Manderwood Pembrokeshire Football League – 2022 Division 2 Cup Final

 
 

Milford United 2 – Herbrandston 3
(After extra time)

 
Herbrandston twice came from behind to secure victory against arch-derby rivals Milford United as teenager Callum Stannett was the hero when he dramatically struck the winner in the second period of extra time in front of a big crowd at the Bridge Meadow Stadium on Tuesday evening.

It took 120 minutes to separate these competitive teams from the Milford area, plus the magical match- winning moment came in the 113^th minute when 19-year-old Stanett struck to break the Robins’ hearts in a clash which was a good advert for Pembrokeshire football.

This derby produced a hotly-contested clash as The Robins took the lead through Liam Parr, who made no mistake from the spot, but on the  stroke of half time Herbie equalised through a stunning strike by Craig Hewer. The Robins slightly edged the second half as 24-year-old Sam Davies gave Steve Parks’ outfit the lead, but two minutes from full time Daniel Armstrong equalised to force the game into extra time; and in the second half of extra time Stannett struck the winner.

In the previous league encounters this season Herbie won 5-2 at home then followed up with a 1-1 draw at Marble Hall, so this final was always going to be tough to predict. Milford United finished fourth in the table while close neighbours Herbrandston were sixth.

In a close first period neither side got to grips with the wide-open spaces on an immaculate Bridge Meadow surface.

In the 34^th minute The Robins were awarded a penalty when Morgan Picton’s teasing ball into the box struck the hand of Herbie defender Leigh Marchant as eagle-eyed referee Roy Boswell pointed straight to the spot, up stepped Parr, who confidently struck his 12-yard effort hard and low past the right of outstretched goalkeeper James Manson.

In the 42^nd minute Herbie lost Alex Ouzman, who badly twisted his ankle, and the midfielder limped off to be replaced by Tom Arnold.

On the stroke of half time Herbie equalised with an excellent strike by Hewer which flew off the underside of Ferdy Stevenson’s crossbar.

The second period continued to be cagey, with neither side really getting on top, but United took the lead in the 71^st minute when Sam Davies found the back of the net thanks to a Ben Lewis assist.

However, in the 88^th minute, with a final throw of the dice, up came Daniel Armstrong from defence to square matters thanks to Marchant’s excellent cross.

The extra time period saw a lot of tired legs on the pitch but seven minutes from full time, as penalties seemed imminent, up popped Stannett who grabbed the defining goal thanks to skipper Scott Reid’s unselfish assist.




 
Milford United: Ferdy Stevenson, Sam Davies, Robbie Smart, Jacob Horn, Scott Griffiths (Captain), Ben Lewis (74’ Ashley Mathias), Morgan Picton (84’ Neil Mathias), Liam Parks, Liam Parr (84’ Jake Barrett), Owen Wilson (82’ Joel Blair), Liam Davies (82’ Lewys Tee).
 
Herbrandston: James Manson, Thomas Richardson, Celyn Owens (49’ Jordan Milich), Max Howells (76’ Marc Boswell), Leigh Marchant, Craig Beach, Callum Stannett, Alex Ouzman (71’ Thomas Arnold), Scott Reid (Captain), Craig Hewer (70’ Marc Gelona), Daniel Armstrong.
Substitute not used: Owen Thomas.
 
Referee: Roy Boswell.
Assistants: Sean O’Connor & Gary Lewis.
Fourth Official: Neill Crawshaw.