Brynawel under 16s 3 Tenby under 16s 1 (after extra-time)
The N. D. Toy sponsored Tenby Under 16s made the trip to the Swansea Valley for this West Wales Cup match without key players James Howes and Lloyd Hughes, but put up a spirited display against lively opposition. Brynawel went into a first-minute lead when a free- kick on the Tenby left went unchallenged across the goal and crept in at the far post. The shock of going a goal down put Tenby on the back foot, but they gradually got in the game as Toby Smith and Chris Heesom in midfield got the ball to Daryl Mansbridge and Tom Nicholas. Tenby defended in depth for much of the first half, with John Squire and Andrew Evans stopping the direct runs through the middle, and Rhys Winter and Will Hughes at fullback covering well. Tenby began to pass the ball more, and this brought them more into the game as the half progressed and Luke Arthur and Alan Townsend forced a couple of saves from the tall Brynawel goalkeeper. As Tenby found their feet on a bumpy pitch, the scoreline of being only one down at half-time, seemed a satisfactory position to be in after such a disastrous start. The second half belonged to Tenby and two great attempts on goal by Alan Townsend gave the home team a fright. Just to prove that this was no fluke, Daryl Mansbridge equalised for Tenby with a low shot which beat the goalkeeper near the post and with the match at 1-1 the home spectators got very critical with their team. Richard Bridges made a good save, putting the ball over the crossbar and at the other end, Daryl Mansbridge was denied with a good saving tackle. After 70 minutes, Tenby had a big setback when, after a Brynawel player received a red card, Toby Smith also had to leave the field with a bad leg injury in another tackle. Tenby's lack of substitutes due to illness and injury meant that the rest of normal time was played out 10-a-side, but the visitors could not exploit a now desperate Brynawel defence before the full-time whistle went with the score 1-1. Tenby played well in the first period of extra-time and the scoreline of 1-1 was a fair reflection on the match so far, with both sides lacking the composure to take the goal-scoring opportunities on offer. The match was settled in the second period of extra-time when the Brynawel right winger received the ball behind the Tenby defence and made a good run followed by an excellent cross which was turned in to give Richard Bridges no chance to make the score 2-1 for the home team. Tenby gave everything in the last five minutes and conceded another goal in their efforts to equalise in a game which they pushed their opponents every inch of the way. Tenby squad: Richard Bridges, Will Hughes, John Squire, Andrew Evans, Rhys Winter, Tom Nicholas, Toby Smith, Chris Heesom, Daryl Mansbridge, Luke Arthur, Alan Townsend. Men-of-the-match: John Squire and Andrew Evans. Thanks to Mary and Bob for providing the transport and Mr. and Mrs. Hughes for taking Toby to hospital.
MILFORD UTD U12s 1 TENBY U12s 9 After last week's enforced rest, would the Manorbier Stores and Post Office sponsored team be ready for action from the outset after an early journey to Milford? Conditions were good - the sun was breaking through, the pitch not too muddy - and the players obliged! A cracking first half from the kick-off saw Tenby play some great football. Rhys, in full flight from the back, linked well with D'Arcy, who found Elliot to open the scoring. Textbook football followed, balls were threaded through from all parts of the pitch, to players who were relishing the space they found. Hugo crossed and Toby lashed the second home after benefiting from a goalmouth scramble. A lob from Dan secured the third and Hugo grabbed the fourth on his second chance. Dan scored his second, and Tenby's fifth, to round off a first-half of under 12s football of the highest standard. A few half-time changes were made, with Adam making a rare foray out of goal, but still Tenby dominated. Not quite the relentless traffic of the first half, but still enough to seal a convincing victory. Dan added a third to his tally, Tenby's sixth, after a great ball from D'Arcy, and some great individual skills gave him his fourth and number seven. Jack deservedly added the eighth, before Hugo was fortunate to claim his second after his initial penalty was parried by the in-form Milford goalie. Not to be outdone, Milford scored in the final few minutes with a superbly flighted lob which Adam, injured but back between the posts, could do little about. Scott's confidence was evident in goal; Corey, battler supreme, skilfully gave it his all as usual; Rhys, dropping back to his old position for the injured Sam (missed you!), linked well with D'Arcy, who played with her usual fine touch and football brain; Tom didn't put a foot wrong at the heart of the defence, ably assisted by George in the first half and Cheyne in the second; Toby - yet another massive game, with Jack a constant threat, in attack or defence, with the ball either at his foot or on his head; Adam, just getting into the game when he got a knock, but still returned between the posts; Hugo some classic touches and brilliant corners, with Elliot everywhere, tackling, passing and threatening at every opportunity, and Dan looking so sharp and taking every opportunity he was offered. It was a game which was tinged with great sadness over recent events for the Milford players whose courage must be recognised. It must have been difficult. But it was friendly with good refereeing and little touchline 'banter'. Thanks as ever to coach Simon, to Colin and Ted, our sponsors and supporters - but boys - what a brilliant first-half! Awake at last! Squad: Scott Cowan, Corey Morris, Tom Grover, George McBeth, Rhys Nicholas, Hugo Wellum, Toby Rossiter, Jack Murphy, D'Arcy Escott, Elliot Goldsmith, Daniel Fairlie, Cheyne Lloyd, Adam Conbeer.
