As usual we at PembrokeshireSport.co.uk have been around the county asking players and managers who they think will win the Senior Cup – and as always their scorecasts make interesting reading.
The local pundits seem to think a close contest is in the offing – with seven plumping for Neyland and five for Goodwick United!
Gary Dawes (Hakin United manager):
I fancy Neyland might win the cup at their first attempt. They have a good goalie in Patrick Hannon and a strong spine to the team that includes Wayne Parry. They play for each other as a very strong unit and that can play a part on the big day. I think that if they play well they could win by two clear goals.
Scorecast: Goodwick United 0 Neyland 2
Dean Driscoll (Pennar Robins player):
A very tough game to predict but I think Neyland will win narrowly. The key battles could be between Wayne Parry and Wayne O’Sullivan at one end and Rhys Dalling versus Paul Hannon at the other. Neyland are in their first final, which always brings an extra interest to the game.Scorecast: Goodwick United 1 Neyland 2
Leigh Galdo (Herbrandston manager):
Goodwick have players who have had experience in a senior Cup Final but Neyland have shown they can fight back after we beat them 6-0 in the first game of the season. They all play for each other, especially when the going gets tough and it’s nice to see a new side in the final.Scorecast: Goodwick United 1 Neyland 2
Matthew Price (Narberth manager):
My heart says it would be nice to see Neyland win on their first visit but my head says Goodwick because of their experience and on the wide open spaces at the Conygar Bridge Meadow Stadium their front men will pose a constant threat. They are two good teams and it should make for an entertaining final, and I still have this feeling that Neyland’s name is already on the cup!Scorecast: Goodwick United 2 Neyland 1
Chrissie Lloyd (Angle assistant manager):
There are some key battles like Wayne Parry against Wayne ’O Sullivan, and Gary Power’s running might test Goodwick’s more static midfield but there’s the aerial threat from Goodwick to counter that. It should be a great game and I hope that my mate Parry gets a winner’s medal because he could have played for any team but stayed with Neyland.Scorecast: Goodwick United 1 Neyland 3
Lee Morgan (West Dragons’ manager):
I think the experience of players like Wayne O’Sullivan and Kieran O’Brien, both previous senior cup winners, will be vital for Goodwick, plus manager Nigel Delaney, who took West to the final. Neyland are a strong side who will push Goodwick all the way but I think they might run out of steam on a big pitch.Scorecast: Goodwick United 3 Neyland 1
Lee Hudgell (Merlins Bridge player/manager)
Goodwick are an experienced side whilst Neyland will be playing their first final so it will be interesting who comes out on top. On a tighter pitch I think Neyland would beat Goodwick, as they did us, but I think Rhys Dalling and Rob Morgans will be real danger men for Goodwick and swing it in their favour.Scorecast: Goodwick United 3 Neyland 1
Jamie Picton (Johnston player/manger):
Neyland are a much-improved team this season and might well be more powerful on the day, with Wayne Parry a big threat up front and Gary Power catching the eye in midfield. Johnny Horgan is a key player for Goodwick but I think the Nomads might edge it on their first time in the final!Scorecast: Goodwick United 2 Neyland 3
Ben Evans (Saundersfoot player/manager):
Goodwick and Neyland are good footballing sides but Nigel Delaney’s team are used to playing on wide open spaces and that might be a key factor. Rhys Dalling is very quick up front and Goodwick will try and create space for him to use – and if he comes off then look out!Scorecast: Goodwick United 2 Neyland 0
Mark Powell (Monkton Swifts’ manager):
I think that this year Neyland’s name is on the cup and good luck to them. I’ve got a lot of time for Nigel Delaney and his boys but I have this feeling that Neyland can rise to the occasion and take the silverware by the odd goal in a tight match.Scorecast: Goodwick United 2 Neyland 3
Craig Weston (St Clears’ manager)
I saw Neyland beat Narberth in the semi-final and was very impressed by the way that they kept their shape throughout, superbly marshalled by Paul Hannon. But he will have to be on tip-top form to hold Rhys Dalling and will need total support from his other defenders. Goodwick’s greater experience will also help.Goodwick United 3 Neyland 1
Dene Hurlow (Tenby’s top press officer)
I have a gut feeling that Neyland will win it at their first attempt. They always work hard for each other and will be determined to keep a strong Goodwick United outfit quiet. It will be close but I think the Nomads will just shade it on the day.Scorecast: Goodwick United 1 Neyland 2