Carew skipper Ian Kerrison was full of praise for his team on Saturday despite losing 4-2 away at Herbrandston. The visitors were forced to travel with a weakened team and acquitted themselves well, especially in the second half where they could quite easily have drawn level had Kris Stone not missed two one-on- one chances with the home team 'keeper. Playing at Herbie is never an easy prospect, especially considering the narrowness of the pitch; throw in the vociferous nature of the home team supporters and you know you have always got a battle on your hands. The home team were 3-1 up at the break; Carew's goal being scored by a fine headers from Daryl John who rose high above the defence to nod the ball home from a corner. John went close with another effort just before the break and Stone hit the crossbar, making the scoreline at the interval misleading as to the close nature of the game. The home team made it 4-1 midway through the second half, but a goal by Stone narrowed the deficit once more, before the former Welsh schoolboy international went close at the death with two efforts that were saved. Carew may have lost, but Kerrison was relatively happy. "We didn't have a full team out, so it wasn't a bad result really. We didn't deserve to win, but then again we didn't deserve to lose either." Narberth were another team struggling for a full set of players and it was no surprise they lost 2-1 away at Monkton Swifts; a decent result considering they fielded a few second team players. The Bluebirds gave a debut to up and coming youngster Jordan Williams, who carried his fine form for the seconds into this game and made the former league champions work hard to contain his mazy running and speed off the mark. The home team dominated the first half, but were only 2-1 up at the break, the first goal being disallowed then allowed by the referee that perplexed visiting manager Charlie Smith somewhat. Adi Jones pulled one back for Narberth with a deft chip over the 'keeper with about 10 minutes to go before the interval. The second half was a more even affair, with Narberth gaining some form of parity, but they were never quite good enough to get anything from the game, a fact not lost on Smith. "They dominated the first half, but we came back well in the second. It was a decent game considering the team we put out; I thought we did ok considering it was an inexperienced side." The season may be over for St. Clears after their 2 -2 draw away at Milford Athletic, but manager Mark Snelling says his team can't wait for the start of the next season, despite being relegated. Since their fate was confirmed a few weeks ago, Snelling's team have managed to go four games unbeaten and in truth they should have won this one. Their season has been littered with defensive blunders that have cost them their second division status and this was evident on Saturday after the home team scored from these mistakes; otherwise, it was a game the Saints should have won. "It was one of those games where we were on top, but suffered from a lapse in concentration," admitted Snelling. "The performance was superb though and the boys are gutted the season has ended. In fact they want to start pre-season training right away. It's been a hard season but the spirit has been superb." This spirit was especially evident in the second half when they were forced to play up the hill against an annoying breeze. It was 1-1 at the interval, with Hywel Griffiths grabbing the lead for the visitors, before defensive mix-up number one allowed the home team to score an equaliser. The second half was an open affair that the Saints dominated really, with only a few missed opportunities preventing them from scoring more. Defensive mix-up number two came 10 minutes from full-time allowing Athletic to take the lead, but then Griffiths forced the home 'keeper into making a mistake to secure a share of the spoils with an equaliser. Sam Thomas had a chance to snatch a win with minutes remaining, but the 'keeper made up for his mistake with a fine save. Quite what happened to Saundersfoot Sports on Saturday is anyone's guess after they lost 7-0 away at Pembroke Boro. Only a few weeks ago they were on course for pushing for promotion, alas a couple of disappointing results means they will be in division two once again next season. Kilgetty won't be, however, after they beat Tenby 2-1 away. The win secures promotion for Andrew Cope's team and one more point from their remaining games means they will go up as champions. "It would be nice to go up as champions," admitted Cope. "We desperately want to go up as the leaders of the pack." If they do, they have a chance of doing the double as they play Saundersfoot on the Bridge Meadow on Wednesday in the Second Division Cup Final. Back to Saturday and this was a game they were never likely to lose. Geoff Marsh scored his 27th goal of the season to make it 1-0 at the break and then Grant James made it 2-0 with a half volley from 30 yards mid-way through the second. Daryl Mansbridge reduced the deficit with a goal for Tenby in injury time. In Division Three, St. Florence lost 6-1 away at Hubberston, while Lawrenny were involved in an epic contest at Hundleton, winning 4-3. Both teams were evenly matched throughout and it was no surprise that they went into the break tied at 2-2. Kim Harland scored the first goal for Chris Buckle's team, with the second coming via and own goal. James Brown then scored a wonder goal from about 60 yards out to make it 3-2 early in the second after spotting the home 'keeper off his line, before Tom Lewis followed up a fine move to make it 4-2. With a quarter-of-an-hour left, Hundleton scored, making it 4-3, but Lawrenny held on to secure the points. "We played really well," said Buckle. "It was a nervy last 15 minutes, but a great way to finish the season; hopefully we can start next year like we finished this one." In the Reserve Divisions, Carew did well to beat St. Ishmaels 1-0 at home; Gareth Lewis scoring for the home team, while it was an unhappy afternoon for Narberth as they lost 3-0 away at Hakin United. Pendine were unlucky to lose 4-2 away at Camrose after coming back well in the second half after trailing 3-0 at half-time. Justin Blewitt and Jamie Rugg scored for the Gulls, before Camrose pulled away after scoring their fourth. Saundersfoot Sports confirmed why they are the best team in Reserve Division Two with a fine 4-2 away win at Fishguard Sports. Ross Gray led the way with a hat-trick, with Tom Davies netting the other, while it was a disappointing day for second placed Kilgetty after they lost 4-2 at home against Hundleton. The only highlight for Gareth Gwyther's team was the goals scored by Dean Rossiter and Jamie Morgan. Meanwhile, Tenby beat St. Clears 4-2 at home with a superb performance, especially by Sam Christopher, who scored a hat-trick. Mike Lindsay score the other goal for the Seasiders, with Simon Bancroft continuing his fine scoring record for the Saints as he finished with a brace.
