Kilgetty knew that they were in for a hard and competitive game of football as they faced the league leaders on Saturday afternoon. Lining up against an unbeaten Herbrandston team, without the redoubtable Bobby Bevan and minus the recently restored Simon Wood, the outcome of this game was not likely to be favourable.
Last week's dismal performance, losing 4-0 to Pembroke Boro, did nothing to inspire the hardy bunch of supporters, even allowing for the 2-1 win over Pendine in the previous mid-week game.
Herbrandston must have wondered what had happened in the meantime as this enigmatic team matched them pass for pass and tackle for tackle and put in a second half performance which could have brought about a result.
The cold easterly wind and the hard playing surface made for a trying afternoon as both teams struggled to keep the ball under control and it was credit to everyone on the pitch that the game was as exciting and skilful as it turned out to be.
As was befitting a top of the league team, Herbrandston showed from the start that they were out to demoralise the home team with their quick and accurate passing and their desire to win early possession. They put this revamped Kilgetty side to the test from the whistle by quickly closing down players and pushing the ball forward at every opportunity.
A lesser team could have folded, but not this spirited bunch of youngsters, enhanced by the presence of Johnny Lewis at sweeper, who calmly talked to his back line and expertly found the space to deliver accurate passes to his midfield. This certainly inspired the rest, as they were all heard calling for the ball and the movement off the ball was an improvement on previous games.
The opening exchanges were won by Herbrandston as they pressed forward and in one such attack their forward found himself free of the back line and one-on-one with the Kilgetty 'keeper. The ball had rolled a yard too far, however, and he was stretching to reach it when it was safely gathered up by Christian Phillips.
Ten minutes later their number nine broke free on the left-hand side, only to have his path to goal blocked by Stuart Walley. A mix-up in the home defence gave him another opportunity minutes later when a high bounce was pounced upon. He hit it on the volley, only to see it roll agonisingly past the left upright.
At the other end, Kilgetty had their own chances to open the scoring, with Darren Rossiter involved in a number of free-kicks. His first was hit tamely into feet and easily cleared, while his second found the head of the advancing Paul Jones who directed it wide. Darren's crosses troubled the Herbrandston defence as they were hit in flat and with pace. The same applied to his fierce drive from 25 yards on the right which moved in the air, but not enough to deceive the 'keeper.
As the half wore on, it was becoming evident that Kilgetty were every bit as determined as the league leaders and just as effective. Everyone in the defence covered for each other, with both Stuart Walley and Andrew Prout involved in hasty clearances under the cool gaze of Johnny Lew.
Michael Scale and Paul Mansbridge revelled in the hustle and bustle of the midfield and brightened up the play with some great finesse and telling passes. Paul Jones was his usual energetic self, while up front Jamie Morgan was using his weight to cause problems for the defence, allowing Ollie Griffiths to roam in search of possession.
The half ended with half a chance for the visitors as they broke quickly out of defence catching Stuart Walley off balance. Through on goal, it was only the quick-thinking and reaction of Christian Phillips who advanced to effectively block the shot.
Herbrandston started the second half in the same manner and won an early free-kick just outside the box on the left-hand side. A fierce drive skidded off a Kilgetty head to sail harmlessly over the bar.
The warning was there and Kilgetty responded appropriately by mounting attacks of their own. One such attempt was picked up by Ollie Griffiths just outside his own penalty area. In one fluid movement, he swept the ball across the midfield to the right flank to the feet of the advancing Stuart Walley. By the time he had controlled it, Ollie had made up the ground to receive the return on the edge of the opposition's box. Unfortunately, his attempt to control and turn around the defender was just overhit, resulting in a goal-kick.
Both teams failed to capitalise on free-kicks awarded as the game flowed from end to end. Kilgetty were beginning to gain the ascendancy and signs of frustration were beginning to creep into Herbrandston's game. This young team had not caved in and were putting pressure on their defence.
Ollie Griffiths' pace and determination forced a number of corners and his free-kick from the left-hand side brought out a good save from the visiting 'keeper. Late in the half he picked up the ball on the right and crossed it into Jamie Morgan. He allowed it to run across his body, hitting it cleanly with his left foot. The goalkeeper could only parry it and had to scurry behind him to scramble it off the line.
Adam Thorn almost didn't get on in place of Darren Rossiter. His shirt had been left in the dressing room and it took a moment to compose himself before he could begin his attempts to prise open this strong defence.
Christian Phillips used his fists to clear one Herbrandston free-kick, while he safely gathered up another attempt.
In an attempt to claim the maximum three points, Dan Hughes, who had been strong and determined at centre half, was taken off to allow Anthony Bevan a chance to fortify the front line. It was a move that almost backfired as Herbrandston exploited the space he had vacated. Twice they attacked with a man over and, but for some scrambled defence, could have pinched a result.
The final attempt belonged to Kilgetty as a Johnny Lewis free-kick just curled over the right crossbar.
The game ended with congratulations all round - to both teams for the endeavour and entertainment, to all players for the spirit in which the game was played and to the referee for the excellent way in which he handled the game and kept up with play.
Kilgetty still have to continue their efforts to keep out of the relegation zone.