Pembrokeshire football previews, predictions and fixtures for Saturday, January 5th:

Senior Cup Round 2 (1.45pm):

Merlins Bridge 6-2 Herbrandston

A Senior Cup quarter final with Hakin awaits the winners of this, and it's Bridge who inevitably start favourites.

They were made to work hard by Clarbie last week but came through it, with Adam Hawkins, Joe Leahy, and Nathan Greene all on the scoresheet.

And that attacking trio will fancy it here against a Herbie defence that was depleted last week as they lost 7-2 in Pennar. Again Scott Reid underlined his threat with two goals and Sean Thomas' side have done well in the cup competitions thus far, but they simply have to be full strength to have a chance of springing a surprise here.

Many people would have already pencilled in a crunch quarter final between The Wizards and The Vikings, which will suit Herbie fine. But if they avoid complacency, then Bridge should go through.

Narberth 2-3 Carew

Another team pushed all the way before winning last week were Carew, who came back from 2-0 down to beat Saundersfoot 3-2.

Jordan Richards struck twice to inspire that fighback but while they remain league contenders - I still suspect it is the cup competitions that represent their best chance of silverware.

They play a Narberth side who also came through a battle as Tony Evans inspired them to a 3-2 win at Milford United - but only after a nervy ending which saw Kyle Quartermaine sent off and The Robins miss a great late chance to level it.

The centre back will therefore be missing for this game, but I still expect a tight one. The fact the winner plays Solva in the last eight as well, the only Division Two side left in the cup, will be extra incentive.

Carew reached two cup semi finals last season and their prowess in knockout games leans me towards them here.

Division 1 (2pm):

Hakin United 3-1 St Clears

Hakin's loss to Monkton last week represented a third league defeat of the season. In reality, if they want to retain their title they cannot afford to lose again.

They may be at advantage here with St Clears, having had their game abandoned in unforseen circumstances last weekend, essentially playing their first league game since December 8th. The Obs is not the best place to blow away the cobwebs.

I think Hakin will do enough here but anything less, and the title will suddenly seem a long way away.

Monkton Swifts 4-2 Saundersfoot Sports

With every game that goes by, Monkton's title challenge appears more and more realistic.

Again against Hakin, goals came from four different sources and the champions had few complaints about the result.

With the two sides immediately below them in Senior Cup action and Goodwick not playing, a win would put Joe Lewis' side top. Retaining focus then, shouldn't be a problem.

The Sports won't roll over mind, and losing in Carew after those early goals from Geoff Marsh and Adam Davidson would have been a sickener. They should have a point to prove to themselves at Monkton Lane.

But I can't see past The Swifts.

Neyland 2-1 Milford United

It was hard not to feel sorry for Milford last week. After fighting back from 3-0 down aginst in Narberth, another spirited display ultimately led to nothing.

But Adrian Hutchings will eye another competitive performance here against a Neyland side that edged past them 2-1 at Marble Hall. The Nomads gave a good acoount of themselves at Bryncoch in the West Wales Cup on December 15th but this is their first game since.

You could argue The Nomads have less to play for but Andrew Kemp will be keen to push on from their current 11th place, and Milford are struggling badly to turn performances into results.

Until they change that, it's hard to back them.

Pennar Robins 4-2 Clarbeston Road

Since losing at Hakin on November 17th, it's seven points from three games for Pennar.

The goals of Ben Adams have been well documented already but it's hard to ignore his latest feat, bagging five in that 7-2 win over Haerbie. And manager Chris Lloyd will finally feel his side have some league momentum after an indifferent start.

But Clarbie too impressed last week as they stood toe to toe with Merlins Bridge, and showed signs of their best form after a campaign plagued by injuries. Joules Ward's stunning early strike eventually came to nothing, but Pennar keeper Stuart James will have to be aware if he gets another sight of goal tomorrow.

The last league match between these two finished 8-4 to Clarbie. I can see goals again, but with Pennar taking the points this time.