Photos provided by MW10 Sports Photography

Background

This Saturday, Goodwick United face Monkton Swifts in the battle for the Manderwood Pembrokeshire League’s Senior Cup Trophy at the Ogi Bridge Meadow Stadium.

Goodwick go into the game on a fantastic run of form including a recent victory over Monkton Swifts in a drama-filled encounter to lift the Division One title.

Since then, Monkton defeated Kilgetty to book their place in the final in a close encounter and will be hoping that the return of key players has come at just the right time to finish the season with silverware.

Goodwick's Rhys Jones holds off a challenge from Monkton in their last encounter

Goodwick United will be hoping to do the double, a feat achieved by rivals Hakin United last season, who they recently pipped to the post in the league.

Hakin United were unable to defend their Senior Cup title this season due to eligibility rules following their involvement in the West Wales Cup, a great shame for all those who enjoy the competitiveness and quality of local football in recent years.

Goodwick have not lost domestically this calendar year, with their only defeat coming in the West Wales Cup away versus Pontlliw.

Since that defeat, they have been on a run of 10 straight wins including vital victories over Tenby to seal their place in the Senior Cup Final, and a last-minute 2-1 victory over Hakin to effectively seal the Division One title in their penultimate game.

Rhys Dalling fires in a 91st minute winner against Hakin

It was Rhys Dalling who was the hero that day, returning to action from the substitutes bench following an injury in the Cup semi-final. He struck late, firing home after the ball fell to him following a mix-up in the Hakin box to give his side a massive three points.

In contrast, Monkton finished their league campaign without a win in six games. Importantly though, the Swifts ended their slump with a 2-0 victory over Kilgetty in the Cup semi-final and could still finish as high as fourth in the league should they win their remaining fixture.

Jamie Wilkes assist for Declan Carroll to score the opening goal in Monkton's semi-final victory

What to expect

Goodwick United

For any team to be on the cusp of a potential league and cup double is testament to the fantastic work of the coaching team and quality of the playing squad, given the competitive nature and high quality of football in Pembrokeshire.

Goodwick were deprived of the league title last season following the revelation that they had fielded an ineligible player in one of their games, costing them a vital three points once hit with a deduction. They were also dumped out of the Senior Cup with a disappointing 0-1 defeat to Carew.

Unwilling to let such disappointment negate their future, they have responded excellently with a superb campaign, going from strength to strength.

Goodwick's Jake Smith runs with the ball against Monkton

Key to their success have been a couple of savvy squad additions. Midfielder Rhys Jones, signed from the Ceredigion Football League, has offered technical excellence in the middle of the park and has repeatedly shown he is the man for the big occasion with his deadly set-piece ability including stunning free-kicks against Hakin and Monkton in their title-winning run-in.

The return of youngster Dan James from Haverfordwest County has also proven to be vital, providing 7 goals and 7 assists across 14 games in the top flight.

Perhaps low-key at the time, Jake Smith who joined from Merlins Bridge has proven to be an outstanding capture, proving his worth to become a regular starter and providing a number of key goal involvements in the closing stages of the season.

Will Haworth dazzles with the ball at his feet for Goodwick

Another young signing from Merlins Bridge, Will Haworth, has gone from strength to strength, finishing the season in great form.

These young players make for the perfect balance with a squad of experienced winners such as goalkeeper James Gwilt, midfielders Luke Hayward and Steven Dockerty and forwards Rhys Dalling, Nathan Greene, Jonny Horgan and Adam Hawkins.

Marshalling the team is Captain Scott Delaney, a commanding presence at the heart of the Goodwick defence. Strong in the air, combative in the tackle and calm on the ball, Scott has all the attributes required to lead his team to success.

With the likes of Kyle Smith and Kyle O’Sullivan coming through, the future is bright for Goodwick under the stewardship of Chris O’Sullivan and his excellent coaching team.

Monkton Swifts

Likewise, Monkton have a mixture of youth and experience, starting with the man in the sticks Taylor Gullam. The eighteen-year-old has established himself as the first-choice goalkeeper, having previously played for Haverfordwest County and Swansea City.

Other youngsters include talented 20 years old Ross Jones who plays in central defence with all the qualities you would want in that position and 21 years old midfielder Jamie Wilkes, previously of Haverfordwest County.

Another ex-Haverfordwest County talent is Declan Carroll, Monkton’s star man in midfield who scored and registered an assist in the semi-final versus Kilgetty, showcasing his ability to score and set up goals.

Carroll slots past Kilgetty keeper to score in the semi-final

Upfront is Swift’s star man Ben Steele, a prolific forward who certainly knows how to find the back of the net. Steele scored when these two sides last met, although an excellent save from Kyle Marsh denied him a second from the spot in one of the game’s key moments. He’s joined by hardworking forward Dylan Davies who has made 18 goal contributions (goals and assists) this season.

The side is captain by fullback Chris Richards, one of the most experience players in the team with the ability to defend and go forward, often setting up chances with his left foot. 

The team is coached by veteran manager Chris Lloyd and Stuart James. The duo have already secured a consecutive top half finish for the club, with the possibility of finishing as high as fourth and bringing home a trophy to Monkton Lane.

Monkton's Ben Steele, who scored in the two sides' last encounter