narberth 8-0 at home. The Vikings proved far too strong for the Bluebirds with goals raining in thick and fast from Justin Harding (3), Ashley Bevan (2), Steve Mathias (2) and James Stanmore.
Goodwick United narrowly defeated Hundleton 2-1 at Phoenix Park. Craig Manning put the visitors in front, but Steve Evans equalised and Wayne O’Sullivan scored a late header to secure the points.
 Bottom of the table Milford United beat Clarbeston Road 2-0 at Marble Hall. Striker Chris Thompson grabbed a goal in each half to restore the Robins’ confidence.
The surprise result of the day was Johnston winning 4-0 at Neyland. Liam James, Liam Boswell, Luke Hayward (penalty) and Joe John scored the goals that secured a handsome win for the Glebelands’ Gang.
Veteran midfielder Dai Patterson scored a late winner for Pennar Robins to seal a slender 3-2 win at Solva. The homesters had Joe Elliot sent off early for destroying a goal scoring opportunity, and from the resulting penalty Dean Driscoll hit the post before Matt Harries scored the opener for Solva and Dai Patterson equalised. Sam Southcott added Pennar’s second before Gareth Thomas scored from a direct free kick. But right at the death Patterson scored the winner with a spectacular diving header.
Tenby grabbed a late equaliser through Billy Vaughan to earn a 1-1 draw at Haverfordwest County as Matthew Ellis gave the Bluebirds the lead in the first half, before Tenby left it late to secure a point.
PHOTOS: Justin Harding (above) scored a hat-trick for Hakin United who crushed Narberth 8-0.
James Skudder (right) scored twice for leaders Merlins Bridge who won 7-2 at Monkton Swifts.
19th November 2011
Three draws plus Clarbeston Road, Goodwick United, Monkton Swifts and Neyland all claim victories
 Three games in the First Division of the Manderwood Pembrokeshire Football League finished in a draw on Saturday.
Starting with the top game in the division saw league leaders Merlins Bridge draw 1-1 with second placed Hakin United at the Racecourse. Last season’s champions Hakin United took the lead when Paul Jones, better known as Jonah, gave the visitors the lead. But the Wizards equalised from a Matthew D’Ivry header at a corner, as both the top teams settled for a point apiece. Merlins Bridge stay five points clear at the top, but the Vikings do have two games in hand as the title already looks set for a two-horse race.
Clarbeston Road returned to winning ways as they thrashed Solva 6-1 at home. Richard Bevan claimed a hat-trick alongside further goals from Beau Mogford, Emyr Griffiths and Nick Hardman. The only joy that Solva had was when Matt Harries scored to give his team the lead – but after that the Road took them to the cleaners.
 Monkton Swifts picked up an impressive 5-1 away win at Haverfordwest County. Tom Meiring (2), Ben Steele, Matthew Davies and Michael Canton all netted for the victorious visitors, whilst teenager Bradley Barrett scored the Bluebirds’ solitary effort.
Neyland stay in third spot on the same number of points as Hakin, but the Vikings do have better goal difference. The Nomads returned to winning ways with a 2-0 win at Pennar Robins, Sean Hannon and Wayne Parry got the all-important goals.
Hundleton and Johnston drew 2-2. Simon Shanahan and Gareth Howells scored the goals for the homesters, whilst a brace from Luke Hayward ensures the visitors had a share of the spoils.
Goodwick United beat Narberth 1-0 at home thanks to a solitary first half strike from Kieran O’Brien as his side pick up their fifth win of the season.
 Bottom of the table Milford United picked up a useful point at Tenby. Declan Carroll scored to give the homesters the lead, but five minutes from the end Jonathan Fawcett equalised to earn his side an important point.
PHOTO: Merlins Bridge.
PHOTO: Hakin United.
PHOTO: Match referee Dave Badger.
Pictures taken by Bill Carne of Pembrokeshiresport.co.uk
12th November 2011
Senior Cup – Round 2
Athletic cause upset by hitting Neyland for six! – Tish defeat Goodwick in extra time
 Milford Athletic caused one of the biggest upsets in Senior Cup history by beating Neyland 6-0 at the Athletic Ground.
The division two outfit led 3-0 at half time and scored three further goals after the break to breeze into the quarter finals.
Grabbing the goals for Athletic were Stuart MacDonald (2), Chris Scoble (2), Shane Walsh and Hadyn Dimond.
