Tenby A continued their winning streak in the Pembrokeshire Under 10 League with another highly professional performance away to Narberth. Despite one or two personnel changes, blustery conditions and a heavy ptich, it was business as usal for the Tenby boys, whose passing and teamwork goes from strength to strength. From back to attack, Tenby took command of the game from the kick-off with wave after wave of passing moves. Narberth defended with determination and their 'keeper pulled off several important saves. The home 'keeper's long kicks often sent the ball deep into the Tenby half, but the visitors were always first to the ball, with Dylan Rees and Owen Coombs dominant in the middle of the park. Both players patrolled the centre of the pitch with great assurance, winning virtually every header and tackle, and sending a series of great passes out to the wide players. Unfortunately, this meant Tenby 'keeper Daniel Evans only got one touch of the ball in the whole game, when he had to come off his line to kick clear a long through ball. Aside from that isolated home attack, it was a case of Tenby patiently retaining possession, threading their passes through a crowded Narberth defence, and seeing how many chances they could convert. In the opening minutes, great runs and interplay from Scott Ferney and Spencer Williams on the left created several half chances. But the opening goal came when a long ball to the right flank found Tom Harries in space. The wing back's lofted 25-yard shot was spilled by the Narberth 'keeper, and striker Declan Escott pounced to make it 1-0. Dylan Rees then had a cracking 10-yard shot well held by the Narberth 'keeper. Soon after, the central midfielder made a jinking run through the heart of the Narberth defence and showed great awareness to square the ball to unmarked Declan Escott, who gratefully fired his second into the roof of the net. More great teamwork and neat passes led to further Tenby chances, with midfielder Adam Muskett having a close range rocket saved, and Declan Escott hitting the inside of the post with a cleverly lofted shot from wide on the right. The striker then deservedly completed his first-half hat-trick with a screamer that the in-form Narberth 'keeper couldn't get close to. The home side continued to defend in numbers, but Spencer Williams and Scott Ferney on the left, and Adam Muskett and Tom Harries on the right, repeatedly put the ball in the danger zone, with several great runs and low crosses. And inevitably the Seasiders increased their lead before half-time with two well-taken goals by Dylan Rees. In a much more competitive second half, Narberth showed great character, getting numbers back behind the ball and closing down the Tenby players much more quickly. However, Tenby maintained their shape well, with second half substitute Sam Perrett showing some nices touches on the right of defence and adapting well to the high pace passing and moving game of the A team. After a few near misses, the home defence was eventually breached again when a perfectly- weighted corner from Scott Ferney fell to Adam Muskett at the far post and he slotted in goal six. Scott Ferney was also instrumental in Tenby's seventh, when his spectacular long range shot crashed off the crossbar and Declan Escott reacted fastest to volley the ball home. The striker then almost brought his personal tally to five, with a low shot that skimmed just past the post. The Seasiders rounded off their performance with another goal from a corner. After a great delivery from Scott Ferney, the ball flicked off the head of Owen Coombs and fell to Dylan Rees, who showed great technical skill to fire in a first time volley and bring the final score to 8-0. Many thanks to Narberth for a great match and generous hospitality following the game. Thanks also to Newey Electrical Installations Ltd, the Tenby A kit sponsors for 2007.
Tenby Under 11s 2 Clarbeston Road Under 11s 1 Both sides attacked well, but as the match settled, Clarbeston Road took a shock lead with a long shot under the home crossbar. This setback spurred Tenby on and Nathan Wilson and James Bridges did some good prompting down the right wing, but it was following an attack down the left wing that the ball broke free from a goalmouth scramble, and Ellis Morgan equalised just before half-time. Early second half pressure from Tenby saw Matthew Davies busy in the Clarbeston goal, and his fine display kept his team in the match. Although out of the game for long periods, Ryan Hill made a couple of decent saves. Tenby were dominant in the midfield play as Richard Tebbut and Brandon Taylor-Monaghan passed the ball well in their attempts to get striker Jerome Mansbridge through the middle. It took a great save by Matthew Davies to deny Tenby the lead, and the most excitement came in the last couple of minutes as the home side continued to press. Play continued after several blocked shots and, following the scramble, Lloyd Hughes lobbed the ball over to Jerome Mansbridge, who made no mistake in hitting the back of the net to score a dramatic winner. This was a well contested match, with Rhys Jenkins and Matthew Davies doing particularly well for Clarbeston Road. Tenby's strength was in their determination and teamwork, which also saw Luke Conbeer and Jacob Dent playing valuable roles in recording a good win. Tenby squad: Ryan Hill, Nathan Wilson, Richard Tebbut, Ellis Morgan, Lloyd Hughes, James Bridges, Jerome Mansbridge, Luke Conbeer, Brandon Taylor- Monaghan, Jacob Dent. Thanks to Richard Bridges for refereeing.
