Cimla U14s 1 Tenby U14s 1

after extra-time

(Cimla won 4-3 on penalties)

Tenby U14s narrowly missed out on lifting the West Wales Cup after a penalty shoot out with Cimla, following an enthralling game at Richmond Park, Carmarthen, on Thursday, April 28.

Glorious evening sunshine and a vociferous crowd made for a great atmosphere for the match, which was both frantic and dramatic from start to finish.

With the Tenby midfield starting deep, Cimla took early control of the middle of the park, putting Tenby under pressure at the back with their long ball game.

It took the Seasiders a few minutes to settle, but with Callum Steele, Luke Hartland and Spencer Williams soaking up the pressure, Tenby started to create the better chances. And only a timely tackle on Ben Roberts prevented the Pembrokeshire side from opening the scoring on the break.

Moments later, a powerful shot by Sammy Smith was palmed away by the 'keeper. And as Tenby gained the upper hand, Declan Escott fired just over from a free-kick on the edge of the area.

Another long free-kick was flicked onto Lloyd Hughes, whose first time volley flew just past the far post with the 'keeper beaten. Scott Ferney then released Ben Roberts on the right for a second time, and his shot fizzed across the face of goal.

As Cimla struggled to clear their lines, Owen Coombs surged forward to intercept the ball in the centre circle. His inspired diagonal pass put Ben Roberts clean through on the right edge of the Cimla area. And the midfielder kept his cool to slot Tenby into a deserved 1-0 lead at the interval.

Early in the second half, Cimla won a free-kick which was well headed away by Declan Escott. Tenby came straight back at their Neath opponents, with Sammy Smith wriggling free of two defenders to fire in a 15-yard shot that was well saved by the Cimla 'keeper.

As Tenby sought to increase their advantage, another inspired crossfield pass, this time by Adam John, released Lloyd Hughes on the left. He put in a great low cross, but the Tenby strike force just couldn't get that vital finishing touch.

As the game opened up, Cimla broke quickly and fired just over, and Sammy Smith went close for Tenby with another long range effort.

A moment of confusion then gifted Cimla an equaliser. The Tenby defence thought the referee had paused play to allow a substitution. Cimla took a quick throw, three players ran in on goal and rolled the ball past the 'keeper. The goal stood, the floodlights came on and the game went into extra-time.

As both teams started to tire, chances became few and far between, Sammy Smith continued to test the Cimla 'keeper with another strong shot, while Dan Evans had to come off his line quickly to clear a Cimla break. The Seasiders' 'keeper then did well to get down to a low shot to his right.

Tenby cleared the resulting corner and had one final opportunity to win the game, when substitute Tom Harries was released down the right and put a great cross into the six-yard box. But the ball just wouldn't fall kindly for the Tenby strikers.

As the seconds ticked away, midfield dynamo Adam John continued to run his socks off to deny Cimla any last minute heroics.

So the game went to a nailbiting penalty shoot-out. Tenby 'keeper Will Davies came on as a last minute substitute in goal and did well to get his hand to two stinging strikes and save one penalty. Tenby were ordered to retake two penalties, which both players did well to score twice! But, on this occasion, the luck was on Cimla's side as they triumphed 4-3.

Despite the disappointment of narrowly missing out on the trophy, all the boys - including subs Charlie Gammer and Adam Muskett - can be very proud of their great cup run, showing that they are among the top teams in Wales for their age group.

Thanks to Park Road Fish and Chips for their sponsorship of the team kit and ensuring that all the boys were kitted out in commemorative shirt and ties. Thanks also to team manager Kevin Ferney and coach Steve Escott, whose professional training of the boys over several years led them to the final.

HAKIN U11s 2

TENBY U11s 3

Last game of the season, away to Hakin, was always going to be tough for Tenby Under 11s - especially on this occasion due to Easter holidays and trips away, the side arrived at Hakin with just six players!

After some negotiation, the opposition manager kindly gave Tenby one of their players, who was happy to play in goal for the visiting team.

With Hakin obviously in a confident mood, having been winning games for most of the season, and with the wind and the slope in their favour, they went 1-0 up, but the 'superb six', as they shall now be called, never stopped battling.

Ben Millward and Dylan Scotcher were heroic in defence and put themselves on the line on many occassions to defend the Hakin onslaught.

Max Brindley showed his sheer brilliance under pressure and 'bossed' the game from the centre of the park - tirelessly working up and down the pitch he still had the skill to pass the ball with precise accuracy, on one occasion splitting the Hakin defence to put striker Henry McBeth through on goal to make it 1-1.

Going in to half-time level was more than Tenby could have expected and, with the wind and the slope giving them an advantage after the break, it was turning out to be a truly exciting match.

Billy Lawrence and Herbie Haggar fought tirelessly in midfield, either side of Max, leaving him to 'showboat' whenever possible, which he did superbly.

McBeth never stopped battling up front and chased every ball that wasn't his to win.

Max stole a goal for his efforts to put Tenby in front and McBeth made it 3-1. Hakin scored in the last minute to pull one back, but it was too late.

The Tenby boys booked their place in junior football folk lore for one of the bravest performances seen from a junior side at this level.

Managers Allan Brindley and Luke Lawrence would like to thank the boys for the way in which they played, and never gave up - they were true heroes.

Special thanks must also go to the Hakin player who went in goal for Tenby; he really tried hard and made some excellent saves - great sportmanship.

This result means Tenby Under 11s finish the season unbeaten and look forward to the summer '7s' tournament coming up at The Clicketts.