Tenby AFC U15 team this year are representing the town and its Lions Club in the Lions Clubs International U15 Youth Football Competition. Before Christmas, they overcame opposition from Llantwit Major, and on Sunday faced Frome Collegians, who travelled in from Somerset to play at The Clicketts, in a match staged with the generous sponsorship of Kasey and Jim Hayton, of Saundersfoot. One of the main aims of this competition is to give teams challenges that they would not otherwise experience, and travelling to away matches is one of the most difficult. Kick-off was at 2 pm on a fine, but windy afternoon, and sure enough the visitors seemed to be suffering from 'jet lag' as they appeared to lack sharpness and concentration, losing two goals in the first 10 minutes, as Tenby's boys came at them with the wind at their backs. However, the Frome team showed itself to be made of sterner stuff, and fought back with a goal. Tenby scored again, through a superb move down the right, but Collegians replied straight from the kick-off, and the teams went to the half-time break at 3-2. Now against the wind, Charles Davies's team came out to win their game, and a goal put them 4-2 ahead early in the second half. After 10 minutes the Frome team made it 4-3, and came on strong to get something from the game, causing some anxiety for the Tenby supporters. Sure enough, with what turned out to be the last kick of normal time, Collegians scored to take the match into extra time. At the break in extra time the score was still 4-4, and the prospect of a penalty shoot-out started to appear on the horizon, but Tenby raised their game and managed to slot in the decider for a 5-4 win. On the day, both teams put in a determined performance, and showed considerable desire to take the win. The match was played with good , competitive spirit by both sides, and refereed by Mr. Colin Newberry, of Saundersfoot. The teams, their managers and those who travelled from Frome were offered refreshments at the Giltar Hotel after the match. In the meantime, Clarbeston Road have been winning their games, and will face Tenby in the District Cup Final towards the end of the month - again at Tenby. The winner of this match will travel to England for a quarter-final tie against the winner of a tie between Littlehampton and Dover. The date and kick-off time of the Tenby/Clarbeston Road game will be notified as soon as the match is arranged. Tenby Lions Club would like to thank Mr. Colin Newberry for agreeing to referee the game, Tenby AFC for making the Clicketts available on the day, Giltar Hotel for the refreshments, and all who went along to watch. Commiserations to Frome Collegians, and well done to the boys of Tenby AFC in progressing to the next round.
