2023 John Bailey Memorial Cup:

 
 

Goodwick United 5 - Clarbeston Road 0

 
Goodwick United regained the John Bailey Cup with an accomplished five-goal defeat of Clarbeston Road, who had won this cup played for annually in memory of the talented young footballer who tragically died some years ago.
 
Clarbie had won the silverware last season as they beat Llechryd of the Ceredigion League in the final – and this season again reached the final at Phoenix Park by beating Fishguard Sports 3-0.
 
Goodwick beat Llechryd 4-1 and there was a good crowd in attendance to watch this traditional game in memory of a very talented footballer and quite unique character.
 
The Phoenix Boys were well on top from the outset in terms of possession but didn’t trouble keeper Rhys Mansell over much  as his defence showed good discipline - and Clarby always posed a threat on the break through Laurie Haworth and Travis John.
 
Will Haworth was very impressive in his new striker’s role for Goodwick and he opened their account as his shot took a deflection to finally beat Mansell and give his team a 1-0 interval lead.
 
Chris O’Sullivan’s team certainly came out again having raised their tempo because they doubled their lead from a ball headed down by Mattie Delaney and Will Haworth volleyed home past a helpless Mansell.
 
Johnny Horgan soon made it 3-0 when he ran through onto Haworth’s cleverly-weighted pass and fired home – and the Phoenix Boys added another after Clarby failed to clear from a corner and the ball found Luke Hayward lurking with intent on the edge of the box before he drilled the ball into the top corner.
 
Both teams made several changes and the game went flat until Goodwick’s substitute Rhys Jones broke into the area and made it 5-0 with a fierce shot.
 
At the end of the game former Goodwick chairman thanks all teams for their help in making it another fitting memorial and wished them success in their respective leagues, and thanked officials Sean O’Connor, Sion Jenkins, Tom Nivatte and Gareth Elliott.
 
Brian also pointed out that a substantial sum had been raised for the Portfield Special Activities Centre in Haverfordwest which was enhanced by Llechryd donating their match fees to boost the cause – and finally he presented the John Bailey Memorial Cup 2023 to Goodwick United’s outstanding captain Scott Delaney.
 
Goodwick United: Kyle Marsh: Steff Hayes; Ben Adams; James Bryan; Scott Delaney; Luke Hayward; Kyle O’Sullivan; Mattie Delaney; Dan James; Will Haworth; Johnny Horgan. Subs: Rhys Jones; Jake Smith; Rhys Dalling; Kyle Smith.

Clarbeston Road: Rhys Mansell: Sam Hurton; Alfie Barnett; Matthew Griffiths; Tom Withers; Matthew Davies; Jake Booth; Nial Kinsella; Travis John; Jake Westley; Laurie Haworth. Subs: Richard Bevan; Raff Barnett; Keegan Summers; Jack Hunter; Jackie Montague.