Goodwick win their memorial trophy held in memory of 'a real character'
John Bailey Cup:
Goodwick United 10 - Letterston 0
Referee: Sean O’Connor
Venue: Phoenix Park
The John Bailey Memorial Cup has become very much part of Goodwick United’s pre-season rituals, with a four-team tournament, but this campaign had to be different because of how early it had to be held- and so Letterston stepped in to make sure that there was a game to remember John, who died tragically at an early age.
The third division team showed real grit in an entertaining tussle and the final score line certainly didn’t do them justice because they were a trifle unlucky to find the Goodwick sharp-shooters in fine fettle - but Letterston too had their chances but were unlucky not to score on several occasions as new Goodwick keeper Nick Jones made some good saves and other attempts by Stuart Morrell and Rob Headly flew just wide of the target.
‘Gaffer’ glad to get the game – and pleased by their performance
Letterston manager Gareth ‘Gaffer’ Thomas told PembrokeshireSport.co.uk afterwards,
“I’m extremely proud of my boys in taking on such a big challenge and their attitude throughout the game said it all - with Andrew Sharpe making some great saves and the back four never shirking a tackle and the midfield working overtime as well.
“We tried hard up front against a very strong Goodwick defence and the whole squad did well - and as Goodwick manager Chris O’Sullivan said afterwards - we helped to maintain the memory of John Bailey.”
Goodwick go 5-up at half time and soon adding more
Rhys Dalling scored the first and third goals with his trusty left foot and others came before half time from Jordan Griffiths (2) and Nathan Greene, with Jake Smith, Rhys Jones and Luke Hayward always probing in the middle of the park.
It says much for the pre-season fitness training that the game was played at a terrific pace, with total commitment in the tackle and both subs’ benches used in full - and Goodwick increased their lead when a set-piece cross found James Bryan and the tall defender’s header across goal gave Jordan Griffiths a simple tap-in.
Horgan thunderbolt continues the action
Then Jonny Horgan thundered in from 25 yards, via the crossbar, despite Sharpe’s yeoman effort to keep it out - and Will Haworth added two more after coming on, before Rhys Jones rounded things off.
Goodwick United manager presented the trophy to Goodwick skipper Scott Devonald, who had been a rock at the back alongside Sean O’Sullivan, Dockerty and Bryan - and ‘Sully’ rightfully thanked all involved, including 64-year-old referee Sean O’ Connor for his officiating the game for the umpteenth time since its inception.
Then he rightly turned to the opposition and provided the perfect praise for his team and their gritty opponents - who could be a useful unit in their division this campaign if they can hold on to this sort of form!
Goodwick United:
Nick Jones: Steve Dockerty; Scott Devonald (Capt); James Bryan; Sion O’Sullivan: Jordan Griffiths; Jake Smith; Luke Hayward; Rhys Jones; Rhys Dalling: Nathan Greene. Substitutes: Tyler Booker; Jonny Horgan; Will Haworth, Tyler Morris; Ifan Mathias; Kyle Smith.
Letterston:
Andrew Sharpe: Devon Taylor; Steff Morgan; Ben Kimberley; Paul Thomas: Karl Hedley; Morgan Miles; Jordan White; Cameron Carroll: Stuart Worrell; Robbie Hedley. Substitutes: Saul Patterson-Flynn: Josh Hallett; Cody Millard; Sam Lloyd.
