PembrokeshireSport.co.uk pays its own tribute to a club beginning to find its way back after seasons in the wilderness . . .

Fishguard Sports were crowned champions of the third division without kicking a ball, after Johnston II drew 0-0 away to Cosheston Cougars. This tops off a second consecutive promotion, rising from the fourth division to the second division in that time.

It has been a tough few years for Fishguard Sports and finding the first team relegated to the forth division was a shock for a team steeped in history. The clubhouse at St Mary’s field had fallen into a state of disrepair and talented midfielder, Nicky Badland, suffered a serious heart attack during a training session earlier this season.

The future is looking bright

The first team find themselves respectably starting next season in division two under the guidance of chairman and first team manager, Owen Duggan. There are exciting new pitch developments underway at Tregoes on the outskirts of Fishguard and the second team are playing in the fifth division cup final next month.  There are seven junior teams and a girls’ team, and most importantly Nicky Badland making a full recovery, plus the great news that he and partner Claire are now expecting twins later this year. The future is definitely looking bright for all involved with Fishguard Sports.

Fishguard Sports 1 – 0 Lawrenny

Before the game, Manderwood Pembrokeshire League’s hon secretary Brian Hawkins presented the third division trophies and cup to all the players. Captain Ricky Bowen kept everyone’s feet firmly on the ground as he issued his final instructions before kick-off.  Ricky led by example as the team looked confident in possession during the opening minutes in difficult windy conditions.

Fishguard’s Steve Lewis was unlucky not to open the scoring as he beat his man with a quick turn on the edge of the box, but the midfielder flashed his shot narrowly past the right hand post.

Jamie Vaughan scored the only goal of the game just before the break, Matthew Morgan with some good work down the left, setting Jamie up for an easy finish.

Just after half time, Fishguard continued to attack as Arwel Thomas was unlucky not to add a second, his sweetly-struck volley was well saved by the Lawrenny keeper.

Matthew Lewis caused havoc in the Lawrenny penalty area at set pieces, winning the majority of aerial challenges, with only last-gasp clearances denying him a goal.

The Fishguard goal was rarely threatened as the back four of  Steve Jones, Alistair Davies, Llyr Tobin and Steven James stayed strong and concentrated throughout.  Keeper Nigel Wilmott was quick off his line and did well in windy conditions to sweep up any potential danger.

In the second half Matthew Matthias, Simon Jones and Johnny Williams were introduced to the game injecting some pace into the Fishguard attacks.

Post-match Questions asked by Gary Hall:

Owen Duggan, Chairman and first team manager – What has been your highlight of the season?

It is easy to get lost in football on a day like today, however, without doubt my highlight of the season was receiving a telephone call from James Dean (of Goodwick United) on the Saturday after Nicky’s heart attack. He told me that Nicky had come around and doctors had told him he would make a full recovery.

Alun Thomas, Assistant manager – When did you first believe you could win the league?

Back in February, we beat Johnston 8-1 away from home. They have been one of our closest rivals all season and that result was completely unexpected. That’s when I really started to believe.

Ricky Bowen, Captain – What did you think of today’s match?

The conditions were hard, the game was difficult but we have come away with a win and most importantly it means we have beaten every team in the league this season.

Alistair Davies, Centre Back – Are you happy with the result today?

It’s a great way to finish the season, three points and a clean sheet.

Matthew Morgan, Winger – As one of the youngest players in the team, what do you think the future holds for Fishguard Sports?

I expect us to be an established first division team in the next four years.

Steve Lewis, Midfielder – Best result of the season?

We beat Merlins Bridge 2-1. We were 1-0 down with five minutes to go but we battled on and scored two late goals. It was made sweeter by the fact Merlins Bridge had loaded their team with first team players.

Matthew Lewis, Midfielder – You have broken back into the first team after a serious knee injury, apart from promotion, what do you think was the teams greatest achievement this season?

Remaining undefeated at St Marys.

Nigel Wilmott, Goalkeeper – Save of the season?

Playing home to Johnston, I got down quickly in a crowd of players to save a blistering shot. I managed to get up off the floor and was lucky that Ricky hadn’t kick my head off.

Johnny Williams, Winger – What has been your biggest contribution of the season?

In the last minute of our home match against Broadhaven, I played a pin point pass through the defence into the path of Steve Lewis who slotted the ball home to win us the game.

Jamie Vaughan, Striker and Joint top scorer – What was your most memorable goal?

My thunderbolt against Merlins Bridge, which secured all three points.

Arwel Thomas, Striker and Joint top scorer – What was your most memorable goal?

My goal against Hubberston, the ball was played over the top of the defence and I latched onto it to score a half volley from 25 yards. Although the hat trick against Johnston, one of our closest challengers, was nice.

Simon Jones, Midfielder – What has been you biggest contribution of the season?

We were losing 2-1 away to Manorbier. I was a substitute and came on with ten minutes to go for the unhappy Jamie Vaughan. I scored the equaliser within five minutes of coming on, then in the last minute of the game, I jinked past a few players, broke through the defence and lobbed the keeper to win us the game and secure all three points.

Steven ‘Jammer’ James, Left Back – What has been the funniest moment of the season?

Owen Duggan doing the “hippo dance” when we beat Manorbier away from home.

Steven Jones, Right Back – What was the turning point of the season?

Nigel Wilmot made a world class save in the home game against Johnston, and we hung on to draw the game. If we had lost that game, confidence would have been low and anything could have happened.

Llyr Tobin, Centre Back – Can you sum up the season in one word?

Easy!
 

Photos

The Fishguard team with their trophies
Matthew Lewis winning an ariel dual
Manager Owen Duggan and Captain Ricky Bowen celebrate after the game
Top scorers Arwell Thomas and Jamie Vaughan celebrate with the cup