Another shock result was Second Division St Ishmaels defeating First Division Goodwick United 2-1 in extra time. Daniel Flynn gave Tish the lead, but Steve Evans equalised to force the tie into added time. In the second period of extra time Flynn bagged his second of the tie, and send one of the fancied favourites crashing out.
Cup holders Hakin United narrowly won 4-3 at Second Division Pendine. Robbie Waters (2) and Cei Edwards scored for the homesters, whilst Mike Cooper (2), James Stanmore and Paul Jones netted for the relieved Vikings.
Joe Elliott, David Price, Ben Jones (2) and Mark Evans helped Solva to a stunning 5-2 extra time victory at Hundleton. Gareth Howells put the homesters 2-0 in front, but Solva mounted a superb fightback to clinch a quarter final spot.
First Division Monkton Swifts won 4-2 at home to Third Division leaders St Clears. Ben Steele (2), Aaron Goldsmith, James Russell all scored for the Swifts, and Dorian Davies and Steve Thomas scored for the luckless visitors.
In an all-Second division clash Herbrandston won 4-2 at Lamphey. Alex Galdo bagged a hat-trick alongside a goal for Ashton Plunkett to seal the tie, despite Billy Davies and Anthony Webb netting for the homesters.
Second Division Carew narrowly lost 2-1 at home to one of the cup favourites Merlins Bridge. Simon Thomas and Mike Preddy scored for the visitors, whilst Sam Goodwin scored for Carew who produced a good account of themselves.
First Division Tenby scraped home 1-0 at Second division Prendergast Villa; Darryl Mansbridge scored the crucial winner early in the first half.
Revised Draw for Senior Cup Quarter Finals
Solva v St Ishmaels
Monkton Swifts v Tenby
Milford Athletic v Hakin United
Merlins Bridge v Herbrandston
PHOTO: Tenby’s Darryl Mansbridge in action at Prendergast Villa, the left sided midfielder scored the Seasiders' only goal to secure their quarter final place.
Johnston and Narberth pick up big wins
There were also three games played in the Manderwood Pembrokeshire Football League First Division on Saturday.
Clarbeston Road lost 5-0 at home to Narberth. Morgan Preece (2), Jordan Williams, Ade Jones and Luke Squires scored the goals to complete the rout.
Johnston also won 5-0 at home against Pennar Robins. Joe John bagged his fourth hat-trick of the season, also Simon Ormond and Adam Hawkins added their names to the score sheet
In the bottom end of the table clash Haverfordwest County gained a crucial 4-2 win at Milford United. Richard Ryan (2) and Jamie Evans (2) scored the goals for the visitors. Chris Thompson and Greg Thomas scored for the foot of the table Robins.
6th November 2011
Merlins Bridge open up five points gap at the top of table – Seven teams from County progress to Round Three of West Wales Intermediate Cup
 Merlins Bridge took full advantage to go five points clear at the top of the Manderwood Pembrokeshire Football League First Division on Saturday, where only four games were played as many local teams featured in the West Wales Intermediate Cup Round Two.
The Bridge beat Pennar Robins 3-1 at the Racecourse. John Badrock scored early to give the visitors an early lead, but the homesters fought back with goals from Nathan Thomas, Matthew Price and Peter Thomas to secure their tenth victory of an impressive season to keep them on course for the title.
The biggest score of the day was at Clarbeston Road where the home side lost 7-4 to Haverfordwest County. Third from bottom County scored goals through Jamie Evans (3), Owen Thomas (3) and Bradley Barrett to claim the Bluebirds’ fourth win of the campaign. Richard Bevan, Mike Loveridge, Greg Brown and Matthew Griffiths scored for the defeated outfit.
Neyland’s season continues to get better, and better. The Nomads, sit in third position and claimed a slender 1-0 home victory over Narberth. The only goal of the match was scored by Nathan Warlow to bring up his side’s seventh win of the season.
The last game played in the First Division was at Solva, where the homesters lost 5-2 at home to Hundleton. Nicky Grange (2), Simon Shanahan, James Kitts and Craig Manning scored vital goals for the visitors, whilst Matt Harries and Ben Jones netted for Solva, who have sunk to second from bottom in the table.
It was a good afternoon for Pembrokeshire teams who played in Round Two of the West Wales Intermediate Cup. Seven teams progressed and they were West Dragons, Goodwick United, Johnston, Hakin United, Monkton Swifts, Tenby and St Clears, who all claimed victories and will have finger's crossed for a home tie in third round.
PHOTO: Merlins Bridge's Peter Thomas has a shot at goal under pressure from Pennar Robins' Dean Driscoll.
