Division One
Hakin United 1 Narberth 2
The Bluebirds maintained their fine form to pick up an important win away to Hakin United. Not having played for a couple of weeks, the Bluebirds were a little rusty in the first half and did not create enough opportunities. The Vikings created and missed a number of chances and were the better team during that period. However, the Bluebirds managed to hang on against the wind up until the interva,l despite losing James Luxton to a head injury after 30 minutes. Mathew Lloyd came on as a replacement and played an important part in the Narberth win. In the second half, the Bluebirds had the slight edge and the Vikings were clearly missing the influence of one or two players, such as Paul Jones, who was unavailable. Although the visitors were on top, the goal was a long time in coming, but Mathew Lloyd put the Bluebirds in front after 70 minutes. Richard Nash released a great through ball from a Narberth attack and Lloyd beat a defender before driving the ball in the top corner. Two minutes later, the Bluebirds had a golden opportunity to increase the lead when Mathew Lloyd was brought down in the box, but Raff Barnett was off target from the penalty spot. In the 79th minute, Scott Davies ran onto a long ball and drove the ball across the goalmouth to equalise for the Vikings. Narberth were not down and out, however, and maintained the pressure. The visitors were rewarded after 85 minutes with a goal from Richard Nash. It came from a corner taken by Raff Barnett. The ball was knocked back to Barnett who put Nash into space to score. It was a tense last five minutes, but the Bluebirds held out. It was an excellent all-round team effort, with good performances by James Luxton and his successor in midfield, Mathew Lloyd, with James Stephens a tower of strength at the back. The Bluebirds believed in themselves, were committed and had the will to win, despite being a little off colour in the first half. Kilgetty 3 Saundersfoot Sports 0
Kilgetty came out on top in this local derby, which ended with the visitors being reduced to eight players. Exchanges were very even for the first 25 minutes, but Kilgetty took a crucial lead through a Mike Beynon penalty, in slightly controversial circumstances, when Andrew Simms was brought down in the box. Saundersfoot suffered another blow when star striker Daniel Caine was red-carded following a comment made to the referee. Ten minutes into the second half, the Kilgetty lead was extended by Mike Beynon, through a superb solo effort finished with a goal in the corner of the net. Beynon created the third goal for Kilgetty, when his shot was half saved and Andrew Simms was on hand to knock the ball in from the rebound. Sports continued to give it their all, until the shortage of players took its toll on tired legs later in the second half. It was a good team effort by both teams, who meet again tomorrow in the return league fixture. Merlins Bridge 0 Carew 1
Defeated twice by the Bridge last season in the league, the visitors were determined to gain revenge. It was a hard-earned victory and the visitors stamped their authority on the game during the early stages by winning the midfield battle, with Kieran Stone, Paul Bullock and Huw Neale all having outstanding games. The pitch was a little sticky, with water in the goalmouth area at both ends. Carew were determined and up for it from the start and deserved to take the lead after 15 minutes. The move started in the middle of the pitch and Kieran Stone took the ball onto the edge of the box where Carl Wainwright was on hand to drill a powerful shot. The shot was saved, but Huw Neale followed up to put the visitors in front. The Bridge had a couple of speculative long range efforts, but were unable to create any clear-cut chances. Just before the interval, James Buckle beat a couple of defenders in the box, but his shot went just over the bar. In the second half, it was more of the same, with the visitors keeping a firm grip on the game. James Buckle just missed out on a goal when he picked up a cross from Carl Wainwright and Wainwright himself failed to score in a one-on-one situation after being set up by Huw Neale. For Carew, second half substitute Phil Jones showed his class with his ball control and distribution. Martin Scourfield defended well and was particularly good in the air, while Adam Chandler put in a number of excellent tackles.
St. Ishmaels 7 Tenby 0
Tenby found championship-chasing St. Ishmaels too strong on the day. Tish striker Adam Davies had a field day, with four goals, supplemented by strikes from Ashley Findlay, Steffan Harteveld and Paul Palmer.
Second Division Cup - first round replay
Pendine 2 Haverfordwest County 1
In a tense and exciting game, the Seagulls eventually came out on top when the match went into extra-time for the second week in succession. Both teams created chances in the first and second half, but were unable to score. In the first period of extra-time, Justin Blewitt put the Seagulls in front when he chipped the 'keeper, but Andrew Sargeant equalised for County. It was a close call, but in the second period of extra-time, with just two minutes left, Simon Evans clinched the game for the Seagulls in a nail-biting finish. It was a great team effort by Pendine, who were without player-manager Chris Hastings, who was unable to play due to a health problem. His team-mates want to see him back in action as soon as possible.
