Pembrokeshire Under 11s Schools' sides played in the first round of the HSBC Yeoman Shield last weekend at Swansea.
The squad and coaches are grateful to the Welsh Schools FA for allowing them to enter the competition, through the withdrawal of the Torfaen Area Association, despite the fact that Pembrokeshire Schools had not been registered for any competitions this season at Primary or Secondary School level.
The squad had only two training sessions to prepare for the first match and with the format changing this year, they knew that Swansea would be tough. Pembs. A 1 Swansea A 1 Pembs. matched everything that Swansea threw at them. Lewis Roberts was superb in goal and Jacob Dent proved what a first class defender he is.
Tommy John ran well up front, supported by Michael Hire and Steffan Morgan-Davies. Swansea scored first against the run of play, but Rhys Jenkins equalised when he coolly slotted home a perfect pass from Callum Bergin. Pembs. A 0 Swansea B 0 This was a very close affair, with Robert Davies and Richard Tebbutt having a lot of defending to do. Jabcob's last ditch tackles saved the day on many occasions. Brandon TaylorMonaghan battled well in this end to end game and a draw was a fair result. Pembs. B 3 Swansea B 1 James Bridges got Pembs. off to a dramatic start when he fired in a strong ground shot after an attempt by Ryan Harley-Davies was blocked. Ryan's pace troubled Swansea and he had good service from Niall Kinsella and Laurie Howarth. Ryan scored two goals to give Pembs. a 3-0 lead. Ashley Falmer in goal made some very good saves. Swansea scored a consolation goal in injury time. Pembs. B 0 Swansea A 1 Pembs. took the game to Swansea, with Laurie outstanding down the left and Niall winning much of the possession in midfield.
Curtis Ridgen and Nathan Wilson defended well and Ashley made some superb saves. Jac Evans, Nathan and Curtis made some vital clearances before Swansea scrambled a goal late on in the game.
Benji Cromwell made a fine contribution with his tireless running and James Bridges always looked dangerous in attack.
County coaches Angie Nicholls and Mark Hicks were full of praise for the boys' performances and were very pleased with the five well-earned points picked up from the games.
Pembrokeshire Schools FA would like to thank the following sponsors: A team sponsors -Wimpy; B team sponsors - Jago Tenby.
Pembs A: Lewis Roberts, Michael Hire (Milford Juniors); Robert Davies (St. Florence); Jacob Dent, Brandon Taylor-Monaghan (St. Teilo's); Tommy John (Prendergast); Steffan Morgan-Davies (Spittal); Callem Bergin (St. Francis) Rhys Jenkins (Ysgol Glan Cleddau).
Pembs B: Ashley Falmer (Ysgol Glan Cleddau); Benji Cromwell (Prendergast); James Bridges, Nathan Wilson (St. Teilo's); Curtis Rigden (Johnston); Jac Evans, Ryan HarleyDavies (Ysgol Glannau Gwaum); Niall Kinsella (Holy Name); Laurie Howarth.