TENBY AFC 1

MONKTON SWIFTS 1

With a chance to go top of the Pembrokeshire League, Tenby squandered their opportunity. The Monkton Swifts arrived early and seemed keen to set their stall by getting onto the training pitch before their opposition. With only one or two players out, they fielded their normal side, though the less than youthful secretary was asked to play in goal and had a solid game for his troubles.

Tenby started well and it looked as though they would take the lead from the start. With a number of players making runs into the opposition's penalty area, it was always the last pass letting them down.

The home side seemed to lack imagination in the final third of the pitch. Everything seemed to be going right in all other areas of play, but the chance of a goal continued to evade them.

It was finally Monkton who drew first blood. Against the run of play, they attacked from deep and the final pass from James Archer sent his centre forward in to toe it past the stranded Dewi Davies, who was furious at his side's mistake.

Tenby pushed on from this mishap and it was once again the on-form Scottie Mclauchlin who took his chance when the ball flighted over this head fell to his favoured right boot and he showed no hesitation in firing it past the static 'keeper to equalise for the United.

The second half was a different game altogether. Monkton took command of certain areas of the game and the town side were not allowed to play any of the football they had showed in previous games. It was a committed performance by the Swifts and they showed why they are title chasers this season.

The Tenby management and players were displeased at the side's second half performance and the inability to score when in the opposition's 18-yard box. Most of all they were frustrated at the side lack of shape once things didn't go their way.

Tenby should be happy at where they lie in the league. This is a new side and a difficult transition period for a number of players returning from other sports or injury. But the common feeling among the players is that once you slip to mid-table there is little left to fight for and this is the reason that such high standards are set.

This week's fixture is home to Goodwick in the first round of the cup.

Thanks must go to Rob, of the Lifeboat Tavern, who every week puts on a splendid meal for both senior sides, and this week's Pasta La Vista special was prepared by resident Italian chef Lorenzo Fecci. Bella!

Team fielded: Dewi Davies (c), James Thomas, Neil Finlay, Deryn Brace, Luke Lawrence, Steve Hanlon, Dom Subbiani, Anthony Griffiths, Ryan Lawrence, Ricky Morgan, Scott Maclauchlin (Mom), Stuart Mckay, Dylan Lawrence.

TENBY SECONDS 1

MERLINS BRIDGE SECONDS 0

After a battering by Hakin the previous week, Tenby decided they were not going home without three points.

The first-half showed very positive signs from Tenby, with the midfield of Dean, Lamb, Morgan and Holmes putting Palin and Davies through on many occasions.

Palin, yet to score this season, managed to put the ball everywhere but the goal and he will be the first to admit that passing was not on his mind.

Young Davies had an excellent half feeding off Dominic Lamb, but after 30 minutes of pressure, it was a crafty ball from Webbo (James Webb) that put Alun Morgan through to finish with one that would have impressed Owen, Cole or Fowler.

The second-half brought a change to both teams. Merlins Bridge pushed more up front and caused Tenby to defend for much of the half - and defend they did. James Webb, Tony Beare, Peter Horsley and Marc James played a solid game and some of the saves that Tony (Hamster) Harris pulled off, helped him to be Tenby's man-of-the-match.

No matter how hard Merlins Bridge pushed, Tenby stayed strong. It was an excellent win for the Seasiders - just what the doctor ordered.

CLARBESTON ROAD U13s 3 TENBY U13s 5

In mild, almost ideal conditions, the Tenby and Saundersfoot Lions sponsored Tenby AFC U13s met Clarbeston Road, currently holding top spot in the U13s League.

Tenby were first to settle, with Jack Lawrence having the first attempt on goal after Jack himself had sent a ball 'over the top!' Ashley Prior then came close, forcing a corner, with Lawrence shaving the Clarby post in the goalmouth melee. A further quality through ball from Jack saw Ashley Murdoch force the 'keeper to gather.

Danny Harries, in the Tenby goal, got hands on the ball following a Clarby corner. Tenby immediately hit back and a perfectly weighted ball from David Jones put Ashley Prior through, but the Seasiders could not capitalise from the resultant corner.

Strength on the edge of the area saw a Jamie Robinson effort go just wide of the post.

Tenby continued to exert pressure without threatening the Clarby goal.

David Jones opened the scoring, however, with a coolly taken shot, beating the advancing Clarbeston 'keeper to make it 1-0 to Tenby.

David Saunders proved a rock in defence, mopping up any loose ball with decisive intervention. Tenby did survive one scare, when Damian Walters was on hand to clear.

