Last week was the final week for the first part of the new Texaco Pembrokeshire Women's Football Developent League, and it was cup week.
All the teams played in a knockout competition on a very cold afternoon.
The first game saw Greenhill Gunners losing by a single goal against an improving Pembroke Gunners side, while on the other pitch Goodwick were beating an STP side, who made a valiant effort despite only having five players.
In the other section, Clarbeston Road needed penalties to see off a great effort by Letterston Ladies, with the same outcome in the game between Tanyard Tigers and Taskers, with Taskers going through.
The semi-finals saw the Hotshots giving favourites Goodwick a fright before finally succumbing. Clarbeston Road also overcame a spirited Taskers side to secure their place in the final.
A good crowd stayed on to watch a very hard fought game between these closely matched sides, with both teams having their chances to win the game. But with the match ending in stalemate at the end of normal time, the drama of penalties unfolded on a now near frozen group of supporters.
Goodwick took the first, but a great save by the Clarbeston 'keeper gave the initiative to them, which they never lost, scoring their penalty with an unstoppable shot low into the corner. Goodwick had to score to stay in the competition, but the Clarbeston Road 'keeper had other ideas with two inspired saves.
The freedom of the village has apparently been afforded to her.
Clarbeston Road have had a dream start to the New Development League, having won the league competition the previous week. Goodwick again finished as runners-up, missing out on the top spot by just a point.
The competition starts again on January 13. If any group wishes to take part in this very successful league, then please contact FAW football development officer, Gerry Rigby, on (01437) 776479.
INDOOR GIRLS LEAGUE
Results for December 16, were as follows:
Under 14s: St. David's B 0 Goodwick 5; Tenby 1 Saundersfoot 1; St. David's 0 Goodwick 4; Pembroke Boro 1 Tenby 1; St. David's B 0 Johnston 1; St. David's A 1 Saundersfoot 0; Pembroke Boro 1 Johnston 0.
This was the final week of the first section of the indoor girls league.
The Under 12 section was won in some comfort by a good young side from Tenby, with Goodwick finishing as runners-up.
The Under 14s was a closer affair, with everything to play for on the final day. Five teams were still in contention to finish as champions which was a testament to the high standards that these teams have developed over the season.
After several highly competitive games, the eventual champions were Pembroke Boro who thoroughly deserved their position. Goodwick again finished as runners-up.
The league starts again on Sunday, January 13. Interested players or teams should contact Gerry Rigby at County Hall on (01437) 776479.
INDOOR WOMEN'S LEAGUE
Results for December 16 were as follows: Tenby B 0 Saundersfoot Wasps 1; Saundersfoot Bees 0 Neyland 3; Saundersfoot Bees 1 Carmarthen 2; Saundersfoot Wasps 1 Neyland 0; Tenby A 1 Neyland 2; Haverfordwest 4 Tenby B 0; Carmarthen 0 Tenby A 2; Saundersfoot Bees 2 Haverfordwest 2; Tenby B 0 Carmarthen 2.
Manorbier miss out again
MANORBIER 1 JOHNSTON 1
Manorbier played Johnston at home last Saturday, with the pitch looking like a Premiership one.
Manorbier started the game well, but knew it was going to be tough, with a few hard tackles flying in.
One of the Johnston players was sent off after half-an-hour for two bookable challenges.
Manorbier just tried to play football and with constant pressure on the Johnston goal, were awarded a penalty for a foul on Austin John. Mike Brown calmly put the resultant spot kick away.
Shortly after the restart, Johnston were also awarded a penalty, from which they equalised, to make the half-time score 1-1.
The second half started with Manorbier peppering the Johnston goalmouth, but again and again they were thwarted by the visiting 'keeper.
Another Johnston player was then sent off, but unfortunately Mike Brown from Manorbier joined him for an early shower, leaving only 19 players on the pitch.
Manorbier continued to pepper the Johnston goal, but were unable to score.
Jamesy at the other end was getting cold, with absolutely nothing to do.
Unfortunately for Manorbier, the game ended 1-1, leaving them yet again disappointed not to have grabbed all three points.
Let's hope the New Year brings more luck for the boys. Happy New Year to all readers.
NICE BUT...