Pembs fight back to seal cup glory

THE Pembrokeshire League were crowned SB Williams Inter-League Cup champions after defeating Carmarthenshire League 4-1 at Stebonheath Park in their final game.

Pembrokeshire went into the game knowing that nothing but three points would do if they were to finish above Swansea Senior League in the table to claim the title.

And there was no holding back in the team selection for manager and coach Nigel Delaney and Chris O’Sullivan as they took the field with an attacking line-up.

Yet early on it didn’t go to plan.

And in the 12th minute it was Carmarthenshire who broke the deadlock when Carmarthen Stars striker Sam Wilson thundered a low shot from 20 yards which crept into the bottom corner.

Although stunned by the goal, the visitors gradually clawed their way back into the game, and it came as no surprise when they grabbed an equaliser in the 29th minute.

From a backheel in the box by Adam John, Justin Harding squared the ball for Nicky Woodrow to fire home and make it 1-1.

Then on the stroke of halftime Pembrokeshire were awarded a penalty when Jordan Griffiths was fouled in the box by Jonathan Fagan.

And Harding fired home from the spot to make the interval score 2-1.

Despite coming under pressure in the first quarter of an hour of the second half, Pembrokeshire regained control to pull further ahead in the 62nd minute.

A free-kick by Luke Hayward found Jordan Griffiths, who directed his header past the keeper.

There was no way back for Carmarthenshire, who conceded a second penalty when Adam John was bundled over in the area.

Referee Dean John had no hesitation in pointing to the spot, and Harding again converted.

In the dying minutes Harding was handed the chance to make it a hat-trick of successful penalties.

But this time he was out of luck as his shot rebounded back off the bar and the score stayed at 4-1 until the referee blew the final whistle.

The defeat ended a disappointing campaign for Carmarthenshire, who finished bottom of the table.

And in the after-match presentation it was Pembrokeshire captain Scott Delaney who lifted the trophy to crown a fine campaign for his side.