U16 west wales cup quarter-final
The Andrew Price sponsored Tenby U16s were a depleted squad on Saturday, with Iwan Izzard, Alex Bailey and Ben Steele, all missing due to holidays and other commitments. This left a far from ideal situation, with Tenby having to take to the field in the West Wales Cup quarter-final with only one substitute.
Tenby's opponents were Carmarthenshire league title hopefuls Pont Lliw.
Tenby began the game by getting the better of the early exchanges and it was evident fairly early on that Tenby were the superior outfit, and this was demonstrated when Tenby took the lead from a flowing move down the right wing which resulted in Kieran Lewis, the midfield dynamo, driving the ball across the six yard box for Craig Lucas to finish with real quality.
This should have been the springboard for Tenby to go and dominate proceedings, but the opposite happened and Tenby began to retreat conceding a lot of possession to the visitors, and although Pont Lliw never really looked to have sufficient quality to break down the powerful home outfit, uncharacteristic sloppy mistakes were creeping in all round the team from usually ultra-reliable players.
However, the superior quality did shine through again with 30 minutes gone when Robin Goddard, who had worked hard on the right of midfield, managed to win the ball, and with a deflection of the referee, managed to find Kieran Lewis who with a slide rule pass opened up the visitors defence for Craig Lucas to spring the off-side trap and finish confidently again to make the score two-nil.
Spectators were thinking this would surely settle them down now and allow the flowing football we had all been used to seeing from this set of players over recent weeks take over.
But again mistakes continued and some indecision from goalkeeper Dan Storer allowed Pont Lliw to pull one back just before half-time. Although it has to be said that Dan has proved himself to be the best goalkeeper in the Pembrokeshire division and his mistakes are rare.
During half-time, the no nonsense management team pulled no punches and told the players things had to improve, and so they did with defenders beginning to commit to challenges and midfielders starting to pass the ball like they can, the game became a more one sided affair.
Greg Palin, growing in confidence on the left, made his first start following a long absence through a serious knee injury and came into the game more, while captain Jake Proctor began to organise his troops, with Ross Lascelles always looking commanding at the back, with the aid of Will Cowan, Nathan Davies and Ryan Fielder who all being terrific athletes made a formidable barrier during the second half.
Tenby's third goal came from a piece of quick thinking. While Pont Lliw tried to compete more strongly across the midfield culminating in a few skirmishes, Tenby played the whistle and as a result created a chance from nothing which was well finished by centre forward Greg Caine to bring the scoreline to 3-1 and effectively put the game out of the visitors reach.
Unfortunately, Tenby picked up an injury to Jake Proctor, who was replaced by Luke Philips, who soon got into the action going close from a long range effort. Pont Lliw kept battling away and showed plenty of desire, but unfortunately couldn't really convert this into chances, and Tenby finished the game with a fourth goal following an individual effort from Craig Lucas to complete his hat-trick.
While it was not one of Tenby's best team displays, individual performances by Ross Lascelles and Kieran Lewis caught the eye.
Tenby now look forward to the semi-final draw, to be played at a neutral venue, where the likely opponents will be Pontardawe, who are top of the Neath League, or Talycopa, the clear leaders n the Swansea league.
MILFORD U15s 1
TENBY U15s 2
There was an early start for the T. P. Hughes sponsored team as they faced Milford in their first cup match of the season.
With Callum, George and George L. out through injury and Goldie enjoying his annual mid-season sun-break, the team had an unfamiliar look about it - Milea stepping into George's boots and gloves in goal and Matt starting at right back. Cheyne moved to right midfield, with Hugo assuming the goal-scoring roles of Goldie and Callum.
Tenby started comfortably, having the majority of possession, but Milford are always a difficult team to play and Tenby were never totally in control of the game.
Mid-way through a scrappy half, Hugo opened the scoring with a well-taken goal. Milford threatened constantly on the break, but the backline of Matt, Tom, Sam and Rhys stood firm. Tenby had plenty of opportunities to score, but the Milford 'keeper coped. A very shaky lead at half-time and a firm talking to from the coaches.
Second half and Rob on for Rhys. Tenby were still the better side but Milford battled on. A defensive mix up saw Milford gifted an equaliser and Tenby suddenly got a second wind. Nathan took Cheyne's place with some of his cheeky passes lifting the side.
Tenby broke through time and time again only to find the Milford goalie. Touchline nerves were frazzled when a free kick was awarded to Tenby on the edge of the Milford box.
Not for the first time in a cup match, Hugo met the ball perfectly and a fierce low shot thwacked into the back of the net. What followed was 10 minutes in which a new Tenby star emerged as the home side piled on the pressure - Milea found his confidence and denied several virtual dead certs from Milford feet and heads as they relentlessly pounded the Tenby goal. But Tenby managed to hang on and advance to the next round.
It was a difficult game for all involved, but the boys rallied as a team and deserved their victory. Well done.
Thanks to James and John, Andy on the line, kit sponsors T. P. Hughes and Jameston Village Stores, and the touchline support.
Squad: Milea Williams, Matt Davies, Tom Grover, Sam Butler, Rhys Nicholas, Cheyne Lloyd, Toby Rossiter, Joe Worley, David Webb, Hugo Wellum, James Adie, Rob Davies, Nathan Farmiloe.