Fine linking play from Ashley Prior and Matthew Fleming caused problems for Clarby and good work again from Damian Walters and Ashley Murdoch also put pressure on the Clarby defence.

A booming clearance from David Saunders found David Jones in space, and there was no mistake from the deadly finisher, 2-0 to Tenby.

A Damian Walters through ball found Matthew Fleming whose pace was causing problem upon problem for Clarby.

Strength on the ball paid dividends for Tenby with a finely struck shot by Ashley Prior who netted the third for Tenby.

Tenby continued to enjoy the lion's share of possession, playing with determination and panache, characterised by Oliver Morgan.

However, Tenby were jolted out of the comfort zone with a defensive mix-up and handling offence by David Saunders who suddenly imagined he was playing rugby! Clarby pulled one back with the resultant penalty to make it 3-1 at half-time.

Tenby opened the second half with Matthew Fleming making a run on the left, while a timely intervention from the alert Ben Messenger thwarted the Clarby response, with Danny Harries also reacting quickly to Clarbeston breaks.

Jack Lawrence and Jamie Robinson continued to impress with their strength on the ball and intelligent play as they continued to probe forward at every opportunity.

Tenby did receive another wake-up call when Clarby hit back on the break and, although there was a suspicion of offside, the goal counted.

David Saunders suffered an injury in making a lunging last ditch tackle and Tenby were now being caught napping, with their midfield lacking zip.

However, a strong run by Oliver saw the ball run to Jamie Robinson who made no mistake, hitting a looping drive over the 'keeper to calm Tenby's nerves, with the score now 4-2 in their favour.

Tenby forced a succession of corners, but nearly paid a price as Clarby continued to look dangerous on the break.

However, when Matthew Fleming was brought down in the area, Oliver stepped up and clinically despatched the penalty to make it 5-2.

Clarby clawed one back late on, but Tenby held on to finish worthy winners in a tight, entertaining encounter.

Tenby team: Danny Harries, Ben Messenger, David Saunders, Oliver Morgan, Damian Walters, Matthew Fleming, Jack Lawrence, Jamie Robinson, Ashley Murdoch, David Jones, Ashley Prior.

TENBY U12s 6

MERLINS BRIDGE 4

The Picnic Basket sponsored Tenby Under 12s got off to a flying start with some sweeping passing moves and had some early chances which were well dealt with by the visiting goalkeeper.

Billy Vaughan was involved in most of the Tenby attacks, and was looking to get the ball forward to Gavin Kinsey on the left, or to Jordan Lloyd on the right.

Merlins Bridge were pinned in their own half for long periods and it was largely a question of whether Tenby could keep attacking safely, without allowing Merlins Bridge to strike back at them quickly.

Tenby opened the scoring through Billy Vaughan, but almost immediately Merlins Bridge made it 1-1 when a low shot slipped under Richard Thomas.

Tenby continued to attack strongly and Sam Christopher looked dangerous up front, and Jamie Robins was proving a good sweeper to give cover to Scott Helmich and Joe Lewis, who got in several good tackles.

Tenby made it 2-1 through an own goal after some pressure from a corner, but Merlins Bridge again caught the home defence out of position when their right winger shot in from 15 yards for a good goal.

Tenby looked as if their territorial advantage and ball possession were not going to give them the advantage they deserved, but another own goal put them 3-2 in the lead, before Richard Thomas made a brave save to help his side preserve their slender lead.

Joe Lewis and Kurt Smith also played well in defence, with Aaron Goldsmith covering well all over the pitch.

Coach Angela Nicholls warned Tenby of their defensive frailties at half-time, but immediastely after returning to the pitch for the second half, Merlins Bridge just ran past six players to bring the score to 3-3.

The home team's early supremacy now looked in the balance, as soon after they had gone 4-3 ahead through Jordan Lloyd, Merlins Bridge again equalised straight from the kick-off.

If Tenby were going to get a good result, it was important that Scott Helmich stayed well positioned in the middle of the home defence, and fortunately he gained some authority in his play and made some passes to Adam Johns on the left who gave Merlins Bridge something to think about when inter-passing with Gavin Kinsey.

Alex Smith came on for Kurt and settled down well.

The last 10 minutes of the match belonged to Tenby as Richard Thomas made at least three brave saves to keep his team on terms, and as defence turned to attack, Sam Christopher made the score 5-4.

