Tenby Under 9s A 2 Clarbeston Road U9s 2

After another action-packed morning of football at the Clicketts, Tenby had to settle for a point this week when in-form Clarbeston Road scored two late goals to snatch a surprise draw. The first challenge of the day was to find an area of grass that hadn't been swamped by the previous night's deluge. And on a soggy pitch marked out between two large puddles, both teams played to a remarkably high standard. The previous matches between these sides have always been strongly contested, but on this occassion it was Tenby who had the upper hand for much of the game and created the better chances. The home side almost took the lead early on when a free-kick just outside the 10-yard area was blasted just over by Tom Dyson. Tenby then had another chance to open the scoring when a corner on the right led to a goalmouth scramble; however, the visitors managed to boot the ball clear. Having scored eight goals in their last away game, Clarbeston Road always posed a potential threat on the break. However, Tenby's experienced defensive duo of Spencer Williams and Owen Coombs, both had outstanding games and as usual stifled the opposition strikers. The defenders won 95 per cent of the through balls and several times left the Clarbeston Road forwards floundering in the mud as they confidently rounded them and placed long passes upfield. In midfield for Tenby, Kim Parmanand and Scott Ferney both battled well and made several excellent runs, and the home side deservedly broke the deadlock midway through the first half. A great pass found Declan Escott in space. He deftly dribbled past two defenders and blasted an unstoppable shot into the top corner of the goal. The striker almost doubled Tenby's advantage soon after, following another great run on the left, but this time his shot hit the side netting. Urged on by their voiciferous supporters, Clarbeston Road almost equalised before half-time when a rare chance was headed just wide. Aside from that, Daniel Evans in the Tenby goal had little to deal with, and at the break the Seasiders looked to be comfortably in charge of the game. Tenby had a reshuffle at half-time and the opening period of the second half was much more evenly contested, with corners at both ends. However, Tom Dyson and Dylan Rees soon gained control of the midfield for Tenby, and the home side created another string of chances. Following a great run down the right, Declan Escott fired in a low cross that beat the 'keeper, but agonisingly no one in a Tenby shirt could quite get a toe to the ball. The striker then had a looping header plucked from beneath the bar, and another low shot well stopped by the Clarbeston 'keeper's feet. Scott Ferney also fired a shot just past the right post. The Seasiders finally doubled their lead after another fantastic strike by Declan Escott was parried by the 'keeper and Dylan Price followed up to blast in from close range. With five minutes to go, and Tenby defending their lead solidly, the home side seemed to be coasting to victory. However, the game took an unexpected twist following a Clarbeston Road break that led to a corner. Daniel Evans rose above a melee of players and appeared to have the ball comfortably in both hands. As players jostled on the line, the ball came out of the Tenby 'keeper's arms and ended-up in the back of net, and against the run of play the visitors were given a lifeline. The game then opened up as Tenby pushed forward to resassert their advantage, and a clearance fell to a Clarbeston Road player 30 yards from goal. With the seconds ticking away, the player expertly lobbed the ball towards goal. It crept through the 'keeper's fingers, grazed the underside of the bar and landed in the back of the net, leaving Clarbeston Road and their supporters jubilant and the Tenby boys shell-shocked. Moments later the final whistle blew, and the game ended two-apiece. Despite the disappointment of conceding two late goals, Tenby can take many positives from this game, with first-class performances across the park. Thanks to Nicky Rees, who did another excellent job of refereeing a very competitive game, and to Park Road Chip Shop, the Tenby Under 9s kit sponsors.

GIRLS FOOTBALL

Under 12s v Pennar Robins: On a very windy Sunday morning on Tenby's Astroturf, a makeshift Tenby team played very well against a tough tackling Pennar team. Playing into the wind, Tenby had few chances, but still passed the ball around very well. Mollie had a new partner in defence, Rhiannon, who fitted in very well for her first game out of goal. The half ended scoreless. With the wind behind them, the goals soon started going in and some neat passing from Mollie put Nia in space who crossed for Darcy to net the first. Minutes later, Nia found Lorri, whose first shot was saved, but she netted the rebound to make the score 2-0. Tenby, who had only five players, borrowed Kilgetty's excellent 'keeper Ffion, who had little to do but was always alert to the Pennar forwards. So the six Tenby girls worked hard against the Pennar seven and just minutes before the end, Darcy hit an unstoppable shot into the right-hand corner to make the score 3-0. UNDER 12s v Monkton: Much as in the first game, the wind played a big part in this one. Monkton, playing with the wind, could not break down Tenby's defence of Mollie, Rhiannon and goalie Ffion. Darcy and Lorri worked very hard against the extra girl in midfield to give Nia some telling passes. As in the first game, it was scoreless at half-time. With the wind, Tenby looked dangerous and were soon on the attack, with shots from Darcy and Lorri keeping the Monkton goalie very busy. The second half saw Rhiannon going in goal and Ffion partnering Mollie at the back. Monkton were holding on when Nia scored a excellent goal with a shot from 15 yards out which gave the 'keeper no chance. Mollie and Ffion also had shots, but the one goal was to decide the match, as it finished 1-0. Thanks for all the hard work girls and thanks to Lloyd for running the team. Let's hope next week we have a few more players. Squad: Molly Goforth, Nia Thomas, Lorri Amos, Rhiannon Harley, Darcy Escott, plus guest Ffion.