JOHNSTON U14s 4 TENBY U14s 1
The Willow Carpentry sponsored Tenby Under 14s lost their unbeaten tag to a very determined Johnston side, which capitalised on some uncharacteristic mistakes from the joint league leaders. Perhaps the writing was on the wall when, within the opening minute, Johnston almost opened their account, but a great save from Jake Roberts spared their blushes. This scare settled Tenby and they began to play controlled football. They had several good chances; Ashley Smith watched his header hit the crossbar, then Will Thomas hit a shot just over the top and then one against the post. However, the hunger to win was definitely missing and many players were reluctant to hunt and chase the ball. Johnston, on the other hand, didn't stop running and got numbers behind the ball when defending and in support when attacking. The home side scored first, but the Seasiders quickly replied when Smith fed Thomas, whose perfect pass found the unmarked Gareth Warlow to slot in from six yards. On the stroke of half-time, Johnston restored the lead when they broke free and, although Dan Edwards and Curtis Hurlow raced back to defend, they were outnumbered and two simple passes saw the ball in the back of the Tenby goal. The second half was pretty even until 15 minutes from time, when Johnston scored twice more from elementary mistakes to put the game out of Tenby's reach. The home side deserved this win on pure determination alone and it will serve as a wake-up call to Tenby, who must realise that they must be at their best, at all times, in order to win any cups this season. Tenby side: J. Roberts, A. Roberts, C. Hurlow, P. Elliott, D. Edwards, A. Heesom, C. Millward, J. Richards, A. Smith, W. Thomas, G. Warlow, R. Fairlie, N. Jones.
TENBY U12s 2 HAKIN U12s 2 On a chilly morning when it was difficult enough to get out of bed, let alone have to get out of a warm car to watch (or even play) a football match, the Manorbier Stores and Post Office sponsored team once again welcomed Hakin to the Clicketts. Always exciting, close encounters between these two sides, this game continued the trend. Both were quickly into action from the kick-off and it was honours even until Hakin scored an early long-range goal which Scott had little chance of stopping. Tenby probably had the greater share of possession from then on, but they failed to capitalise and Hakin went further ahead with another good effort. The latter part of the first half saw Tenby back on top and Dan snatched one back after he was put through by Hugo. A bit of a mountain to climb at the start of the second half, not helped by the sad departure of an injured Tom from the field, but Sam slotted into central defence and Rhys dropped back, with Cheyne coming on to add his strength. Tenby continued where they left off in the first half and managed to draw level when Dan, showing an extremely cool head, knocked the ball home. Although Tenby appeared to have the game in their control, they squandered possession and chances were few as Hakin continued to battle to the end. Neither goalie was threatened much as the game was fought out mainly in the midfield and both sides seemed almost relieved to hear the final whistle. This wasn't one of the better performances we have seen this season, but it was still entertaining and exciting. As one of Hakin's more vocal supporters said - and they do have a few! - well played to all the players. At least we were all warmed up at the end of the match! Thanks to coach Simon, our sponsors and supporters, and to all our players who tried valiantly to break down a strong Hakin side. Squad: Scott Cowan, George McBeth, Tom Grover, Jack Murphy, Sam Butler, Nathan Farmiloe, Hugo Wellum, Toby Rossiter, Rhys Nicholas, Elliot Goldsmith, Daniel Fairlie, Cheyne Lloyd, Adam Conbeer.
Tenby U10s A 5 Pennar Robins U10s A 0
Tenby A continued their return to top form with a convincing victory on Saturday against a strong Pennar A side. Despite missing a couple of key players, the Seasiders began very positively and almost scored within a minute. Wing back Tom Harries made a break down the right. His low cross was well met by Dylan Rees, but the ball went an inch past the post. More Tenby pressure followed, and when a cross fell to midfielder Adam Muskett at the far post, he fired the home side into a deserved lead. Tenby were soon two-up courtesy of midfielder Scott Ferney, who had an excellent game on the left wing. His 15-yard shot flew through the 'keeper's hands and sizzled into the back of the net. The home side were unlucky not to increase their lead after winning a series of corners. A Dylan Rees header clipped the crossbar. Then, moments later, centre back Owen Coombs made a late run into the box, and sent a flying header against the far post. Despite all their possession, Tenby had to keep their wits about them to contain a lively Pennar attack. The defensive trio of Spencer Williams, Owen Coombs and Tom Harries combined well to keep the visitors at bay, and Tenby 'keeper William Davies dealt comfortably with the one or two chances that Pennar created. As the first half came to a close, Tenby had more opportunities to wrap up the game. A clever layback from Dylan Rees was blasted just over the bar by Tom Dyson, and after a great passing move, Scott Ferney hit the post. After the break, Luke Hartland came on in his first outing for Tenby A this season. He adapted quickly and played a good solid game at right-back. Meanwhile, Tom Harries pushed up into midfield, and combined well with Tom Dyson to create more chances. Scott Ferney had two shots well saved by the Pennar 'keeper, before Dylan Rees eventually slotted the ball in at the far post to make it three-nil. Pennar continued to play some attractive passing football, and forced a corner of their own. But Tenby immediately went on the counter-attack, and goal four was swept in by Dylan Rees after another well-timed pass from Tom Harries. The two players linked up again to make it five-nil, when Dylan Rees was put through on goal and coolly completed his hat-trick to wrap up a great home win. Many thanks to Newey Electrical Installations Ltd, who have sponsored a new kit for Tenby A. Thanks also to Nicky Rees for doing his usual excellent job as match referee.
