According to folklore, lightning never strikes twice, which would be a good thing if you were unlucky enough to be struck in the first place. Anyone who works in the Empire State Building in New York can rubbish this claim, however, as on average this landmark building is struck 23 times a year and now the members of Narberth Football Club can join this club, too, as for the second year in succession they have been knocked out of the Senior Cup after playing just one game. Last year they were surprisingly booted out by Camrose; this year it was Pennar who did the damage after winning 3-1 at home. This was a game the Bluebirds would have been expecting to win, given they are above the Robins in the league, but form counts for nothing in one- off games, as England's performances in the Rugby World Cup can prove. It didn't help that Narberth were without their strongest side for the clash against a team that's tricky to play at the best of times and with experienced players like Darren Shaw and Dean Driscoll in their ranks, travelling to Bush Camp was never going to be easy. Adi Jones's goal was the only thing the Bluebirds had to smile about as they were well beaten in all departments as Driscoll, Shaw and Paul Lowe all scored to book their place in the next round. Carew will be one team joining them in round two as they overcame a tough challenge by Camrose, winning 2-1 at home. Kris Scone and Ian Sefton scored the goals for Carew in a game that was a real war of attrition. Given Carew's league form so far this term, it was never going to be easy against the visitors and so it proved, although at least it gives them something to smile about before they entertain Neyland tomorrow (Saturday). St. Clears had to endure the arduous journey to Fishguard for their cup game and it proved to be a disappointing trip as the home team ended up winning 2-1. Colin Reynolds scored the only goal for the Saints, but a goal apiece from Carl Lewis and Blain John scuppered any hopes that Mark Snelling would have had of witnessing his team go through. For the Saints, the rest of the season will be about improving their lowly league position. Another fine performance by the ever-improving Tenby saw them progress into the next round after they beat Haverfordwest Cricket Club 3-1 away from home. The Racecourse must be one of the most miserable places to play football, with its tough slope, soggy ground and lack of trees making it an exposed mass of green nothingness; although that didn't deter the Seasiders from producing a fine all-round performance. Two goals from the impressive Sam Christopher and an own goal by the home team were enough to knock out the home side, who did manage a consolation goal from Nathan Kirkhouse, but they were always second best on the day. Quite what happened to Pendine is anyone's guess. They may have been up against First Division opposition, but that should have been a challenge not a hindrance. Sadly for the Seagulls, it appears they must have left their competitive nature back at home as they came away from Herbie with a 10-2 defeat to their names. Ashley Eades and Ricky Hunt both scored for the visitors, but the home side were by far the better side and were good value for their win. Kilgetty booked their passage into the next round with a fine 4-0 win over Lawrenny. Chris Buckle's men would have fancied their chances considering they had home advantage, but it counted for little as Andrew Cope's team strolled to victory with goals by Nick Cope, Chris Fearson, Duane Rossiter and Anthony Bevan. Manorbier United's participation in this year's cup is over following their 4-1 home defeat at the hands of Neyland. The visitors, who ply their trade a division above the home team, were far too strong on the day as Wayne Parry, Stuart Phillips, Paul Hannon and Adam La Rosa all scored, with Owain Evans netting for the home team. Saundersfoot Sports may be playing well in Division Two, but the gulf between the first and second division was evident with Merlins Bridge's 7-1 home victory. They were just far too good for the visitors on the day and with performances like this, it's little wonder they are the favourites to do the double this year. Back to league football and St. Florence had a tough game away at Hundleton, losing 3-2 in Division Three. Two goals by Neil Griffiths and one by Mark Edwards was enough to claim the points against a spirited St. Florence team, who were indebted to Adam Culshaw for getting them so close to a share of the points at least after scoring two splendid goals. In Reserve Division One, Carew had a day to forget, losing 4-0 away at Milford United, although there was better news at Narberth as the Bluebirds drew 4-4 with Pennar Robins. The Bluebirds controlled the game well and should have got the points on offer with goals from Ashley Williams, Chris O'Connell, Gavin James and Jordan Williams, but three goals from Phil Thompson and one by Lee Laville scuppered any hopes of them winning the game and they had to settle for a draw instead. In Reserve Division Three, Kilgetty's excellent early season form continues as they defeated Lawrenny 3-1 at home. This was always going to be a tough one and after a shaky start, the home team soon got into their stride, with Chris May, Jamie Morgan and Richard Gwyther all netting goals, with Sam Davies scoring for the visitors. Pendine had a day to forget at home against Fishguard, losing 12-1, with Chris Evans getting the only goal for the Seagulls, while Saundersfoot entertained Hundleton and won 5-2. Tom Spencer grabbed a well-earned hat-trick for the home team to go alongside scores from Ross Gray and Rob Colley; Simon Shanahan getting both goals for the visitors. St. Clears produced one of their finest performances of the season as they defeated Hubberston 4-1 at home. The Saints were always on top and thoroughly deserved the points on offer, with goals from James Owen, Andrew McCabe and two fine strikes by Simon Bancroft. Finally, Tenby's reserves enjoyed their post-match feast at the Normandie more than usual as they defeated Hubberston 4-1. Mike Lindsay was the star man with two goals, the second being a spectacular bicycle kick past the goalie, which is no surprise really, given he is a keen cyclist in his spare time. The other goals came from Toby Smith and Peter Horsley, with Alan Sykes deserving a mention for the fine way in which he refereed the game.