ST. CLEARS 1 TENBY AFC u9s 8
The Andrew Price sponsored U9s opened the new year with an excellent win at St. Clears. The boys had not played for four weeks, so the team travelled up to St. Clears keen and chomping at the bit. The pitch was very heavy, to say the least, and the rain was lashing down. But it did not dampen the boys' spirit and it was soon business as usual. St. Clears were put on the back foot with the strong running of Jack and Billy and with Malley and George up front always looking for the ball, the goals soon came. Jack opened the scoring, followed by George, and just before the break, Billy scored with a good header. As the boys turned around for the second half, by which time the rain had stopped, St. Clears started to play some long balls from defence. This was bread and butter for Harry and Ben, and with Jordan playing just in front of the defence, the three boys had plenty of chances to go forward. Adam filled in as 'keeper and, as usual, played well and was a credit to the team. Tenby were pushing forward and had shot after shot, but to his credit, the St. Clears 'keeper worked hard to keep the score down. It was a big kick which led to the St. Clears goal. With the ball finding the Tenby defence pushing up, it was a race back for Jordan, Harry and Jack as they closed the attacker down. His shot was well saved by Adam, but it fell to Jack, who had no time to change his run and forced the ball over his own line - never mind Jack! Not to be outdone, Jack had a run from the halfway line, beating all who challenged him, before playing a one-two with Malley, who returned the ball into the box for Jack to finish off with a low drive. Even with the mud stopping the ball running more than a few feet, the boys still wanted to play football, with George and Malley running themselves into the ground, always with an eye for goal. The goals came thick and fast as St. Clears tired. Jordan ran onto a ball squared across the box and forced a good save, as did Harry with a far-post shot from a lovely ball from Billy. Ben held the line at the back, but still had time to test the St. Clears 'keeper with a shot. Malley did everything, but it was not to be. When the final whistle sounded, the boys were exhausted, but great credit goes to them all for a well-deserved victory. Jack ended up with five goals, Billy one and George had two. Thanks to all the parents. Team: Adam Davidson, Harry Goforth, Ben Howells, Jordan Cornick, Billy Truman, Jack Parkinson, Malley Paxton and George Taylor.
WEST END U14s 2 TENBY U14s 1
The Willow Carpentry sponsored Tenby Under 14s' progress in the Ray Nedin West Wales Cup came to an end last Saturday in Swansea. West End are one of the best junior clubs in West Wales and Tenby competed in every position to show that there are equally as good clubs in Pembrokeshire. The game started disastrously for the Seasiders when they found themselves one-nil down after 30 seconds of the kick-off. A cross from the right was caught by the wind that helped loop the ball over the head of Tenby 'keeper Jake Roberts. This setback didn't deter the visitors and after 10 minutes they had drawn level. A swift move out of defence involving Dan Edwards, Ashley Smith and Will Thomas saw them deep in the West End half. Thomas's cross found an unmarked Jordan Richards, who had enough time to pick his spot, just inside the far post, with the sweetest of shots. The Swansea side almost snatched the lead just before the interval after their striker had rounded Roberts, but good defending by Edwards and captain Curtis Hurlow prevented any further score. The second half was played in the same vain as the first, fast and physical, with neither side giving an inch. It was obvious, on how the game was progressing, that the next team to score would probably be victorious. With this in mind, Tenby attacked at every opportunity, with the first chance falling to Thomas. A cross from Aaron Roberts eluded several players, from both sides, except Thomas, who hit a shot that was very well saved by the home 'keeper. Tenby continued to pressurise the home goal with a succession of corners, one of which almost brought the breakthrough. However, Hurlow's half volley was cleared off the line. With 10 minutes remaining on the clock and extra- time looming, West End got a break, which they gratefully received. A long clearance was misjudged by both Hurlow and Patrick Elliott and allowed the West End striker to nip around them. Although Edwards and Jake Roberts closed him down, the striker just managed to squeeze he ball past both of them and inside the near post. Tenby could have levelled the score before the final whistle when Greg Lees-Griffiths agonisingly watched two headers go just wide of the target. However, this was a superb game involving two excellent teams and Tenby can hold their heads high for flying the flag of Pembrokeshire. Tenby side: J. Roberts, G. Lees-Griffiths, C. Hurlow, P. Elliott, D. Edwards, A. Roberts, J. Richards, J. Delahunty, A. Smith, W. Thomas, G. Warlow, R. Fairlie, A. Heesom, P. Horsley.