Tenby were now looking much more solid as a team, and Sam Christopher rounded off a dramatic win against good opposition with a last minute goal which saw his team go off as deserving winners at 6-4.

Tenby squad: Richard Thomas, Joe Lewis, Kurt Smith, Scott Helmich, Jamie Robins, Billy Vaughan (capt), Aaron Goldsmith, Richard Jones, Sam Christopher, Adam Johns, Alex Smith, Gavin Kinsey, Jordan Lloyd.

TEMPLETON U10s 1

TENBY U10s 7

Tenby U10s started the game in a confident mode, having won every match so far, but Templeton were in no mood to lay down.

Tenby's midfield of Sam Ormond, Rhys Houson and Billy Davies had to work very hard to supply ball to strikers Michael Robins and Daryl Mansbridge.

The Tenby defence of Lewis Davies, Brad Jenkins and David Thomas stood firm under heavy Templeton pressure and put in some excellent tackles, and Lewis Hodgeson in goal made some terrific saves.

It was well into the first-half when Remi made a tactical change by bringing off Michael and Brad and putting on Tom Nichols and Henry Lawrence. It did not take long for Tom to make his mark, hitting the net with the first goal.

This seemed to settle Tenby and they soon scored a second, with Lewis Davies getting his first goal of the game.

Mickie came back on for Rhys Houson and got in on the act with the third goal just before the half-time whistle.

The second-half started as the first finished, with Daryl scoring Tenby's fourth.

Templeton then surprised everyone with a break and gave Lewis no chance of saving a well-taken goal.

This seemed to spur Tenby on, with Mickie and Tom combining for Tom to score number five. Daryl, not to be outdone, scored a sixth, with Lewis Davies getting the final score with a well-taken shot from a Sam Ormond corner.

Another good win boys, well done. Thanks to parents for transport and support.

TENBY U16s 11

KILGETTY U16s 1

Tenby won this Under 16s match convincingly, but it was only in the final 15 minutes that the scoreline reflected this.

Tenby were only three up by half-time. An unfortunate own goal set them on their way, with Liam Robson getting number two and the home captain, David Day, scoring the goal of the match with a thunderous shot after a run from inside his own half.

Efforts by Day, David Otton and Matthew Birch all rebounded off the woodwork.

The second half saw the introduction of the Hilling twins and Jack Christopher at the expense of Dann Rowell, Mike Davis and Matthew Beare, who all acquitted themselves well.

Christopher notched the Seasiders' first goal at the start of the second period and Ricky Rees-Thomas converted a penalty for Kilgetty after being scythed down inside the area.

Matthew Birch slotted one home through a crowded six-yard area and then Tenby really clicked during the last 15 minutes, scoring six goals, with Robson, Day and Christopher all getting two each, thus completing their hat-tricks.

For Tenby it was a good team performance, while Ben Charles, James Hall and Tom Christopher were the pick for Kilgetty. A special mention must go to Isaac Colquhoun who played well amidst all the barracking.

Tenby Under 16s are sponsored by Lewis, Lewis and Co, Solicitors, while the ball sponsor was Hurlow Construction, Tenby.

Tenby team: L. Hurlow, D. Rowell, D. Taylor, O. Evans, M. Beare, P. Broadhurst, D. Day, D. Otton, M. Birch, M. Davis, L. Robson, J. Christopher, S. Hilling, T. Hilling.

MILFORD U14s 3

TENBY U14s 0

The Manpower sponsored Tenby U14s took on a very strong Milford team at Marble Hall.

Milford got their first goal 10 minutes before the interval.

However, Tenby kept plugging away and chances fell to Sonny Phillips and Multalib Sofan, who narrowly failed to convert.

A couple of injuries saw Tenby re-shuffle their line-up at half-time.

Milford scored their second shortly after the restart, but it still seemed that Tenby could get something out of the match.

Ben Field-Thomas had an excellent game at the back of Lloyd Wilson was very busy in midfield.

Adam Hughes dealt well with Milford's long range shooting, but slack marking led to Milford's third goal.

The final score slightly flattered Milford, but it was a good match, very keenly contested and fairly refereed by Milford's official.

Thanks to parents for transport. Coach - Howard Ball.

Squad: Adam Hughes, Johnny Wilson, Ben Field-Thomas, Rhys Thomas, Adam Ball, Paul Griffiths, Lloyd Wilson, Dan Lynch, Andrew Birch, Luc Barford, Paul Rossi, Bruce Tasker, Mo Sofan and Sonny Phillips.