The match dubbed the "curtain raiser" has rather unusually ended up taking place after the first league game of the season. Pembrokeshire's equivalent of the Community Shield sees league winners Goodwick United face Senior Cup champions Hakin United and we couldn't ask for a more intriguing encounter.
The match takes place in tribute to the late Brian Hawkins, a highly respcted member of the Pembrokeshire Footballing Community and will take place at Marble Hall Pitch (Milford United Football Club) with kick-off at 6:15pm.
All gate money will be donated to the chosen charity of Brian's family which is Cancer Research, with both clubs honouring their share towards this. The match ball has been sponsored by Nautico's Restaurant of Milford Haven.
Last season, Goodwick made it three league titles back-to-back, including two undefeated campaigns, an incredible achievement by Chris O'Sullivan and his team. Hakin United also enjoyed a historic season, winning not only the Senior Cup but the West Wales Cup for the first time in over two decades. The trophy that had eluded Scott Davies a few years ago finally came home with victory in a hard-fought encounter against fellow Pembrokeshire side Tenby, following an incredibly narrow win against St Josephs in the semi-finals.
As always with a new season, the rumour mill has been in full swing with players leaving and joining various teams, and eyes are always on how the top teams will strengthen. For Goodwick, it's fair to say this will truly be a season in transition, especially in relative terms given the stability of the last three years.
That's not to be critical, though - teams always evolve and things have to keep fresh. Sully's departure as first-team manager represents an exciting opportunity to freshen things up for the future. New manager Nigel Delaney (who was Sully's assistant) is joined by top-class coach Matt Fox (who won a Senior Cup over Goodwick at his previous club, Clarbeston Road).
Some of the old heads have seemingly left the club - Sean Pemberton, James Bryan, and Matty Delaney are no longer present in the defence. Fox was followed across from Clarbeston Road by their club captain, right-back Josh Wood, who will look to make that position his own.
In the heart of defence, Scott Delaney will be looking to forge a new partnership with youngster Ross Jones, who joins from Pennar and has already partially endeared himself to the Phoenix faithful with a last-gasp equaliser on the opening day against Merlins Bridge. I've seen Ross play a few times, and as Pembroke Borough manager Luke Campbell once said to me: "I've never seen this boy lose a header." His journey as one of Pembs' finest centre-backs will be fascinating to see.
Also making the journey from Pennar (back to) Goodwick are Ben Adams and Dan James. Adams was instrumental in a couple of title successes at Goodwick as a utility player, mainly operating at full-back and known for his hard work, relentless running, and professionalism.
Dan James, a wing wonderkid known for his speed and footwork, will have to play his way back into the team after a year away. He'll find himself up against a renewed Nathan Greene, who despite attracting interest from elsewhere was determined to stay at the club and show why he's still one of the best forwards around—exciting for the season ahead of him.
In the middle of the park, stalwart Luke Hayward has left to rejoin hometown club Johnston. Whilst the move is understandable, Goodwick will be hoping it doesn't knock their team out of balance as they look for other faces to step up in terms of responsibility. Midfield dynamos Jake Smith and Rhys Jones remain at the club and no doubt have vital seasons ahead of them.
Their opponents, Hakin United, have seen a more quiet transfer window with small changes rather than a massive overhaul. Their already young squad showed their future potential with the likes of Jordan Kilby and Liam Parks impressing last season.
The Vikings have also lost one of their most important midfielders in Jack Britton, whose next move remains unclear. Makeshift goalkeeper Gareth Fawcett has stepped away from the first team, allowing a new keeper to come in for this season.
That man is Rory Williams from Pennar Robins - a very good keeper who has proved his credentials over the last few years and, from my conversations with him, seems like a really good bloke too. The expectations from the Hakin fans may have taken its toll on previous players in that position, so I'm hoping Rory will grow into the role with love and confidence to make it his own.
A mention to Fawcett who, although he had some dubious moments in the net, will always be remembered for his semi-final West Wales Cup performance against St Josephs, with Scott Davies recognising his role in the team's success with the manager's player of the season award.
Another player joining from Pennar is the exciting forward Cameron Brunton, who scored a stunning free-kick against the Vikings last campaign. Another brilliant young talent who scored on the opening day, he should fit into the team like a glove.
Also returning to the team is the experienced Matthew Broome, who didn't play much last season but picked up the players' player of the season award the season before. Undoubtedly one of Pembrokeshire's finest players, his experience and know-how will be welcome by everyone in the dressing room.
As mentioned, this match comes after one league game already played. Goodwick drew 2-2 with Merlins Bridge in a thrilling opening-day encounter, which would have no doubt delighted Hakin personnel and supporters. However, players from all teams will be aware of the long season ahead, with 21 league games remaining. The result, where Jones equalised in the 96th minute, once again showed Goodwick's never-say-die attitude, fighting for everything until the final whistle.
Hakin started their campaign with a routine 5-0 win over a depleted Pennar Robins, who will unfortunately will likely be in for a difficult season after losing so many key players. What would have pleased manager Davies was five different goalscorers—Camron Thomas (who he will be delighted to see start as he was excellent in the West Wales Cup final after recovering from injury problems last season), Kieran King, Leon Luby, Liam Parks, and Cameron Brunton. There was also an assist for another new signing from St Ishmaels, youngster Joel Mills.
As to how this game will go? I honestly have no idea. Last season saw a draw and a win apiece, with either side doing a job on each other in the league and cup respectively. I might be sitting on the fence, but with two quality sides, I think it's fair to say that both have what it takes to beat each other, but it will come down to little details and fine margins on the day.
It promises to be another cracking match. Should we look into it too much? I'm not sure, but both sets of players and fans will be desperate for a win to get, perhaps mentally, a leg over and the first blow against their rivals.
