Robins lift Joe Lennon Cup after 12-year gap

2023 Joe Lennon Cup final:

Milford United 3 - St Ishmaels 2

There is a new name on the Joe Lennon Memorial Cup after Milford United beat St Ishmaels 3-2 in the final to lift the trophy for the first time since the inaugural 2011 tournament, writes Fraser Watson.

That year, there was a fairytale finish as Joff Lennon nailed the winning penalty in a final shootout with Hakin, but the Vikings then proceeded to win it 10 consecutive times, with only the Covid pandemic denying them in 2020. But last week, it was the Robins who stunned the hosts in the semi-final, before taking on Tish in Friday’s final.

With all games at The Obs, the tournament started with Tish beating fellow Division Two side Herbrandston 3-0, before Milford knocked out Hakin 3-1 with goals from Thomas Grimwood, Morgan Picton, and new signing Scott Reid. It represented the first time the Vikings had ever been beaten in the tournament over 90 minutes.

Horn heads Robins to victory

Then in an exciting final, Tish twice took the lead through a Sam Davies own goal and Thomas Williams strike, but twice Milford levelled through Liam Parks and Jacob Horn before Parks struck what proved to be the winner.

But only after defender Horn, who later picked up the Player of the Tournament Award, headed off his own line in injury time to ensure his side held on.

They received the silverware from Daisy Picton, who paid a glowing tribute to the late Lennon, and Hakin secretary and tournament organiser Jonny Lewis also spoke afterwards to Pembrokeshire Sport co.uk.

“The respect Joe had was tremendous,” said Lewis. “He made people fall in love with football. You get your followers - Hakin, Milford, Tish, Herbie - it doesn’t matter, the admiration he had from all clubs was huge.”

Lewis also thanked referee Marty Jones, who voluntarily took charge of all three tournament games.