TENBY UNDER 8s 5 HUNDLETON 0
It was a 10.30 am kick-off at Hundleton on Saturday for Tenby Under 8s after a two-week break. A bitterly cold but sunny day saw everyone in high spirits, with Tenby eager for a win. They were to play 20 minutes each way against Hundleton. The first half saw the Hundleton goalkeeper make numerous saves, with Dan Wainwright and Toby Poole having two clear chances. Tom Jones, Jack Broadhurst and Caie Elms were at the heart of the defence and midfield, passing excellent balls to the strikers, but in the first half, they just couldn't find the back of the net. The second half proved to be totally different. Zac Steele, who tackled well throughout the first half, was substituted for Ben Palin. With Tenby playing up the slope, it seemed to quicken their pace, with four quick goals coming from Toby Poole, while a diving header at the far post from Ben Palin just missed the target. The final 10 minutes saw numerous runs on the left and right flanks from Ben Palin and Thomas Murphy. Jack Broadhurst switched with James Harris as goalkeeper, resulting in Tenby's fifth and final goal. A great game by the young side. Thanks must go to Matthew Broadhurst for being the ever-dedicated coach, all the parents for their support and to Hundleton for providing the food. Team: Thomas Murphy, Ben Palin, Toby Poole, Jack Broadhurst, Zac Steele, James Harris, Caie Elms, Tom James and Dan Wainwright.
TENBY U10s B 5 HUNDLETON 1
Tenby B Under 10s played host to Hundleton on a somewhat cold and blustery Saturday morning. However, it was Hundleton who showed the early initiative and took the lead within the first five minutes by breaking through the Tenby defence to give them an early 1-0 advantage. Tenby showed great character by keeping their composure and working the ball well to retain long spells of possession. Daniel Tiesing played an important pass out of defence, up to the midfield, picking out Sam Perrett and starting off a great flowing movement by the home side. Sean Conbeer collected well from Sam Perrett and attacked the left-hand side with some strong running - playing a great cross onto Dylan Price deep on the right- hand side. Showing great awareness, the striker returned the pass to Sam Perrett, who struck his shot well into the right-hand corner to bring the score back to 1-1. Tenby pushed forward with some great flowing play. Joel Downs showed good composure and played a key pass up field to Joseph Criddle, who weaved his way forward skilfully to pick out Sam Perrett deep in midfield. Tenby's confidence was clearly showing, with Sam Perrett combining well with Dylan Price. The striker collected a great pass from Sam and showed good control to drive in a shot high into the top right- hand corner to give Tenby a well-deserved 2-1 lead. Tenby's well-organised defence of Joel Downs, Ryan Kent, Tom Harries and Daniel Tiesing was instrumental in creating yet another Tenby attack, with Daniel Tiesing passing down the right-hand side to Dylan Price. Collecting the ball well, Dylan showed some great running, taking the ball deep into the visitors' half and picking out Sam Perrett, who made a powerful deep run towards goal. Collecting the ball well, Sam picked his spot and drove a clean shot into the bottom left-hand corner to push the score to 3-1 to Tenby. Tenby were fortunate to have the help of Tom Harries to strengthen their defence in the absence of Henrik Jaakola, his presence being a clear factor in Tenby's fourth goal. After some clever running up to midfield, Tom played the ball centrally onto Sam Perrett, who instinctively returned the one-two movement back to Tom Harries. Tom played a wide ball deep to the right, picking out Dylan Price, who turned and volleyed a fine effort into the top left- hand corner to make it 4-1. Tenby's confidence and determination was clearly showing and the home side continued to push forward. Luke Hartland made a surging run down the right-hand side and was a real menace to the Hundleton defence, playing a fine pass onto Liam Bowen. The striker showed great awareness in front of goal, picking out Dylan Price, who passed wide to Sean Conbeer. The winger backtracked and turned, driving in a superb long range effort to make the final score 5-1. Congratulations should be extended to the coach, Alan Harries, and the team as a whole, whose much-improved teamwork and development was a clear factor in this deserved victory. Many thanks also to Park Road Fish and Chips, the Tenby Under 10s kit sponsors, and to all the parents for their positive support and encouragement.