The weather was perfect with real Spring weather forthe first time this year, the football produced was of a high standard and both sides deserve great credit for the way that they played in a cracking cup final – so well done lads!
First father and son in the final?
Pundits were left scratching their heads as to whether a father and son had ever played in a Senior Cup Final after Nigel Delaney and son Scott played at the heart of the West Dragons’ defence. Nigel is now 38 and at 17 Scott is certainly one to watch for the future as he played really well. The pride that both had for the other was very evident indeed!Nice start
The now-traditional walk-on by Pembrokeshire Football League officials, sponsors Manderwood director Chris Tansey, players, referee and assistants, prior to a line-up and presentation in front of the main stand helped
set the tone for a special day.
Record gate
It’s always been a joke with former league treasurer Keith Scourfield and now MickyPhillips that the attendance at the Senior Cup Final has been a record one but there is no doubt that the huge smile on Mr Phillips’ face told its own story because there was a super crowd that
had the stand and touchlines packed. The crowd was also a well behaved one, apart from one silly little group, as a bonus!Super Venue
Playing this top match at the Conygar Bridge Meadow Stadium really does make it a great day out. The pitch looked in splendid condition thanks to the efforts of Derek Roberts, Sir Lenny Lewis and Kevin Haldane, whose white lines were as straight as an arrow! Well done also to all the stewards like Barry Webb, Brian and Colin Thomas (who were cleaning up for ages afterwards), plus Mr Haldane, Eddie Bunston and Terry Jones in the bar on a hot afternoon!
Lovely Ladies
The snack bar at the Conygar Bridge Meadow stadium was ‘manned’ as usual by lovely ladies Veronica Ellis, Diane Roberts, Joy Ralph and Caroline John. Sadly, though, this long-serving quartet has decided
it is time for someone else to take over so it gives us a nice chance to say ‘Well done girls, and thanks for the coffees!’Family atmosphere in both clubs
The family atmosphere was continued because brothers Karl and Rob Hedley played for West Dragons. Steve Hayward was assistant manager for Johnston and son Luke played a key role for the Tigers. Other Johnston players Ben Phillips, Steve Mills, Scott Murray and Liam Boswell have fathers who played at Glebelands whilst Dragon’s player Joe Brill’s dad Richard was a key player in his day for the opposition!
Mark pays a welcome visit
Making a welcome appearance at the final to cheer on brother Nigel and nephew Scott was former Wales, Aston Villa and Cardiff star Mark Delaney with his children Thomas and Charlotte. They were joined by parents Mike and Angelina, plus sister, Tina and it was lovely to see such a wonderful former player, now coaching youngsters at Aston Villa, returning to his roots.
Well done Sean
Referee Sean O’Connor said before the match that he hoped for a quiet game but inevitable he had to make decisions that included a sending off – but he officiated the game really well in his quiet and calm manner, assisted by Angus Scourfield and Adrian Harries – plus fourth official Kevin Milich.
Great support from other refs
Sean enjoyed the traditional meal with his three helpers at the Friars before the match, sponsored by Chris Jenkins, organised by Helmut Reinhardt and accompanied by loads of other whistlers who came to support him on his big day. It shows the real camaraderie that exists amongst referees and they were joined for a cracking meal by James Southon, the popular Radio Pembrokeshire presenter, Gordon Thomas (Sports Editor of the Western Telegraph), and yours truly. Thanks lads, it was a great start to the day!
Scott keeps match ball as a memento
The match ball was, as usual, sponsored by Ocky White Travel Ltd and was presented to West Dragons’ player Scott Crawford by Chris Tansey, who chose him as man of the match for his all-action performance. It was generally agreed that Scott had been man of the match against Hakin in the semi-final so although he ended up on the losing side it was a measure of consolation so well done Scott!
Russell receives Lillian Holman Trophy
The Lillian Holman Trophy was presented to Johnston manager Russell Murray by her husband Roy, who is a popular life vice president and former chairman and president of the Manderwood Pembrokeshire Football League.Top Tipsters
Congratulations to managers Peter Roberts (Tenby), Sam Coleman (Saundersfoot Sports) and Steve Blackford (Goodwick United) for getting the final scoreline absolutely correct, with all the others, except one, predicting the correct winning team. The only odd man out was Bernie Armstrong (manager of Merlins Bridge), who got the score-line spot on – but for the wrong team!
Smart dress code
Both teams looked very smart on the pitch in their respective orange and red kits – but looked just as cool afterwards, with their ties in their club colours. There was also colour aplenty amongst the rival supporters, with loads of Johnston rosettes made by Fran James, whose husband Richard scored the winning goal when the Tigers last won the final.
Tiger on top
In a match billed as The Tigers versus The Dragons, it was the former who just came out on top – and there was no doubt who had the biggest soft toy in evidence – it was some young ladies who had the Tiger we caught resting after the match near the changing rooms!