St. Clears Unders 10s 1 Tenby Under 10s A 0
Tenby A were unlucky to return from Camarthenshire empty-handed after a battling performance away to St. Clears this week. With a couple of key players absent, one or two others recovering from illness and no subsititutes, the Tenby As had to work their socks off against a physically strong and well-organised St. Clears side. From the kick-off, it became clear it would be a close game, with each side maintaining their shape well and battling hard in defence to prevent any clear-cut scoring chances for the opposition. However, as the half progressed, Tenby began to press the home side back, with Tom Harries and Adam Muskett combining well on the right, and Scott Ferney creating problems for St. Clears on the left. The pressure almost paid dividends when a long ball put Declan Escott through on goal, but a last ditch tackle from a St. Clears defender diverted the ball wide. Tenby continued to build patiently from the back, with some nice touches and controlled passing from Sam Perrett and Owen Coombs in defence. While a typically dependable and energetic display from Dylan Rees in central midfield meant that Tenby maintained the lion's share of possession. Towards the end of the first half, Tenby had another half-chance to take the lead when a deft knock back by Adam Muskett found wing back Tom Harries in space on the right. His superb curling cross was headed just over by Declan Escott. Unfortunately, as Tenby pushed forward, St. Clears broke quickly, and with the Seasiders' defence suddenly outnumbered, a striker was able to slip away from his marker and toe-poke the home side into the lead. Tenby immediately responded with a shot from Declan Escott. But it was well held by the St. Clears 'keeper. After a defensive reshuffle at half-time, Owen Coombs looked much brighter pushing up the left flank for Tenby, and Sam Perrett looked equally comfortable at centre back. Indeed, the Tenby back line was rarely troubled after the break as St. Clears played five in defence to protect their slender lead. This gave Tenby a lot of the ball, but not much space to play in. And despite forcing a dozen corners and creating a similar number of goal- scoring chances, the Seasiders just couldn't find the back of the net. Scott Ferney volleyed just over after a great run and cross from Declan Escott. Adam Muskett had three great shots from the right of midfield. But one cannoned into the side netting, one flashed across the face of goal and another was well held by the St. Clears 'keeper. The 'keeper also reacted well to stand up and smother the ball, when Declan Escott tried a clever first time lob at the far post. As the seconds ticked away, and the St. Clears substitutions came thick and fast, the game slowly fizzled out. But Tenby kept on attacking to the death and almost snatched a last minute equaliser when a floated corner from Scott Ferney fell inivitingly for Dylan Rees at the far post. But it wasn't to be Tenby's day, and as the header flew just wide, the referee blew the final whistle. Congratulations to St. Clears for a hard fought victory courtesy of some tenacious defending. Well done to the Tenby boys for keeping their heads up and battling on to the bitter end. Keep creating those chances and next time the goals will come! Finally, thanks to Newey Electrical Installations Ltd., the Tenby A kit sponsors for 2007.
CAREW U10s 0 TENBY B U10s 4
Tenby kept to the same formation that performed so well against Lamphey on their previous outing for their league visit to fellow rivals, Carew. Henrik Jaakola was given a key holding role in midfield and Joseph Criddle was again given the responsibility of partnering Dylan Price up front. Carew took the early initiative, passing the ball well and breaking into the Tenby defence. However, as the game unfolded it was the organised play between Tenby's back three that started off so many flowing moves. Daniel Tiesing, Jake Davies and Joel Downs, combined well and displayed great awareness, linking together well to deny numerous Carew attacks. After a long clearance, Carew attacked down the left hand side and looked a real threat. However, Joel Downs showed great strength, running bravely forward to meet the ball, tackling well to win back possession and passing safely onto Daniel Tiesing. Henrik Jaakola thrived in his new role and looked so strong on the ball. Running passed three Carew players, the midfielder picked out Sean Conbeer in space who took his time and drove a fine shot into the top of the net to give Tenby a deserved 1-0 lead. Henrik Jaakola was a key figure in Tenby's second goal which followed almost immediately when the midfielder carved his way through the Carew defence and played a cool ball onto Luke Hartland. The winger picked his spot well and calmly slotted the ball into goal to push Tenby's lead to 2-0. Tenby started to pile on the pressure and were rewarded with a corner from the left hand side. Sean Conbeer swung in a teasing ball which was picked up by Joseph Criddle who was unlucky when his shot was deflected just wide of goal. Carew showed great character and pushed forward starting off a new attack but the move was well read by Jake Davies who was on hand to intercept and break down the move. Tenby's defence moved the ball around well and fed a loose ball out to Henrik Jaakola. The