Division Two
Broad Haven 4 St. Clears 5
St. Clears are now in fourth place in Division Two and have made a remarkable climb up the table after struggling to avoid relegation before Christmas. This match was a bit of a struggle, but the Saints got there in the end despite travelling to Broad Haven with a bare 11 players without any substitutes. Sam Thomas was the hero for the Saints, who were able to scrape a win with their scratch side. Thomas had six chances to score and was on target with five of them, a remarkable effort. He had three assists from Paul Edwards, one from Eddie Wiggins and one from Andrew McCabe. Broad Haven went into the lead at the interval by one goal after Martin Tansey and Chris Oliver had replied to the first goal scored by Sam Thomas. At the start of the second half, Paul Edwards had a goal disallowed for the Saints, before Thomas levelled the scores. Broad Haven nudged in front with a goal from Williams, but Thomas struck back with two goals in quick succession. The Saints had another goal disallowed, this time 'scored' by Andrew McCabe. Then Davies equalised for Broad Haven, before Thomas gave the Saints three points with his fifth goal of the match. The Saints kept going throughout the match without being able to call on any fresh legs and Sam Thomas was clearly the star of the show. Division Three
Angle 3 Lawrenny 3
Lawrenny were on top in the first half and had a lead of three goals to nil at half-time. However, Angle fought back in the second half to gain a share of the spoils. The visitors started well and took the lead through Kim Harland with a good finish after he ran on to a through ball from Steve Campbell. Campbell himself picked up the second goal. The move started with a long throw by Kim Harland, flicked on by Andrew Cole junior for Steve Campbell to finish in style. Kim Harland looked dangerous throughout the afternoon and he was so keen to add another goal that, when his initial shot was parried, he followed up to score on the rebound to increase the lead for the visitors. Lawrenny suffered a blow early in the second half when Gavin Wickland clawed a goal back with a cross-cum-shot. The visitors suffered further blows with injuries to key players, such as Hugh Griffiths, Andrew Cole junior and Sean Allen. A defensive blunder by Lawrenny allowed Wickland to nip in to score another goal and when Lawrenny failed to clear a corner, they were punished when Martin Fletcher levelled the scores. Brian Gildea saved a certain goal for Lawrenny with an excellent stop on the line and the visitors by no means gave up the ghost. Harland came close to scoring again when he beat two defenders and the 'keeper, only for his shot to hit the post, and Stuart Prosser had a brilliant free-kick saved by the Angle 'keeper. For Lawrenny, Kim Harland probed constantly up front, Stuart Prosser was a presence in midfield and Andrew Cole junior provided valuable support to Harland.
Lamphey 4 Templeton 0
Templeton player-manager Nigel Thomas struggled to get a team to travel to Lamphey, but in the end raised 11 by playing himself and also calling on the experience of Gary Jones. In the circumstances, the visitors did well to hold Lamphey to just one goal at half-time, scored by Gordon Skyrme. In the second half, Templeton ran out of steam and allowed Lamphey to score three more goals, two of which were scored by Skyrme to complete a fine hat-trick. Jamie Watkins picked up the other goal for Lamphey. Jason Oatley pulled off some good saves in goal for the visitors, while Anthony Evans and Chris Frearson both gave 100 per cent commitment in midfield.
Manorbier United 3 St. David's City 4
This match was a fascinating battle between two teams snapping at the heels of the Third Division leaders. Manorbier took the lead following some good work down the right wing and finished by Adam Thorne after 20 minutes. However, shortly before the interval, City equalised in spectacular fashion with a well-struck volley by Mathew Roberts. Although pitch conditions became increasingly difficult in the second half, both teams continued to play entertaining football. United were rewarded with a goal from a corner when veteran defender Paul Maytum used his knee to good effect. At this stage of the game, Manorbier continued to dominate and James Hall increased the lead with a fine finish after being put through by his brother Ben. With 15 minutes of the game remaining, the visitors struck back. Firstly Mathew Roberts scored from the penalty spot and then City picked up all of the points with two late goals. The first was scored by Toby Jonsson and then David Price got the winner. For Manorbier, James Llewellyn had an excellent game in goal on his return to first team action and there were other good performances by James Hall and Sam Reeve. Pembroke United 6 St. Florence United 0
St Florence gave a good battling display, but it was difficult for the visitors to create many chances when they were forced to defend for much of the match. Steve Davies was sound at the back for the visitors and Mark Reed pulled off some good saves to keep the goal-scoring within reasonable bounds. St. Florence also suffered a handicap in the first half, with injuries to key players, such as Scott Smith and Charlie Cowley. Pembroke scored two goals in the first half and then the last three goals came in the last quarter-of-an-hour of the match. Wayne Boswell picked up a hat-trick and there was a goal each for Paul Sly, Edgar Wallace and Jonathan Hyde.