Picture by Joseph Kiff.
29th October 2011
It’s raining goals again in First Division of Manderwood Pembrokeshire Football League
 There were incredibly 36 goals scored in total in seven First Division Manderwood Pembrokeshire Football League matches played on Saturday.
Heavy rain fell at the weekend, and with it rained goals, with an average of just over five goals per game.
Merlins Bridge remains at the summit of the table, winning 3-2 at Hundleton. Simon Thomas (2) and Mike Preddy found the back of the net for the visitors, whilst in reply Geraint Lewis bagged a brace.
Hakin United stay second just two points off the leaders, gaining an impressive 4-0 win at Jesse Road against Narberth. Ashley Bevan bagged an excellent hat-trick alongside a Justin Harding strike.
Goodwick United beat Pennar Robins 2-0 at Phoenix Park to secure victory at Phoenix Park. Rob Morgans and Steve Lewis hit the target.
Johnston hammered Haverfordwest County 5-1 at the Glebelands Ground. The Tigers’ goal scorers were Joe John (3), Adam Hawkins and Luke Hayward. Greg Walters grabbed a consolation for the visitors, who now sit uncomfortably second from bottom.
Monkton Swifts thrashed Milford United 6-2 at Monkton Lane. Aaron Goldsmith (2), Ben Steele (2), Lee Brockway and Daniel Scourfield netted for the Swifts, whilst Chris Thompson (2) scored for the team who are on the bottom rung of the league ladder.
Neyland moved up to third in the table after they dished out a 6-0 drubbing to Solva at the Athletic Ground. The Nomads’ scorers were Aaron McQuillan (3), Paul Hannon, Nathan Warlow and Gareth Quirk.
Clarbeston Road found them on the wrong end of a 5-0 drubbing against Tenby at the Clicketts. Jordan Richards (3), Declan Carroll and Dean Rossiter scored for the Seasiders, who have clawed their way out of the relegation zone with this easy win.
PHOTO: Ashley Bevan bagged a hat-trick for Hakin United in their 4-0 victory at Narberth.
22nd October 2011
Bridge stay top with Hakin United hot on their heels
 There is no change at the top of the Manderwood Pembrokeshire League First Division as Merlins Bridge won 2-0 against Neyland at the Racecourse.
Chris Ormond and Mike Preddy grabbed the goals for table toppers to sink Neyland, who have dropped from third to fifth in the table.
Two points behind the leaders are current champions Hakin United who won 7-5 at home against Tenby who slipped to second from bottom. Paul Jones (2), Justin Harding (2), Mike Cooper, Jonathan Bennett and Ashley Bevan scored for the home outfit, whilst Jordan Richards (2), Alex Harley, Darryl Mansbridge and an own goal made up the visitors’ tally.
Clarbeston Road won 6-5 against Johnston in another high-scoring affair. The Road moved up to sixth thanks to goals from Michael Loveridge (2), Richard Bevan, Richard Green, Greg Bown and Matthew Griffiths. Liam Boswell (2), Joe John (2) and Ben Phillips added their names to the visitors’ score sheet.
The shock result of the day was Milford United winning 1-0 against Goodwick United at Marble Hall. This was the Robins’ first win of the season and a late goal from Paul James has condemned Goodwick to eighth spot, and even at this early stage winning the title looks nigh-on impossible.
Narberth moved up to third thanks to an impressive 2-0 win at Monkton Swifts. Jake Harding and Tony Evans scored the all-important goals for the much-improved Bluebirds.
Pennar Robins are now fourth after a comfortable 2-0 victory over Solva at Bush Camp. Dean Lawrence and a penalty by Ben Nicholas sealed the points.
PHOTO: Chris Ormond strikes the shot that gave leaders Merlins Bridge the lead over Neyland.
15th October 2011
 An average of five goals per game were scored in the First Division
The Manderwood Pembrokeshire Football League Division One resumed on Saturday, where incredibly 35 goals were scored in total, an average of five per game.
The top game of the day was at the Racecourse where top of the table Merlins Bridge beat Goodwick United 4-3. Simon Thomas scored a brace for the Bridge with Chris Ormond and Stephen McNabney adding their names to the score sheet. Tom Jones (2) and Steve Evans scored for the visitors, who have now slipped down to seventh.
Remaining in second is reigning champions Hakin United who overcame Haverfordwest County 2-0 at the Observatory. Both goals came in the second period and were scored by Justin Harding and Jonathan Bennett.