midfielder pushed forward from just inside his own half, teasing the Carew players, moving down the right, then weaving centrally and forward onto goal to drive in a superb solo effort to give Tenby a 3-0 lead just on half-time. Carew started the second half with even greater determination, keeping the ball well and slowly edging forward causing Tenby problems. Will Davies was called upon to perform a fine one- handed save from close range to deny Carew their first goal. Joel Downs was unlucky not to win a contested throw-in and Carew broke out of midfield and passed the Tenby defence. However, Daniel Tiesing chased back from the right after the Carew striker and put in a last gasp sliding tackle to win the ball in an outstanding show of determination by the defender. Tenby continued to attack with Sean Conbeer looking so strong on the left handside. Showing some great vision the winger played a great ball onto Dylan Price who controlled the ball well and moved into space. However, he was so unlucky when he saw his high drive pushed just wide by the 'keeper. The striker was instrumental in Tenby's next attack when he fed a loose ball out to Joseph Criddle. Glancing up, Joseph fired a powerful snap-shot which flashed passed the 'keeper to give Tenby a deserved final 4-0 result. Many thanks to Park Road Fish and Chips, the Tenby Under 10s kit sponsors, and to all the parents whose support and encouragement helped Tenby to return to winning ways. PENNAR 0 TENBY UNDER 9s 3
The Andrew Price sponsored U9s travelled to Pennar and enjoyed a well-earned 3-0 win. With Natty and Jack unavailable, in came Ryan and the ever-dependable Adam went in goal. Also back after a week out was George who, along with Rhys, gave Pennar plenty of problems. It was George who opened the scoring with a well- taken goal from out wide on the left. The more familiar back three of Ben, Harry and Jordan played their part and it was Jordan who, along with hard-working Billy, pushed Pennar back deep into their own half, but some brave goalkeeping kept the score 1-0 at half-time. The second half saw Tenby playing good football, with Malley and Ryan having chances and George always a threat. Another goal was on the cards. But, in fact, it went to Pennar, or so they thought. A handball outside his box by Adam gave Pennar an indirect free-kick and, quick as a flash, the ball was in the back of the Tenby net. However, having not touched anyone on its way in, the referee had no option but to disallow the goal, much to the annoyance of the home crowd, but 1-0 it stayed. This sparked Tenby into action. An excellent corner from Billy was cleared, but only as far as Billy, who this time drilled in a ball to the far post, where Malley used all his size and strength to bundle the ball over the line and make it 2-0. Ben held the back line as usual, allowing Jordan to push forward. A nasty tackle floored the midfielder and a free-kick was awarded just outside the Pennar area. The resulting free-kick from George found Billy under pressure from the defence, but from nothing he slotted the ball into the bottom corner and made the score 3-0. Ryan and Malley continued to run at Pennar and, supported by George and Rhys, it must have been a tough last five minutes for the home side. Harry and Jordan worked hard and were always available for the numerous corners Tenby forced, but to their credit, Pennar played well, but it wasn't to be their day, as Tenby enjoyed their first win at Bush Camp. Thanks to all the parents and supporters and well done boys. Team: Adam Davidson, Ben Howells, Harry Goforth, Jordan Cornick, Billy Truman, Malley Paxton, George Taylor, Ryan Townsend, George Taylor.
TENBY U8s 0 CAMROSE U8s 4
Last Saturday, Pembrokeshire Mortgage Centre's sponsored Tenby team were home to Camrose. Tenby had already beaten Camrose away at their own ground, so were confident going into the game. However, Camrose proved to be an ever-persistent side, constantly tackling and battling for the ball. Luck didn't seem to be on Tenby's side and with every chance being created in the first half, the ball just could not find the back of the net. Tenby's boys took many tackles and a few injuries were picked up along the way. Tom M, Ryan, Jack and Tom J. worked hard in defence, with Dan, Elliot and Toby creating many runs and shots on goal, but shortly before half- time Tenby scored an own goal. Half-time and a stern team talk and a few changes; Tenby had to prove their skill. There was a change in goal, from James to Jack, with Ben, Nicklaus and Cai coming on. However, Camrose proved to have the upper hand as their second goal went in. Tenby's heads began to dip and somehow their fight just didn't seem to be as strong as it usually is. Another two goals were created by Camrose, leaving the final score 4-0 to the visitors. Tenby had not previously lost a game and perhaps this will make this young side stronger, realising that they are not invincible. Next week boys, it's a totally new game, put Camrose behind you and put it down to experience. Thanks once again to coach Matthew Broadhurst, Dale Elms for doing a great job being referee and all parents and supporters, and Julie Harries for making sandwiches. Team: Daniel Wainwright, Tom James, Toby Poole, Thomas Murphy, Ben Palin, James Harries, Jack Broadhurst, Cai Elms, Elliot Moorhouse, Ryan, Nicklaus.