Goodwick U14s 0 Tenby U14s 3
Tenby worked hard up the slope to break down a determined Goodwick defence to gain a well earned half-time lead of 2-0.
Some early chances were missed when Tenby failed to follow up rebounds off the home goalkeeper, but Jerome Mansbridge opened the score with a left foot shot.
Goodwick fought back strongly and from a free kick on the right, a long shot crashed off the Tenby crossbar as a reminder that there was a lot of work to do.
Richard Tebbutt worked hard in midfield and challenged well in the air, but it was his mid-field partner George Wilkins who claimed the glory with a brilliant 20-yard shot into the roof of the home net, to give Tenby a valuable 2-0 half-time lead.
Tenby played with more composure in the second half down the slope and with Marcus Read, Niall Kinsella, Luke Conbeer, Jacob Dent and Nathan Wilson doing well in defence, the more forward players James Bridges, Jerome Mansbridge, Shaun Whitfield and Elliott Rivers were well supported.
Goodwick goalkeeper Jake Stacey was much busier than his opposite number Lewis Roberts who was safe when called upon. Stacey did well to hold a rasping shot from Shaun Whitfield who was put through on the Goodwick goal. Niall Kinsella made a searing run late on in the match and finished the scoring in style, to complete a well-disciplined 3-0 win for Tenby.
Tenby squad: Lewis Roberts, Jacob Dent, Niall Kinsella, Marcus Read, Luke Conbeer, Elliott Rivers, Richard Tebbutt, George Wilkins, James Bridges, Jerome Mansbridge, Shaun Whitfield, Nathan Wilson.
Tenby player-of-the-match: Richard Tebbutt.
Thanks to the Tenby supporters who travelled to give the team some much needed support.
Tenby U13s 1 Ynystawe Athletic U13s 0
Tenby made it safely through to the semi-finals of the Tesco's U13 West Wales Cup on Saturday after an edgy encounter at The Clicketts.
Tenby created chance after chance in this game, but just couldn't finish off the visitors, and had to rely on a single first half goal to see them into the semis.
The home side almost got off to a dream start when Kiren Jones showed great tenacity to win the ball on the edge of the area and put Scott Ferney through on goal, but the striker's left foot shot just skimmed the post.
Ynystawe then countered quickly, firing a warning volley just over the Tenby crossbar. For the next few minutes it was end-to-end stuff, with Tenby having most of the possession, but few clear cut chances.
The home side finally took the lead midway through the first half, after Declan Escott was put through on goal. Spencer Williams then almost doubled Tenby's advantage, drawing a great save from the talented Ynstawe 'keeper.
As the first half hotted up, Owen Coombs floated in two great free-kicks from around the half-way line, creating panic in the Ynstawe defence. But Tenby just couldn't get the final touch to steer the ball in.
After the break, it was virtually all Tenby. Lloyd Hughes fired over after deft approach play by Declan Escott. Spencer Williams had another 20-yard teaser pushed wide by the 'keeper.
The in-form 'keeper also saved a neat flick header from Adam John. Scott Ferney and Lloyd Hughes both fired just over. And a 30-yard free kick from Kieren Jones went agonisingly close.
With the clock ticking and only a single goal in it, the closing stages were frantic. Ynstawe had a couple of chances to get back in the game, but Adam Muskett, Luke Hartland and Ben Roberts battled valiantly to keep the visitors out, while sweeper, Owen Coombs, took command of the Tenby penalty area, and made sure that Will Davies in the Tenby goal had no real saves to make.
There was a sense of relief at the final whistle, and also pride at the fantastic battling performance from the Tenby lads. Thanks to all the supporters and squad members who cheered the team to victory, and to kit sponsors Park Road Fish and Chips.
TENBY U11s
A game against rivals Carew saw Tenby keep their unbeaten record for the season. Tenby played well and had plenty of possession, but the strong defence of Carew was hard to break down. Tenby had some excellent moves and played positively, trying to play good football through the wings, with Ben Palin and Ryan Conbeer making some good runs.
Carew pushed forward, but the defence of Tom Rossiter, Elliot Moorhouse and Tom James stood firm and made little space for the home side. Eventually there was a good move from the midfield to Toby Poole who pushed to the right and crossed a perfect ball to Dan Wainwright in the box who finished clinically giving Tenby the advantage in the first half.
In the second half, Tenby kept pushing forward and had plenty of possession and passed the ball well, but just could not get another goal to finish the game.
The Tenby defence of Sam Perfect Harries and the excellent goal keeping of James Harries gave Carew little opportunity to score, although they put a lot of pressure on the Tenby defence.
Carew never gave up and battled till the end in the local derby. Well done to the two sides in entertaining a good crowd who thoroughly enjoyed what was an excellent game.
Thanks to Matt Broadhurst and Karl Wainwright for managing and coaching this ever improving bunch of young lads. Appreciation also for the continued sponsorship of County Financial Consultants for Tenby u11 team: James Harries, Sam Perfect Harries, Elliot Moorhouse, Tom Rossiter, Tom James, Ben Palin, Toby Poole, Danny Wainwright, Ryan Conbeer.