DUNVANT U14s 4

TENBY U14s 3

Tenby's passage to a second cup final was halted midway through the second-half of an exciting game played in blustery conditions at St. Clears. Up to that point they had fought back from a nervous start against a well-drilled and fast Dunvant team, whose speedy wingers looked as though they would tear the Tenby defence apart in the first 10 minutes of this West Wales Cup semi-final.

Straight after a Tenby attack broke down, Dunvant broke away and scored from 20 yards with a powerful shot which gave Richard Thomas no chance. Tenby survived several scares just after this, but Billy Vaughan brought the score back to 1-1 with a spectacular low drive which left the Dunvant goalkeeper standing from fully 25 yards.

Gaining some confidence from this, Tenby mounted several attacks with the wind behind them, coming close with excellent free-kicks from Mikey Boswell and corners from Guto Griffiths which just missed the Dunvant goal.

Dunvant's well organised passing game dominated the midfield after these chances went begging, and quick breakaways just before half-time saw them take advantage of the pressure they had put on a Tenby defence by snatching two goals. This was in spite of good saves by the brave Richard Thomas in goal, and with the Seasiders trailing 3-1, a massive comeback was needed.

Tenby came out for the second-half with Henry Boot at right-back, and Scott Helmich taking up a central covering role. The team looked much more secure when defending, and after five minutes a through pass resulted in the visiting goalkeeper being dispossessed, allowing Guto Griffiths to cross in splendid fashion to see Mikey Boswell net from close range.

Tenby's midfield settled in well after this and Aaron Goldsmith and Adam John were getting the better of their skilful opponents, and more of the play began to take shape in the Dunvant half. Mikey Boswell went on a run to chase an angled pass in the right-wing position and was brought down for a penalty which he converted to bring the scores to a dramatic 3-3.

With 20 minutes remaining, the game was again in the balance, with Tenby's change of formation and a new found determination running through the team putting Dunvant on the back-foot, although their counter-attacking style proved decisive in settling the match.

From a harmless looking cross a Dunvant striker appeared to use his arms to cushion the ball, and after hesitation, the same player fired in past a static Tenby defence.

Tenby kept well in the game after his setback, with Brett Evans and Henry Boot giving support to the energetic Luke Dedman who worked hard throughout to battle past some hard tackles and get the ball to Mikey Boswell and Sam Christopher whose runs at the Dunvant defence resulted in a succession of corners.

The last 10 minutes of the game were tense for both teams, with Tenby's willingness to attack and get back on terms, met by fierce resistance at the edge of the Dunvant penalty area and resultant counter-attacks. This contrast of styles was exciting for the spectators, and demanding for both sets of players who never gave up in difficult conditions, before the final whistle blew on a match which unfortunately was settled by such a controversial goal, to see Dunvant go to the final with a 4-3 win.

Tenby squad: Richard Thomas, Scott Helmich, Joe Scourfield, Luke Dedman, Brett Evans, Billy Vaughan, Adam John, Aaron Goldsmith, Guto Griffiths, Sam Christopher, Mikey Boswell, Henry Boot, Michael Halligan, Gavin Kinsey.

Thanks are due to the travelling supporters who gave atmosphere to such a good match. Hopefully this will continue when Tenby meet Hakin in the League Cup Final at Monkton on Tuesday, April 6, with a 6 pm kick-off.

GIRLS FOOTBALL

UNDER 10s

Both Tenby sides met each other in a very exciting match.

Although the Tigers won 2-0, with Nia Thomas scoring twice, Eleri Canton, in the Tiddlers' goal, stopped many fine shots.

Bethan Osborne played very well in defence and Rachel Williams and Millie Duckworth bravely tackled the older girls. Lois Horsley ran well up front and managed to get in several shots.

The Tiddlers met Goodwick in their next match and once again competed well. But the older and stronger Goodwick girls were too good for them and they lost 3-0. Bethan went in goal and Eleri played well in defence.

The Tigers met Neyland Minnies and won comfortably. Lauren Lewis scored the first goal, with Nia adding the second. Kimberly Alman was solid in defence and Mollie Goforth showed intelligence in her play. Rhiannon Harley kept another clean sheet in goal.

This result meant that Tenby Tigers were runners-up in the Under 10s league for the second time.

Tiddlers: Bethan Osborne, Millie Duckworth, Eleri Canton, Lois Horsley, Rachael Williams.

Tigers: Nia Thomas, Lauren Lewis, Kimberly Alman, Rhiannon Harley, Mollie Goforth.

UNDER 12s

All Tenby's Under 12s teams were in action this week.

The Jays had to face Tenby Tornadoes. Rhianne Griffiths scored the opening goal, with Sophie Izzard adding the next. Rhianne also scored the third.

Elena Ciccotti had little to do in the Jays' goal and Cheek made a welcome return to the side. Gracie Bevan once again kept a sound defence.

Next they met the Twisters, Tenby's other side. They won 4-0, with Cheek scoring a hat-trick and Rhianne adding the fourth. The Twisters did their best, but they were up against a formidable team.

In their final game, the Jays met Neyland Hawkes. This game was much closer, with Sophie and Cheek scoring in their 2-0 victory.

The Tornadoes played Neyland Minnies. Nia Thomas helped out the side and scored the only goal of the game. Lowri Lewis kept goal well, Sarah Paterson kept calm in defence and no-one could get past her. Roxy Paxton and Rosey Wicks chased the ball well to deny Neyland an equaliser.

In their last match, they were well beaten by a strong Saundersfoot side. The final score was 5-0, although the side never gave up hope.

The Twisters' second game was against Neyland Minnies.

Terri George opened the scoring, but a lack of marking allowed Neyland to pull two goals back. Kirsty Williams and Miranda Davies covered a lot of ground, while Aimee Murdock made an impressive debut. Rebecca Williams kept goal.

Jays: Rhianne Griffiths, Elena Ciccot, Gracie Bevan, Sophie Izzard, Cheek.

Tornadoes: Lowri Lewis, Sarah Paterson, Roxy Paxton, Rosey Wicks, Mollie Goforth, Nia Thomas.

Twisters: Terri George, Kirsty Williams, Miranda Davies, Aimee Murdoch, Rebecca Williams.

UNDER 14s

Tenby Under 14s had a good final week with a bare squad of five players due to illness and injury. But, all those five put in 110 per cent effort.

Leah Hartland played extremely well in goal, with Lucy May and Sophie Rees defending bravely. Holly Cloake and Victoria Brace both had superb games to get four valuable points for the team.

In their first match they won 3-1 against Saundersfoot, with Holly scoring two and Victoria the third.

Against Neyland they battled well and the game ended all-square after an exciting encounter.

Tenby U14s: Victoria Brace, Holly Cloake, Lucy May, Leah Hartland, Sophie Rees.

With the 10s and 14s league fixtures finished, only the 12s will be in action this weekend.

Thanks to all the parents for their support and help with transport over the last 20 weeks.