Pembrokeshire Schools started off the New Year with an away game in the Tom Yeoman Shield competition against Carmarthen at Richmond Park. On a cold, wintry day, the squads all played superbly and were a credit to the county.

Pembrokeshire A 2 Carmarthen A 0

Pembrokeshire were a little slow to start with and the Carmarthen boys were much quicker and sharper. Thomas Davies and Joshua Hardman had a lot to do early on and didn't let the side down. Dylan Noot, in the Pembs. goal, was alert and thwarted any Carmarthen attack that got through. Tom Mansbridge played well in midfield, linking well with Kian Lee and Darren Gibson.

Pembrokeshire's first goal came from a great line ball from Rhys Morgan that put Osian Hill one-on-one with the Carmarthen 'keeper. Osian cooly slotted the ball past the 'keeper into the back of the net.

This gave Pembs. the impetus to start playing some good football and their second came from Kian, who followed up a shot by Osian and drove the ball straight into the Carmarthen net.

In the second half, Nieve Jenkins and Jacob Hipkiss came on and slotted in well. They helped the side hang on to their lead with good running and tackling.

Pembrokeshire A 0 Carmarthen B 1

The first half consisted of Pembs. doing a lot of defending. Dylan was a revelation in the Pembs. goal with a superb series of brave saves that kept his side in the game. Thomas's defending was once again breathtaking and Joshua and Rhys covered a lot of ground.

During the second half, Pembs. had to make changes (due to boot problems!) and a lack of concentration saw Carmarthen snatch a well-deserved goal.

Dylan then made another fantastic save from a spectacular long range shot. Jacob came very close, but pushed the ball just wide of the post.

In the last few minutes, Pembs. were desperate to score from a series of corners, but it was not to be.

Pembrokeshire B 0 Carmarthen B 2

Pembrokeshire were soon behind to an excellent strike from 15 yards and failed to get enough possession of the ball to gain any breathing space. James Gardner and debutant goalkeeper Reece Williams performed heroics to keep the ball out of the visitors' net and Carmarthen then went 2-0 ahead as half-time approached.

The second half was more even, with Pembrokeshire now getting the ball to the feet of strikers Jaden Chapman and Torin Nicholson. This forced Carmarthen back more on the defensive and their attacks lacked the danger of the first half.

Good defending by Tate Lawrence restricted the home scoreline to 2-0 and there were slow signs of a Pembrokeshire improvement late in the game. Joshua Williams and Carl Thomas tried hard to build play in the wide areas of the pitch, but the team showed some discipline in keeping the score down.

Pembrokeshire B 5 Carmarthen A 1

Pembrokeshire started this match in a much more determined manner and Reece Williams produce a couple of good early saves to keep his side in the game.

As confidence grew, the home defence came more and more under pressure and some near misses by Pembrokeshire ended with a home defender scoring an own goal.

Seamus Drake, Joshua and Jaden made important contributions in the mid-ield and, although Carmarthen equalised, Seamus put the visitors ahead again before half-time.

Pembrokeshire had much more possession of the ball at this stage and Joseph Griffiths finished a good move to put the visitors 3-1 ahead. Carmarthen responded strongly with some pressure on goalkeeper Williams, but Pembrokeshire were gaining in confidence and created several chances with counter-attacks.

Pembrokeshire got much more in control of the ball as Carmarthen became slightly desperate with long range shots and Seamus put the visitors 4-1 ahead to settle the nerves of his team.

The whole squad was used in rotation, Carl doing well in wide areas to preserve the lead and Kieran Allen performing outstandingly well to support James and stop some dangerous attacks.

In the final moments, Tom Wright slipped in behind the Carmarthenshire defence to give Pembrokeshire a well-deserved and impressive 5-1 victory.

Pembrokeshire A squad: Dylan Noot, Rhys Morgan, Darren Gibson, Jacob Hipkiss (Tenby Juniors); Thomas Davies (Glan Cleddau); Nieve Jenkins (Stepaside); Osian Hill (Eglwysrwrw); Joshua Hardman (Mary Immaculate); Kian Lee (St. Mark's); Tom Mansbridge (Saundersfoot)

Pembrokeshire B squad: Reece Williams (Eglwyswrw); Jaden Chapman (Milford); James Gardner, Tate Lawrence, Tom Wright (Tenby Junior); Torin Nicolson (Maenclochog); Joseph Griffiths (Spittal); Carl Thomas (St. Oswald's); Kieran Allen (Golden Grove); Seamus Drake (Croesgoch); Joshua Williams (Prendergast)

Pembrokeshire Schools Football Association would like to thank: all the parents for making a great effort to get the players to the match; and main sponsor, Milford Haven Port Authority.