Reserve Division One
Carew 2 Hakin United 1
This was an excellent performance by Carew with a hard-earned win over the visitors Hakin United in a stop-start game. Play was held up for 30 minutes when Carew midfielder Nick Scourfield broke his leg. Footballers and cricketers throughout the county will be hoping that this popular sportsman makes a full and quick recovery and that he is able to resume his productive opening partnership with Ian Sefton for his club's cricket team in May. The early stages of the first half were fairly even, with no clear cut chances in the midfield battle. Ten minutes before the interval, Carew struck a decisive blow with a short-range goal from Neil Morgan which gave the home team an important psychological boost. In the second half, Carew had a few chances which were not put away and Ian Aldred equalised for the Vikings after a Carew defender had handled the ball. Within minutes, Carew were awarded a penalty at the other end of the field, but Brian Hall was off target after Sam Goodwin had been up-ended. Carew came back with style three minutes later with a goal by Sam Goodwin which acted as a huge bonus. Carew could have scored a couple more goals, but the Hakin 'keeper was in excellent form. A good team effort enabled Carew to just about edge it in a hard closely fought game.
Narberth 2 Monkton Swifts 2
This was a game which the Bluebirds could have won. However, chances created were not finished and Swifts took the lead twice with a goal in each half. After 35 minutes of the first half, Robert Stanley gave the visitors the lead when he scored from a rebound, but five minutes later, Craig Hurst equalised with a right-footed shot into the bottom corner. A defensive error and a failure to intercept the ball gave Ray Groves the eagerly seized opportunity to put the leaders in front once again. However, Adi Jones had the last word when he equalised after a cross by Harry Allen into the box. It was a good team performance by the Bluebirds, with Craig Hurst and Adrian Howells showing a telepathic understanding in midfield. Jason Jones also played well following his recent transfer from Kilgetty. Saundersfoot Sports 0 Goodwick United 5
Third-placed Goodwick had the upper-hand against Saundersfoot, who have found league points rather elusive this season. Goals by Steve Lewis, Richard Morgan, Gavin Robb, Dominic Sinnett and Michael Griffiths dispatched the visitors home pointless once again
Tenby 5 St. Ishmaels 1
Tenby team manager Dene Hurlow was delighted with this result after Tenby had squandered a three goals to one lead at half-time down at Tish earlier in the season to lose the match. With a number of players unavailable on Saturday, Tenby were fortunate to have Sonny Phillips and Jack Christopher in the team, as the dynamic duo were unable to travel with the first team to St. Ishmaels. At first, the match was fairly even, but 16-year-old Sonny Phillips nudged Tenby in front when he chipped the advancing Tish 'keeper. Jack Christopher then got in on the act with two quick goals, before Daniel Flynn pulled one back for the visitors. Tish played very well in the second half and Tenby absorbed considerable pressure. However, two late goals by Jack Christopher brought his match tally to four and put the game out of reach of the strong Tish team. Jack Christopher and Sonny Phillips formed an effective partnership up front, with Jack Christopher playing behind Sonny Phillips and Jimmy Cowan. Skipper Chris Lloyd, playing in the middle of defence, showed his experience to rally his team-mates.
Reserve Division Two
Lawrenny 0 Hundleton 2
Although Lawrenny put in an improved performance on the week before, eventually the visitors proved to be too strong and won the game following two goals in the second half. Lawrenny kept a clean sheet in the first half and Ian Jenkins came close to scoring for the with a well-judged header from a cross by Steve James, but the Hundleton 'keeper met the challenge well. After 10 minutes of the second half, Hundleton caught Lawrenny on the break and Lee Laville gave the visitors the lead. Later on in the second half, Shaun Jones increased the lead for the Hundleton team. David McBean was the pick of the players for Lawrenny, playing in the centre half position.
Neyland 9 Pendine 3
Pendine did quite well in the first half, holding high-flying Neyland, with the scores level at three apiece. Robbie Waters put the Seagulls in front, before Shane Phillips equalised. Neyland then took the lead through Steven Jones, but Adam Watts equalised for the Seagulls. Wayne Evans put Neyland in front again, but Gary James levelled the scores before the interval. In the second half, Shane Phillips picked up his second goal to regain the advantage for Neyland. For some reason, Pendine heads dropped and Neyland scored five more goals. Joe Howell clinched a hat-trick, as did Shane Phillips, and Martin James picked up the other goal. For the Seagulls, Gareth Kay stood out playing in the centre of midfield and Robert Thomas also shone on the right side of midfield.
St. Clears 6 Manorbier United 0
Goal-scoring was split evenly between the two teams, but unfortunately for Manorbier three of their 'goals' were own goals to boost the St. Clears total. The first own goal came after a shot by Nigel Price for the Saints and just before the interval a shot from Steve Maston resulted in United scoring another own goal. Manorbier were not daunted, however, and exerted a lot of pressure before the interval. In the second half, goals by James Carnell, Nigel Price, Steve Aston, plus the third own goal, put the game out of reach for the visitors. Steve Aston had the pick of the goals with a left foot finish from an acute angle after beating three defenders. Manorbier team manager Mike Brown said afterwards: "The boys worked hard and we were unfortunate to concede as many goals as we did." The main difference between the two teams was that the Saints took their chances, whereas United failed to take theirs. Gavin Evans was industrious in midfield for Manorbier, while both Dai Nicholas and Rob Phillips were solid at the back for the Saints.