Pembrokeshire Schools made the very long journey to Blaenau Gwent to play in the last round of the HSBC Tom Yeoman Shield.

Blaenau Gwent A 0 Pembs. A 1

The Pembs. players took a long time to shake-off the long car journey. Blaenau Gwent attacked strongly in the first few minutes and Lewis Roberts in goal had plenty to do. Cory Lowndes made a good debut and he was well supported by Jerome Mansbridge, Rhys Jenkins and Laurie Howarth. Jacob Dent and Tommy John held the defence. A fleeting header by Richard Tebbutt, from a corner kick, brought a good save by the opposing 'keeper, which kept the score to 0-0 at half-time. Declan Escott and Shaun Whitfield came on and both slotted in well. A move started by Roberts in goal, involving both Escott and Whitfield, led to the only goal of the game, scored by Mansbridge with minutes to go.

Blaenau Gwent B 1 Pembs. A 3

Pembs. dominated the game, with Mansbridge scoring two excellent goals from tight angles. This gave Pembs. their confidence back and Whitfield added a third by half-time. The whole squad played some good football, despite Blaenau pulling back a consolation goal before the final whistle.

Blaenau Gwent B 2 Pembs. B 2

Blaenau led with a hard shot which gave Matthew Davies no chance and Pembrokeshire, visibly shocked, were finding any sort of rhythm hard to come by. They then showed great character in trying to get possession and send the ball up to Marc Boswell and Ryan HarleyDavies. Harley-Davies responded and made the score 1-1 by half-time. After better play, Harley-Davies netted again, making the score 2-1 for the visitors, but this spurred Blaenau into raising their game. They attacked strongly, forcing Nathan Wilson and Dylan Rees to cover the middle as Curtis Rigden had fast forwards to mark. George Wilkins made a good contribution to provide some extra height and speed, and a flying save by Matthew Davies kept the ball out as Blaenau pressurised the visiting goal, before scoring from close range to equalise. Scott Ferney made his debut in this match and Pembrokeshire went for the winner, but Blaenau broke strongly, forcing Rigden and Bridges into some brave saving tackles to hold onto the 2-2 scoreline.

Blaenau Gwent A 1 Pembs. B 1

Pembrokeshire went behind when a shot gave Matthew Davies no chance, and put the visitors on the back foot. Wilson and Rees were again outstanding in defence and with their support play, but at half-time the score remained at 1-0 to the home team. After the restart, Pembrokeshire found their discipline and enthusiasm, and Harley-Davies ran through to make the score 1-1. Although Pembrokeshire tried for the winner with a succession of corners, Blaenau were still dangerous with their counter-attacks and some desperate scrambles, from which the ball was either smothered by Matthew Davies or cleared by Rigden and his fellow defenders to keep the game evenly balanced. Niall Kinsella had a shot brilliantly saved and Boswell and Bridges looked dangerous near to goal. More domination by the Pembs. midfield ensured that they held on to a well-deserved draw in what was a very exciting match. Pembs. picked up eight points to Blaenau Gwent's two. This result means that Pembrokeshire are currently second in the table and qualify for the Welsh Schools Finals, which are to played in North Wales around April 28/29. Pembs A: Lewis Roberts (Milford Juniors); Richard Tebbutt, Jacob Dent (St. Teilo's); Tommy John (Prendergast); Rhys Jenkins (Ysgol Brynconin); Laurie Howarth (Roch); Jerome Mansbridge, Declan Escott (Tenby Juniors); Cory Lowndes (Pembroke Dock Community School); Shaun Whitfield (Sageston). Pembs B: Matthew Davies (St. Aiden's), James Bridges, Nathan Wilson (St. Teilo's); Curtis Rigden (Johnston); Marc Boswell, Ryan Harley-Davies (Ysgo Glannau Gwaum); Niall Kinsella (Holy Name); Dylan Rees (Tenby Juniors); Scott Ferney (Monorbier); George Wilkins (Sageston). Pembrokeshire Schools FA would like to thank the following sponsors: main sponsor - Western Power; A team kit sponsors - Wimpy; B team kit sponsors - Jago. Tenby.