TENBY U16s 2 CLARBESTON ROAD U16s 0
Tenby made two changes to the team that beat Killay in the West Wales Cup last week, with Richard Thomas returning in goal, and Scott Helmich replacing Mikey Boswell, who was having trials at Cardiff City. Conditions were variable on a pitch that was thawing from overnight frost, making the wings firm and the centre circle heavy going for both sets of players. Tenby started well, with Sam Christopher firing straight at Spiers in the visitors' goal. The home side's possession play then resulted in a series of missed opportunities, as Rob Colley, Adam Johns and Luke Dedman positioned themselves for a shot or header at goal, but they either shot too close to the goalkeeper or missed the target. Tenby's organisation looked solid as Brett Evans and Billy Vaughan broke up some strong Clarbeston Road counter-attacks. This allowed fullbacks Kurt Walsh and James Howes, who had an outstanding match, to help an attack that was well marked by six visiting defenders. Aaron Goldsmith was working hard in the slippery centre circle to link up with Luke Dedman, who strode forward to work well with James Howes to produce some quality approach work on the right for Tenby. Some variation made the Tenby attack look more dangerous, as Adam Johns and Sam Christopher switched over, but the first half remained scoreless as both goalkeepers dealt safely with anything that either set of forwards could offer. The 0-0 scoreline could have been a disappointment for Tenby as they looked for vital points to clinch the league championship, but they kept their shape and patience well, even though goals would not come. With 20 minutes remaining, Josh Bevan came on to consolidate the midfield, this giving Billy Vaughan the chance to move forward in his usual dangerous way, and sure enough he put Tenby 1-0 ahead with a low shot which swerved away from Rory Spiers in the Clarbeston goal. This sparked a brief Clarbeston revival, but Brett Evans and goalkeeper Richard Thomas moved quickly in the Tenby penalty area to keep their goal intact. James Howes, Luke Dedman and Sam Christopher combined well on the Tenby right to produce a cross which Billy Vaughan turned in at the far post to give his side a 2-0 lead with five minutes left. This was a good match in slippery conditions, which on the basis of the chances created Tenby deserved to win, although the narrow scoreline reflects the tenacity of the Clarbeston Road team. Tenby squad: Richard Thomas, James Howes, Billy Vaughan, Brett Evans, Kurt Walsh, Sam Christopher, Aaron Goldsmith, Luke Dedman, Adam Johns, Rob Colley, Scott Helmich, Josh Bevan, Michael Halligan, Rhys Winter. Thanks to Mary for refereeing and to Darryl for running the line. Tenby Picnic Basket player of the match: James Howes.
Pennar Robins U9s A 0 Tenby U9s A 1
After a three-week break, Tenby Under 9s A braved a chilly morning in Pembroke to gain a hard fought victory over Pennar Robins A. Tenby started the game in positive fashion, with Tom Dyson forcing a good save from the Pennar 'keeper inside the first two minutes. The home side then came back at Tenby. They enjoyed plenty of possession and made a series of threatening forward runs, but couldn't break through the Seasiders' defence and created nothing to trouble Daniel Evans in the Tenby goal. Having soaked up the pressure, Tenby looked the more likely to take the lead. After a quick break, Declan Escott pushed an inviting through ball into the path of Scott Ferney, but his shot went just wide. Pennar immediately broke back and won a corner on the left. The ball was pumped into the danger zone and dropped just in front of the Tenby goal line. Fortunately, a Tenby boot got to the ball first and kicked it clear. With most of the Tenby players still pinned back in their own goalmouth, Pennar continued to attack, but a good tackle and long clearance from Owen Coombs helped to push play back into the Pennar half. As the half progressed, Tenby began to show more attacking flair, with Kim Paramanand, Dylan Rees and Scott Ferney all making good runs from deep to open up the Pennar defence and force a series of corners. Tenby then took a deserved lead, when the ball was cleverly passed back to Declan Escott 15 yards out. He expertly glided a long shot shot through a sea of players, leaving the 'keeper stranded to make it one-nil. The Tenby striker was unlucky not to increase the lead shortly afterwards when he again beat the 'keeper, but hit the bar. Tenby's injury jinx then came back to haunt them, with right-back Owen Coombs limping off ill at half-time and Spencer Williams receiving another nasty knock on the knee late in the game. However, before being taken out by a clumsy challenge, the left-back showed some outstanding defending, made a couple of surging runs that tore the Pennar midfield apart and had a great strike on goal! Tom Harries also had an excellent game on the right of defence and Pennar never really looked likely to level the scores. In fact, the home side played much more defensively in the second half, relying on occassional breaks to try and get back in the game. This suited Tenby who enjoyed most of the possession and created plenty of chances. Scott Ferney hit a sizzler just over the bar. Declan Escott hit the outside of the post, after a great run down the left. And the striker hit another shot just wide after a well-timed through pass from Dylan Price. Despite all their attacking possession, Tenby almost threw the game away in the final minutes following a rare Pennar attack. A push in the back led to a 'silly' free-kick being given away in a dangerous position. The kick was well delievered, but fortunately it was headed just wide by a Pennar striker. As the breeze grew colder and a few snow flurries began to fall, both teams began to tire, and an awkward challenge from the home side led to a free-kick for Tenby. The ball was tapped to Tom Dyson, who blasted a great shot in from distance, only to see it blocked in front of the Pennar goal. Congratulations to both teams for such an entertaining game on such a bitterly cold morning. Thanks to Park Road Chip Shop, the Tenby Under 9 kit sponsors (especially for the new tracksuit tops, which made sure all the boys stayed warm in the unseasonal weather)!
