The Brooklands sponsored Saundersfoot Sports AFC played their last fixture of the season against Herbrandston on Saturday, having already sealed the second division championship the previous week after recent wins against Pendine and Pembroke Borough.
The fixture, therefore, was a bigger game for Herbrandston, as if they were to win and Prendergast lose, they would be promoted alongside Saundersfoot to the first division.
With the pitch being in wonderful condition on a beautiful sunny day, the chemistry was right for a good game.
Saundersfoot started with their usual 5-3-2 formation, which had served them well the previous week at Herbrandston's home ground when they had won 2-0, but, within the first five minutes, hesitant defending and lazy attitude led to the visitors being awarded a penalty, which they put away.
With their tails up, Herbrandston pushed forward at every opportunity and Saundersfoot found it difficult to get forward, with the midfield play being closed down quickly.
Herbrandston's pressure was rewarded with a second goal.
After a stern talking to from Alan Brindley, the Sports' second half performance was a complete contrast to the first, with the midfield of Darren Umanee, Dale Elms and Russell Evans winning more ball which allowed the wide players to get forward.
Saundersfoot's first goal came from a corner which Herby failed to clear and Rob Beynon was on hand to slam the ball into the net.
Saundersfoot dominated the game at this point, allowing Phil Jones and John Beynon to play good balls into the Herby box for Steve Davies and Robbie Beynon to score more, but determined defending by the visitors prevented this.
The second goal did come, however, when following good play from Phil Jones and Paul Thomas down the left, Phil received the ball from Simon Brace, who played his usual outstanding game, turned and passed the ball into the path of Tini, who hit first time; it was hit with such venom that Herby's 'keeper had little chance to stop it,
This goal made the last minutes lively. Saundersfoot defenders Peter Rattenbury, Paul Thomas and 'keeper Craig Reardon look comfortable, but with two minutes to go a free-kick outside the box was not cleared and Herby scored the winner with a good headed goal on the final whistle.
The game was Herbrandston's, but the day was Saundersfoot's.
Team: Phil Jones, Simon Brace, Steve Davies, Robbie Beynon, Darren Umanee, Peter Rattenbury, Paul Thomas, Craig Reardon, Russell Evans, Johnny Beynon, James Thomas, Dave Douglas Law, Andy Williams.
Following the match, the Booklands sponsored Saundersfoot Sports first team were presented with the Second Division Cup by PALF chairman, Mr. Norman Hanlon The cup was received by captain Simon Brace on behalf of the squad and was the reward for a hard fought season on the pitch under the talented guidance of Phil Jones, whose leadership has gained great respect within the ranks, whilst assistant manager and AFC club chairman, John Watkins, popped the champagne corks.
Saundersfoot Sports AFC would like to thank Mr. and Mrs. Umanee, of Brooklands Nursing Home, for their sponsorship this season; Saundersfoot Sports and Social Club; trainer Craig O'Neil, Cliff Preece; and Mr. Dennis Merrix for providing the disco entertainment to celebrate the squad's success - a great night was had by all.
Saundersfoot Sports would also like to say a big thank you to all their regular supporters, especially Mr. N. Ebsworth and Mr. W. Phillips for their sponsorship.