Pembrokeshire Schools hosted Afan Nedd (Neath Port Talbot) in the Welsh Schools HSBC Tom Yeoman's under 11s competition on Sunday at Tenby AFC. This turned out to be a good day for the eager Pembrokeshire players as they won two and drew two of their four matches against skilful South Wales opponents, who are top of the league. Some good individual performances impressed a Nationwide League scout in attendance, proving that this is the stage for ambitious Pembrokeshire footballers to show their skills on.
Pembrokeshire A 1 Afan Nedd A 0
This was an entertaining game as both sides battled it out. Pembs had a lot of the game, with Rhys Jenkins and Jake Seaton working hard on the flanks. Tommy John controlled the midfield well and Jerome Mansbridge went close on several occasions in the first half. Lewis Roberts once again had a sterling game in goal and Spencer Williams showed his class in defence, making an impressive debut. Pembs scored in the last five minutes of the game after persistent pressure by Callum Bergin caused Afan Nedd to lose the ball and the nippy Mansbridge capitalised on their error.
Pembrokeshire A 1 Afan Nedd B 0
Pembs. had to work hard in this match and the defence was put under a lot of pressure. Robert Davies and Jacob Dent coped really well and the side counter-attacked time and again. Their tenacity paid off in the second half when Shaun Whitfield slotted home after Seaton put in a fine cross.
Pembrokeshire B 0 Afan Nedd B 0
This game was dominated by the defenders and midfield players of both teams, but to their credit, both sets of players were positive in going for a win. Nobody could produce a bit of individual skill when faced with the goalkeepers, who both made good saves. Curtis Rigden and Niall Kinsella worked strongly through the middle and Laurie Howarth showed his usual skill down the left-hand side. Pembs showed some good attacking ideas as the game developed, but they had to work hard at the end to keep their goal intact. George Wilkins once again played well and Ieuan Cooke had a good debut.
Pembrokeshire B 1 Afan Nedd A 1.
Pembrokeshire went quickly onto the attack and after having his first effort block, Ryan Harley- Davies ran through the middle to lob the ball over the visiting goalkeeper. Pembs had enough possession to add to their score, but they had to defend in numbers when the fast Afan Nedd forwards counter-attacked. Matthew Davies, in goal, Curtis, Nathan Wilson and Marc Boswell were defiant in blocking the visitors' shots, but in an early second half attack, Afan Nedd levelled the score. Benjy Cromwell combined with Kinsella as both teams went for the winner. Only a great double save by 'keeper Davies kept the scores level. The scoring system of this competition means that Pembrokeshire got eight points and Afan Nedd two. Pembrokeshire A squad: Lewis Roberts, (Milford Juniors); Robert Davies (St. Florence); Jacob Dent (St. Teilo's); Tommy John (Prendergast); Spencer Williams, Jerome Mansbridge (Tenby Juniors); Shaun Whitfield (Sageston); Jake Seaton (Angle); Rhys Jenkins (Ysgol Brynconin); Callum Bergin (St. Francis). Pembrokeshire B squad: Matthew Davies (St. Aidens); Nathan Wilson (St. Teilo's); Curtis Rigden ( Johnston); Ryan Harley-Davies, Mark Boswell (Ysgol Glannau Gwaum); Niall Kinsella (Holy Name); Laurie Howarth (Roch); George Wilkins (Sageston); Benjy Cromwell (Prendergast); Ieuan Cooke (Glan Cleddau). Pembrokeshire Schools FA would like to thank the following sponsors: A team - Wimpy; B team - Jago, Tenby; programme - Snowdrop Bar and Function Room, Merlins Bridge Newsagents and Post Office Stores. Thanks also go to Tenby AFC for the use of their facilities, providing the referees and their generosity in feeding the players. The next fixture is home to Cardiff on Sunday, November 19.