Richard Bevan scored a hat trick for Clarbeston Road in an impressive 4-2 win at Hundleton. Nick Hardman was the Road’s other scorer also Rhodri Davies and James Kitts scored for fifth from bottom Hundleton.
Johnston drew 4-4 with Narberth in an open game at Glebelands. Joe John bagged a first half hat trick alongside a Liam Boswell pile driver. But the visitors clawed back with goals from Nathan Davies, Richard Adams, Jordan Williams and penalty from Ashley Williams to secure a point.
Neyland drew 3-3 with Pennar Robins at the Athletic Ground. Mike Chandler, Wayne Parry and Aaron McQuillan netted for the Nomads, and in reply Dean Driscoll, Dai Patterson and Dean Lawrence scored for the visitors.
Milford United are still awaiting their first league win of the season and lost 4-1 at Solva. David Price, Ben Jones, Dan Williams and Morgan Elliott scored for the homesters, and Chris Thompson scored the Robins’ only goal.
Tenby came out on top 1-0 against Monkton Swifts at the Clicketts. The only goal of the game came ten minutes from the end, where Jordan Richards scored from close range to settle this tight affair.
PHOTO: Simon Thomas scored two goals for top of the table Merlins Bridge who beat Goodwick United 4-3 at the Racecourse.
8th October 2011
Senior Cup Round up
Cup fever grips Pembrokeshire football at the weekend
 Thirty-two teams were vying for a last 16 spot in the Manderwood Pembrokeshire Football League premier competition the Senior Cup played on Saturday afternoon.
Reigning champions Hakin United won 12-0 at Division Two Angle. Justin Harding (5), Ashley Bevan (2), James Stanmore (2), Steve Mathias, Kristan Bennett and Paul Jones got on the scoresheet for the red-hot favourites.
Goodwick United were held to a 4-4 draw at First Division rivals Clarbeston Road. The Phoenix Boys edged through after winning a nail-biting penalty shoot-out 6-5.
Division Two St Ishmaels caused an upset by winning 3-1 at Division One Johnston. Josh Beer, Andrew Palmer (penalty) and Joel Morgan scored for the delighted visitors.
Last season’s beaten finalists Haverfordwest County bowed out at the first hurdle, losing 1-2 at home to Tenby. Darryl Mansbridge grabbed a first-half brace and then they had Declan Carroll sent off before Matthew Ellis pulled a goal back in vain for the luckless Bluebirds.
One of the hotly fancied cup teams Merlins Bridge trounced Narberth 6-0 at Jesse Road. Matthew D’Ivry (2), Matthew Price (penalty), Mike Preddy, Stephen McNabney and James Skudder scored for the rampant Bridge.
In an all Second Division clash Prendergast Villa won 3-2 against derby rivals West Dragons. Dan Wilks (2) and Guy White scored for the Villa, whilst Ben Skudder and Scott Crawford netted for the visitors.
Hundleton strolled into the second round with a comfortable 7-1 home win over Third Division Hubberston. Marc Edwards (2), Craig Manning (2), Nicky Grange, Joe Buckle and Gareth Howells hit the target for Mark Powell’s troops.
Fifth Division Hook was thrashed 8-1 at Second Division Carew. Matthew Phillips (4), Kris Stone, Iwan Izzard, Terry Fitzgerad, Greg Brown (penalty) scored for Carew, whilst Steve Reid bagged the visitors solitary goal.
Peter Frank, Simon Mathias and Craig Nicholson scored for Herbrandston in their 3-0 victory over fellow Second Division rivals Kilgetty.
In another all Second Division affair Lamphey won 7-0 at home to Camrose also Milford Athletic won 3-0 at Pill Lane against Letterston.
Current Third Division league leaders St Clears caused an upset by narrowly defeating First Division Milford United 4-3.
Monkton Swifts won the south county derby 4-3 against Pennar Robins at Monkton Lane.
For all other cup results click on to Pembrokeshiresport.co.uk Results & Scorers section headed Senior Cup 2011.
PHOTO: Billy Vaughan in possession for Tenby as Haverfordwest County's Nathan Banner closes in.
24th September 2011
 Goals, goals and more goals was the order of the day
There were incredibly 40 goals scored in seven Division One matches played in the Manderwood Pembrokeshire Football League on Saturday.
