Exciting times at Manorbier ladies is only dampened by the lack of squad players in both the ladies and girls sides.

West Wales League champions, Manorbier girls took to the field against a strong Crickhowell team in the Welsh Cup with only nine players, two having dropped out overnight through sickness.

Knowing they were up against it, Manorbier started well and dominated most of the first half, with only a Crickhowell penalty separating the sides.

Knowing that the game was there for the winning, Manorbier pushed further upfield only to leave themselves exposed at the back, this was exploited by speedy Crickhowell winger Fern Dixon who managed to set up a second just before half-time.

Manorbier continued to press in the second half, but were again punished before pulling one back to make it 3-1.

After that it was all Manorbier with man-of-the-match, Hannah Lewis running the Crickhowell defence ragged. Both she and Mari Griffiths could have scored three each.

Once again, chasing the game left them exposed at the back and they ended up going down 5-1, with the Crickhowell coach acknowledging: "We were glad you didn't have 11 if you play like that with nine."

Disappointed coach Gerry Rigby said: "On their day, this side can beat anyone, but with such a small squad, it only takes a few injuries and we end up fielding a depleted side and however good you are, over 70 minutes those extra players on the opposing side make a difference. We need more players and need them now. I would appeal to any young girls who are interested to give me a ring.

"It's exciting times at Manorbier, many of the girls represent West Wales and we even have full internationals playing. Every year we enter tournaments both here and abroad, it's a fantastic club."

Gerry can be contacted on 07974831312.

It was a similar story for the ladies playing their first game of the season against a strong Haverfordwest side at Bridge Meadow.

Injuries meant that the ladies only just managed to field a full team and on a heavy pitch, Haverfordwest managed to notch up five goals by half-time.

However, a rejuvenated Manorbier came out in the second half with Cali Rossiter managing to pull a goal back early on.

The score stayed at 5-1 until 10 minutes to go when Haverfordwest exploited Manorbier's lack of fresh legs on the substitutes bench and ended up winning 7-1.

The ladies look forward to their next game on Sunday at Manorbier against Pontardawe with a 2 pm kick-off.

Again, coach Mike Thomas would be happy to hear from any ladies/girls over 16 who would like to join the squad. Please contact him on 07969956146. Training takes place at the dome, Bloomfield House, Redstone Road Narberth, on Wednesdays between 7 and 9 pm.