Constant changes to the Kilgetty team each week doesn't help to develop a pattern of play for a team currently struggling to consolidate a foothold in the first division. The effort and endeavour shown by Saturday's line-up indicates that the team is capable of holding its own and winning enough points to maintain a safe position, and the early season performances demonstrated that there is enough talent there to do so. For the third week running, Kilgetty were confronted with a team that was well-organised and more than competent in both defence and attack. Merlins Bridge looked comfortable on the ball and confidently built up play from the back, always being able to find a player in space. Their movement off the ball and general support play inevitably gave them the edge as they pushed forward with confidence. They were not expecting the tenacity and resistance from a team far below them in the league as Kilgetty harried and harassed all through the afternoon. Ollie Griffiths continued in his role at the centre of defence alongside Russell Evans, and this week they were supported by Lee Watts and Jamie Bessant as fullbacks. Michael Scale returned to midfield and found that he and Grant James had to spend most of their time trying to break down the Merlins Bridge build-up. Played at a brisk pace, the first half was a fairly evenly contested, 'though Merlins Bridge created more opportunities for shots on goal. A Merlins Bridge throw into the 18-yard area, followed by a neat one-two, resulted in a shot on goal which was easily claimed by Christian. This was followed by a well-struck effort from the number six into the side netting. The Bridge always looked dangerous when attacking down the right flank and Jamie Bessant had his hands full trying to contain the number seven, Brett. Lee Watters was also a handful in the centre forward position, but he was well marshalled by Ollie Griffiths, who had another excellent game, matching him for pace and ability. Lee did get in a couple of snap shots from the edge of the box, but they were just wide or easily picked out by Christian. In reply, Kilgetty had a Jason Bridges shot saved, but a quick release and the ball was moved out to the right for the number seven to cross into the danger area. The resulting shot squeezed under the arms and body of Christian and over the line for the first goal. Although Kilgetty matched The Bridge for effort, they did not create many opportunities as the tall defence kept all efforts to long range shots. Kilgetty were almost caught out at the start of the second half as an early break by Lee Watters resulted in a cross to the far post. The ball was headed down and the resulting shot was blocked. Minutes later and Mikey Beynon demonstrated his skill as he brought a forward pass under control, only to side-foot the ball into the safe hands of the 'keeper. The second Merlins Bridge goal came from a corner. The initial ball was cleared, but met by Shaun Jones, who fired it through a crowd of players in the box, giving Christian no chance. Five minutes later and they scored a third goal, this time into their own net. A cross from the right was inadvertently deflected by a defender, giving their 'keeper no chance as it ended up over the line. This gave Kilgetty renewed hope and a fresh impetus, but not before Christian was forced into a great reaction save, to deny the number seven a goal by palming the ball wide for a corner. This was one of a number of excellent reaction saves by the Kilgetty 'keeper, who demonstrated his shot-stopping ability to great effect during the afternoon to deny the Bridge forwards a greater goal tally, and keep his team in with a chance. Gary Cunningham had a shot blocked and Mikey Beynon was just wide with a shot on the turn. Kilgetty's chances were somewhat limited and the result of opportunism rather than controlled build-up. The skills of the individual players in midfield are not being displayed in the cohesive manner that was displayed at the beginning of the season and too many of the Kilgetty team lack effectiveness in their movement off the ball. This results in too many long balls forward and poor delivery to the front runners. Kilgetty's backline suffered a double blow in the second half. Curly Watts was injured and replaced by Dan Hughes, while Russell suffered a cut due to a clash of heads and this brought recently transferred Lee James into centre back. Nicky Cope also had his chance when he replaced Gary Cunningham. It was Christian who had the final act of resistance as he pulled off a point blank save near the end to deny the Bridge a third goal. Team: C. Phillips, L. Watts, R. Evans, O. Griffiths, J. Bessant, M. Scale, G. James, J. Bridges, G. Marsh, G. Cunningham, M. Beynon. Subs. - L. James, D. Hughes, N. Cope
