Although Tenby United returned home defeated on Saturday, there could be light at the end of the tunnel for the Seasiders after they turned in a battling performance against Tonmawr.

In fact, the United were 13-3 in front midway through the second half, but they allowed their heads to drop after they conceded a soft try, allowing the homesters to nip in for another touchdown to snatch the spoils.

The Seasiders were boosted by the return to the first team ranks after a gap of nearly two years of former skipper Mike Evans, who provided experience and backbone in the back row, alongside hard grafting captain Nicky Allen and Justin Richards.

Evans had hinted earlier in the season that he was prepared to haul on his boots again to help keep the Seasiders afloat following the trauma of losing so many players in the off-season, and while he may not be available for every match, it is hoped that other former players will also rally to the flag to strengthen the squad and help the United turn the corner.

While Evans was clearly an influential motivator, one man does not make a team and regular faces Richard Rossiter, Lee Tucker, Matt Commack, Mark Badham and Paul Broaders gave heart and soul in the boilerhouse, alongside Evans, Allen and Richards, supplying plentiful possession for half-back pairing of Neil Duffy and Dean Bowen.

The duo chose their options wisely to keep the Seasiders going forward and the United were 6-3 up at half-time through two Neil Powling penalties to one from Tonmawr stand-off Richard Davies.

Leading by example, Allen rounded off a drive up the line by Evans and Richards with a touchdown and Powling neatly slotted over the conversion to put the United in the driving seat going into the final quarter.

However, the Seasiders relaxed their guard, allowing Tonmawr to set up a series of drives which freed fullback Christian Pine to sneak over in the corner and reduce the deficit.

The score rattled the United's confidence and home lock Zac Romanos crashed over for a try which Davies converted to edge Tonmawr in front.

Tenby refused to give up and came back at Tonmawr, but a late penalty from Davies was enough to seal the spoils for the homesters.

After the huge defeat against British Steel, it was a far more controlled and assured performance from the United which makes tomorrow's (Saturday's) home clash with Cwmllynfell at Heywood Lane a very interesting prospect indeed.

Tenby United fielded: Neil Powling, Jason Rossiter, Gavin Brace, Nicky Rees, Jonathan Dodd, Dean Bowen, Neil Duffy, Lee Tucker, Richard Rossiter, Mark Badham, Paul Broaders, Matt Commack, Nicky Allen (capt.), Mike Evans, Justin Richards.