TENBY UNDER 14s 4 ST. CLEARS UNDER 14s 0
Last Saturday, a strong Tenby team travelled to Marble Hall Milford Haven for the Pembrokeshire Cup semi-final. A tough encounter was expected, as St Clears have always been tough opposition. The game started slowly, with the ball being kept in the middle of the pitch and very few chances. However, after some good work in the middle of the pitch by Calum Proctor, he found Daryl Mansbridge making a run from left midfield, which left the St. Clears central defence static, and with the 'keeper facing a one-to-one, Daryl coolly put Tenby ahead. St. Clears continued to battle, but only managed one chance when a strong run from their left midfielder, who won three tackles, saw his cross find the penalty spot, but their striker put the ball over the bar. Other chances for Tenby came from Tom Nicholas, who on three occasions used his fast pace to pass the St. Clears fullback and cross the ball to the centre. Unfortunately, these balls were met by the St. Clears goalkeeper. The second half started with Tenby playing with the wind at their backs. After two minutes, Tom Baker broke down the left and his cross was met by Ross Gray, who put his side further in the lead with a second goal. This goal was followed by the Tenby goal of the season, with the impressive Tom Baker lobbing the 'keeper from 40 yards. Tenby continued to attack, with Ross Gray breaking through the St .Clears defence on numerous occasions with some good attempts at goal. The fourth goal followed after a melee in the goalmouth, where the ball found itself in the back of the net off a St. Clears defender. With 20 minutes to go, Tenby brought on Rhys Hewson, Lewis Davies, and Lewis Hodgson, who all showed 100 per cent. The Tenby defence of Ianto Griffiths, Joe Richards, Tom Powell and Lloyd Thomas, marshalled by Luke Hamilton, kept another clean sheet, frustrating the opposition with their excellent tight performance and allowing the midfield to run the game. An excellent all-round team performance pleased Charles Davies and Remi Page (coaches) and more of the same will be required tomorrow (Saturday) in their biggest game of the season so far when they face Llanyfelach in the WW Cup semi-final at Cwmamman. Team: Luke Hamilton, Tom Powell, Lloyd Thomas, Joe Richards, Ianto Griffiths, Daryl Mansbridge, Calum Proctor, Tom Nicholas, Tom Baker, Ross Gray, Lewis Davies, Lewis Hodgson, Rhys Hewson.
Girls football
UNDER 10s: Tenby U10s girls continue with their good form, winning all three of their games. They beat Neyland Minnies 2-0, Pennar Princesses 4-0 and Pennar Angels 5-2. All players took a turn in goal and they all contributed well to a good team display. Team - Holly Furlong, Lois Horsley, Alise Robison, Sarah Jackson, Hari Truman, Becky Gwyther, Polly Scotcher. Thanks to Pete for running the side. UNDER 12s: Tenby Under 12s kicked off their season on the new Astroturf at Tenby. In their first match they met Camrose. They won 2-0, with Nia Thomas scoring both goals. Their next game against Goodwick was a very close affair, with Goodwick running out 1-0 winners. Team - Kimberly Alman, Beth Morse, Kelly Robison, Marie Robison, Molly Goforth, Sophie Beynon, Beth Osborne, Lori Amos. Thanks to Lloyd for running the team. UNDER 15s: The Under 15s met Burton and won 1 -0 with a goal from Elena Ciccotti. All the girls played well and are looking forward to their next match. Team - Elena, Ciccotti, Gracie Bevan, Chloe Lloyd, Kelsey, Sam, Sophie Izzard, Marie.