It was a well placed, diving header by Bobbie Bevan that slid effortlessly past the goalkeeper, which proved the deciding factor in this well contested West Wales Cup game. Unfortunately it was into his own net, much to the disappointment of the team and spectators alike, who had been treated to an exhibition of endeavour and commitment combined with more than a modicum of skill.
The Allied Steel team from Llanelli looked a confident and competent outfit and were not prepared for the battle they faced to progress into the next round. The Kilgetty youngsters harassed and hassled their visitors for the full 90 minutes and it would not have been an unfair result had they claimed an equaliser near the end.
For most of the first half they matched their opposition for pace and commitment in defence and midfield. Up front Ollie Griffiths and Adam Thorn chased down everything to put the Llanelli defence under pressure. Unfortunately, the balls fed through from the back were all too often of the aerial variety and straight down the middle.
Llanelli's three tall defenders had no real problem in clearing their lines, but their clearances were not always well directed, enabling Michael Scale and Damian Keats to pick up some possession in midfield.
Bobbie Bevan's presence was commanding in defence as he vociferously directed his back line and the midfield in front of him. All round him the young players responded enthusiastically, closing down the opposition and breaking with pace on many occasions.
The first goal, when it came, was created by Llanelli from a move down their right flank. A well placed cross found the attacking forward in space on the far post and without panic he coolly placed his shot into the corner of the net.
This did not deter Kilgetty as they continued to battle up to the half-time whistle. Managers Hurst and Howells gave the youngsters the benefit of their experience as they prepared themselves for the second half.
Far from capitulating to a more experienced team, Kilgetty set about their task with the same commitment shown in the first half. They were rewarded with an equaliser after pressure in the Llanelli goalmouth allowed Anthony Bevan to put the ball over the line.
Kilgetty were on the way back, but not for long. Within a minute of the restart the Llanelli team had regained the lead.
Kilgetty battled on, only to suffer the demoralising blow of an own goal, which came from an innocuous cross from the left.
Undeterred the team battled on and the introduction of Jamie Morgan on the left side of midfield had the desired effect of unsettling the opposition. It was his well-taken goal that put Kilgetty back in contention.
Having heeded the managerial advice at half-time, Andrew Prout stroked the ball wide to Anthony Bevan on the left flank who, in turn, split the defenders with his pass, enabling Jamie to spring in behind the defence and in front of the charging goalkeeper for a well-taken goal. Game on!
The final 10 minutes was exciting and frustrating as everyone committed themselves to getting the equaliser, but alas, it was not to be.
This was a more encouraging performance from Kilgetty, one to add to their bank of experience and one to build on during the long season ahead.
Team: Christian Phillips, Bobbie Bevan, Andrew Prout, Stuart Wally, Darren Rossiter, Damian Keats, Michael Scale, Daniel Hughes, Anthony Bevan, Oliver Griffiths, Adam Thorne, Richard Griffiths, Jamie Morgan, Geraint Prince.