PENLAN (SWANSEA) 4 TENBY UNDER 14s 2
The large pitch at Richmond Park in Carmarthen was in excellent condition on Monday evening and both teams were cheered on by their bands of passionate supporters. Tenby had completed a Pembrokeshire League and Cup double for the second consecutive season and thus went into this, the West Wales FA Under 14 Cup Final, with confidence. In fact, they started brightly, but it was Penlan who took the lead against the run of play when man-of- the-match Jack Green headed over Luke Hamilton following a misunderstanding between Tenby's 'keeper and his defenders. After this early setback, the Seasiders settled down and went close on a few occasions through Daryl Mansbridge, Tom Nicholas and Ross Grey. However, the Swansea team increased their lead just before half-time, when striker Green chipped Hamilton after further indecision in Tenby's defence. Soon after the restart, Penlan put the game almost beyond Tenby's reach when Green showed his speed to outpace his markers and then his class when he lobbed the unfortunate Hamilton to complete a superb hat-trick. To their great credit, the Pembrokeshire lads did not let their heads drop and midway through the second period, a left-footed free-kick by Ianto Griffiths caused confusion in the box and Mansbridge stole in to reduce the deficit. The Seasiders now seemed to have a chance of getting back into the game. They, and indeed most of the crowd, thought they were awarded a free- kick, but the decision had actually been given to Penlan who reacted quickly and caught Tenby sleeping as Liam Pritchard squeezed the ball past replacement goalkeeper Lewis Hodgeson. The Pembrokeshire boys still refused to lie down. Tom Baker's 20-yard drive brought a finger-tip save from Penlan's commanding goalie, Ashley Howells. Towards the end, Mansbridge's perseverance was rewarded when substitute Mark Dwyer scored an opportunist consolation goal. The result was a great disappointment for the Tenby team which was the first side of any age group from the club to reach a West Wales Knock- out Cup Final. They had hoped to complete a historic treble, but they will admit they did not perform anywhere near as well as they have done in previous games. However, Penlan are a fine side. They were a little sharper and stronger and very well organised. They deserved their win. Green would be a handful for most defences, but he received good service from the likes of the busy and skilful Luke Morgan and other, including skipper Rhys Cotty, who was delighted to collect the Ray Nedin Junior Cup. Nevertheless, Tenby Under 14s can feel very proud of their achievements this season under the guidance of manager Charles Davies and coach Reme Page. The West Wales Cup Final was perhaps just one game too far. Tenby fielded: Luke Hamilton (capt), Ianto Griffiths, Joe Richards, Lloyd Thomas, Tom Powell, Rhys Hewson, Callum Proctor, Tom Nicholas, Daryl Mansbridge, Tom Baker, Ross Grey. Reps. - Lewis Hodgeson, Lewis Davies, Mark Dwyer, Billy Davies and Alex Lewis.