Father and son combination are Tigers’ terrific cup heroes
JOHNSTON emerged victorious in a thrilling Division 2 Cup Final clash against Monkton Swifts 2nds, with the father and son duo of Scott and Alfie Crawford stealing the spotlight under the floodlights at Ogi Bridge Meadow on Wednesday evening.
In a riveting encounter on Wednesday (May 1) witnessed by a sizeable crowd, the Tigers displayed their mettle, clinching a well-deserved victory against Monkton Swifts’ second string side.
The match ignited from the outset, with Johnston seizing an early lead courtesy of a Craig Bendall header. However, Monkton Swifts swiftly retaliated as Will Davis found the net, leveling the score. Undeterred, Johnston regained control with Scott Crawford’s clinical finish, propelling them to a 2-1 lead at halftime.
The second half intensified with both teams fiercely contesting every inch of the pitch.
Midway through, Monkton Swifts’ Jordan Kilby stunned Johnston with a spectacular long-range strike, equalizing the score. Yet, the Crawford family’s synergy proved decisive as 16-year-old Alfie Stotter capitalized on his father Scott’s assist, securing the cup with a composed lob over the Swifts’ goalkeeper.
Despite Monkton Swifts’ spirited efforts, including a disallowed goal early in the match, Johnston’s resilience ultimately prevailed, clinching the coveted trophy.
Scott Crawford and Steve Allen, joint managers of Johnston, were jubilant alongside League Council chairman Mike John as they received the silverware, marking a momentous triumph for the Tigers.
Scorers:
Johnston: Craig Bendall, Scott Crawford, Alfie Stotter
Monkton Swifts 2nds: Will Davis, Jordan Kilby
Lineups:
Johnston: Anthony Bevans, Geno Cleal, Marcus Allen, Lewis Boswell (Kieran Walker 70’), Craig Bendall, Kieran Blundell, Thomas Richards (Joshua Knapp 69’), Scott Crawford, Alfie Crawford (William Davies 88’), Joey George
(Captain), Steve Allen. Monkton Swifts 2nds: Jay Kilby, Alex Lewis, Jordan Kilby, Ryan Hughes, Ben Phillips, Will Davis, Liam Butland (Captain), Josh Sture (Ben Steele 60’), Lee Duignan, Rhys Sture. Referee: Stefan Jenkins Assistants: Keith McNiffe
Match Officials:
& Ioan Nevatte
Fourth Official:
Hicks
The Johnston faithful erupted in joy as the final whistle blew, heralding their team’s triumph and etching a memorable chapter in the annals of Pembrokeshire football.
Mark