TENBY U12s 4 HUNDLETON U12s 3 The second ever cup tie for the Manorbier Stores and Post Office sponsored team was always going to be difficult without the strong wind, rain and mud as Hundleton arrived at the Clicketts. After a three-week lay-off over the Christmas holiday, Tenby, always slow starters, excelled themselves and conceded not one, not two, but three, admittedly well-taken, early goals to hand the visitors a massive advantage after 20 minutes. Suddenly Tenby woke up, were galvanized into action and stormed up the pitch, flat out, shouting and calling to each other. Corey, on a great run, found Elliot, Elliot found an unmarked Nathan and Nathan found the back of the Hundleton net. Awake at last, Tenby dominated the closing minutes of the first half - 1-3 down with a mountain to climb! Harsh half-time words with comments such as '... hair gel' and 'you're knees aren't even dirty' reaching the ears of the spectators, it was a vastly different team who took the game by the horns from the kick-off. Tenby at last played football! Hundleton tackled well and kept the goals out, until Dan, so sharp this morning, grabbed number two, quickly followed by Jack scoring a superb third after some great play by Sam. So 3-3 and it was proving to be a classic cup tie. Time after time Tenby peppered the Hundleton goal area, but to no avail - solid tackling, strong hearts and safe hands keeping the ball out of the net. Late on, extra-time looming, 22 weary players, with Tenby camped out in the visitors' goalmouth - a last minute gem of a corner from Hugo proved decisive, when under extreme Tenby pressure, a stray Hundleton foot touched the ball over their goal line - 4-3... the final whistle... phew! Scott, Corey, Tom, Jack, Sam, Rhys, Hugo, Toby, Cheyne, Elliot, Nathan and Dan congratulations! You did yourselves proud with your second half performance of guts, determination and great team play. Thanks to coach Simon (touchline rumours put you in line for the Chelsea job), referee Colin, who takes everything aimed at him by any visiting side in his stride, our sponsors and supporters, but the enormous grin on Jack's face after the final whistle summed up just how massive a comeback, and victory, this was for the whole team. Thank you and well done boys! LAMPHEY U10s A 3 TENBY U10s B 0
Tenby made several changes to their starting line- up and formation on this wet and windy outing to fellow neighbours, Lamphey A. Joseph Criddle was given the responsibility of partnering the team's captain, Dylan Price up front, while Jake Davies made his debut joining Daniel Tiesing and Joel Downs in the Tenby defence. Tenby started well and proved to be more than an equal test for an in-form Lamphey side. Henrik Jaakola moved into midfield and proved to be a real inspiration by putting in some fine covering play. Tenby's efforts were rewarded when they were awarded an early corner that was teasingly curled in by Sean Conbeer and was only cleared after a frantic scuffle in the Lamphey box. Moments later they were denied again when Dylan Price's touchline cross went just beyond the outstretched reach of Joseph Criddle and was scuffled away by the hosts. Keeping their composure, Lamphey moved the ball around well and took their time by slowly moving deeper into the Tenby half. After pouncing on a loose ball, they ran into space and fired in a fine goal to give them a slim 1-0 lead. Tenby again failed to clear a loose ball giving Lamphey a second opportunity where they were quick to take the advantage and take the score to 2-0. Tenby showed great character, refusing to let their heads drop. Joel Downs won a brave tackle to thwart a fresh Lamphey attack and keep possession, passing out to Sean Conbeer as the whistle blew and the first half ended. Tenby started the second half well. Luke Hartland broke forward and attacked the Lamphey defence with some strong running and Henrik Jaakola won a tough challenge in midfield to start off a great flowing team movement. Playing a quick 1-2 with Joseph Criddle, the midfielder then picked out Luke Hartland who applied some good pressure on the Lamphey defence. After loosing the ball, Luke refused to give up the initiative and tailed the defender back to the half-way line to regain possession - a great show of determination by the winger. After regaining possession, Lamphey broke forward through the Tenby defence. 'Keeper Will Davies was more than ready and performed an outstanding reaction save to palm the ball away for a corner. As the corner was floated in, Daniel Tiesing moved fast and calmly passed out to Jake Davies. The new defender displayed good awareness by playing a pass out to Sean Conbeer near the half-way line. The winger was quick to find Dylan Price who was unmarked and in space. After glancing up, the striker put in a fine shot, but was so unlucky to see it deflected wide for a corner. Lamphey collected the corner and quickly moved forward catching Tenby on the break. Tenby were unlucky when, after a scuffle in their area, saw a shot cross the line to give Lamphey their third goal. The match finished 3-0, but Tenby should take a lot of encouragement from a game where each player gave 110 per cent effort together with such a fine display of determination and teamwork. Many thanks to Park Road Fish and Chips, the Tenby Under 10s kit sponsors, and to all the parents who braved the wet and windy conditions to give their positive support and encouragement.
TENBY UNDER 8s 8 LAMPHEY 0
Last Saturday, Tenby Under 8s proved once again that they just love to play football! It was a muddy pitch after all the rain in the night, but they battled through it, with Daniel Wainwright scoring the first two goals at the beginning of the match. The Tenby team worked hard together, keeping defence tight and the attackers ever-pushing forward. Toby Poole came in with the third goal, while great skill and perseverance came from all the players on the field. Two new players joined the team, so subs were made throughout the game. Niclaus Blum and Ryan Conbeer proved a great success in the Tenby side, while Jack, Tom M and Tom J kept constant possession and passed the ball well, while strong runs came from Elliot, Ben, Cai, Toby and Daniel. James played the first half in goal and then swapped with Jack to produce a goal in the second half. Tom Murphy had a cracking goal, while Toby Poole added another and Daniel Wainwright went on to score four in total. A huge success once again for this great bunch of boys. Thanks, as always, go to Matthew Broadhurst (team coach), to Dale Elms and Richard for being referee for the morning. Thanks again to all parents and supporters. Team: Jack Broadhurst, Toby Poole, Thomas Murphy, Tom James, James Harris, Elliot Moorhouse, Ben Palin, Daniel Wainwright, Niclaus Blum, Ryan Conbeer, Cai Elms. Coach - Matthew Broadhurst.