(Image: Rhys Neville)
Monkton Swifts have claimed their first Pembrokeshire League Division One title since the 2006/07 season, after they defeated nearest rivals Merlins Bridge 5-3 at Monkton Lane.
A win for the Wizards would have seen the title race go down to the final day, but Joe Lewis’ side dispatched second-place Bridge to seal the title with a game to spare.
The Swifts led 2-1 at the break, after James Russell and Ben Nicholas had put them two goals ahead, before Adam Hawkins pulled one back for the visitors.
A Ryan Griffiths goal alongside a brace from substitute Paul Miller in the second-half took the game away from Bridge, as Monkton stormed towards the title.
Merlins Bridge pulled two goals back through Hawkins and Laurie Haworth to reduce the margin of defeat.
Since winning the title over a decade ago, the Pembroke side have spent two seasons outside of the County’s top-tier, competing in Division Two in 2010/11 and 2015/16.
After a seventh-placed finish in the league last term, Lewis’ side have surprised many on their way towards picking up the silverware.
Winning 20 of their 23 league games, losing just twice with a goal difference of +76, the Swifts have been able to re-establish themselves as a force in Pembrokeshire League football.
Monkton’s success sees a team other than Hakin or Goodwick United lift the Division One title for the first time since the 2011/12 campaign when Merlins Bridge triumphed.
The Swifts conclude their season at home to 2015/16 Division One winners Goodwick United on Saturday.
(Featured image: Rhys Neville)
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