In the top game in the division saw Hakin United narrowly come out on top 3-2 against Goodwick United, the visitors finished the game with ten men after goalkeeper Carl Woodhouse was sent off in the second half for deliberately fouling Paul ‘Jonah’ Jones inside the area. Ironically, Jonah missed the resulting penalty, but luckily for the Vikings it didn’t matter. Jamie Harding and Justin Harding added their names to the Vikings’ score sheet - Steve Evans and Ryan Thomas replied for Goodwick. But just before full time Ashley Bevan scored a crucial penalty to secure the vital points.
One of the surprise results of the day was Clarbeston Road who won 4-1 at Haverfordwest County. Richard Green (2), Dan Rees (penalty) and Nick Hardman scored for the delighted visitors and the only goal that the homesters could muster was in the form of Luke Robinson.
Pennar Robins made the short journey to Hundleton and were thrilled to come away with a terrific 4-1 victory. Alex Jones scored to give Hundleton the lead, but further goals by Dean Driscoll (2), Jon Hyde and Johnny Badrock secured the points for Pennar.
League leaders Merlins Bridge won 3-1 against bottom of the table Milford United. The score line would suggest an easy win – but it wasn’t. Joff Lennon struck in the second half to give the Robins the lead. But three late goals from Matthew Price, Chris Ormond and Nathan Thomas got the Bridge out of hot water.
The highest scoring game of the day was at Monkton Lane where Monkton Swifts won 6-4 against Johnston. Matthew Davies (2), Tom Meirion (2), Daniel Scourfield and Lee Brockway scored for the Swifts and Steve Mills, Adam Hawkins, Simon Ormond and Joe John replied in vain for the visitors.
Narberth’s impressive start to the season continued as they won 5-1 at Solva. Leading the way was Ashley Williams who bagged a hat-trick and Jordan Williams scored a brace with Chris Garret scoring Solva’s only goal.
Neyland gained an impressive 3-2 victory at Tenby. Paul Hannon, Nathan Warlow and Mike Chandler all found the back of the net to give the Nomads a three-goal cushion. The Seasiders mounted a serious fight back with Jordan Richards scoring twice, but come the final whistle, it was the Nomads who bagged the crucial points!
PHOTO: Ashley Bevan scored a late penalty to secure Hakin United's narrow 3-2 win over Goodwick United.
17th September 2011
Wizards go top of table as unlucky Vikings bow out of FAW Trophy
 Merlins Bridge go top of the Manderwood Pembrokeshire Football League Division One after defeating Narberth 2-1 at Jesse Road.
The Wizards took full advantage to reach the summit with player boss Matthew Price scoring in the first half and the lead was extended shortly after the interval, when Stephen McNabney struck. Narberth pulled a goal back through Ashley Williams but it was the delighted Wizards who bagged the crucial points.
Goodwick United moved up to second in the ladder after easily beating Clarbeston Road 5-1, in the opening match of season they drew 2-2. Steve Evans (2), Kieran O’Brien, Rob Morgan and James Evans bagged the home team’s goals. Emyr Griffiths and Greg Brown added their names to the visitors’ score sheet.
Neyland gained an expected victory over bottom of the table Milford United at Marble Hall. Wayne Parry and Paul Hannon grabbed the goals for the Nomads to win 2-0 to secure the points.
Pennar Robins moved up the table to fifth after they comfortably won their local derby clash with Monkton Swifts 3-0. Sam Southcott, Andrew Green and Dean Driscoll found the back of the net.
Haverfordwest County picked-up a slender 2-1 victory at Hundleton. Richard Ryan and Matthew Ellis scored goals in the first half for the visitors, and Joe Lewis netted in reply for Mark Powell’s Hundleton outfit.
Johnston gained a surprise 4-2 victory at Solva. Martyn Tweedie, Adam Hawkins, Simon Ormond and Andrew Murray netted for the Tigers, whilst Ben Jones (penalty) and Chris Garrett scored for disappointed homesters.
In the FAW Trophy second round tie Hakin United narrowly lost 3-2 at Treowen Stars. Paul Jones netted both the Vikings’ goals - but the undoubted star of the tie was Treowen’s Grant James who went one goal better than Jonah, the striker scored an impressive match-winning hat-trick.
PHOTO: Influential player boss Matthew Price scored for Merlins Bridge in their away win at Narberth.
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Micky's Pembrokeshire
Hakin remains top – Tigers tame Robins – Road cause upset – Goodwick and Tenby draw – Wizards win derby – Narberth thrash Hundleton
Swifts upset Goodwick – Hakin and Narberth score seven – Wizards are early leaders
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