UNDER 14s

The Seasiders faced arguably their nearest rivals in the league, Hakin United, last weekend. Having already beaten them earlier in the season, they were keen to ensure that they did the double over them, having seen the league snatched away from them last year by the very team they were facing.

To be honest, the first half was pretty level, with some great attacking football being played and equally excellent defending from both the visitors and Tenby. What little the’keepers had to do they took in their stride.

The game was turning into an excellent end-to-end affair, with the pacey Dylan Morgan and Archie Smith trying to get in behind the Hakin defence, the two Charlie’s of Phillips and Gregory putting themselves around and Will Malone seemingly popping up all over the park.

Soon to change the possible advantage in Tenby’s favour was a penalty, when the rocket Dylan Morgan was felled in the box. Unfortunately, no one could take the chance and the score remained zero.

Never give up is the coaches motto (well not really, I made that up), but Tenby certainly weren’t about to do that anyway. They regalvanised themselves and were rewarded for a great team effort when the pressure eventually told on Hakin’s defence and a well-deserved goal came via the excellent Joe Evans (seen third left in the picture along with two Charlie’s, Jack Jones and Archie Smith).

To their credit, the lads dug deep after this and, although having to deal with some hefty challenges, went into the break still holding their slender lead.

The second half got underway with Hakin pushing hard for the equaliser, but despite their best efforts, they could not pierce the defence of Iori Humphries, Callum Karaka and Ned Davies.

In fact, on one occasion Callum was called up from his defensive position to take a free-kick, which struck the crossbar and bounced out (or was it in?). Unfortunately, due to the lack of goal-line technology available at the match, no goal was awarded, but the lads closest to it were confident the ball had crossed!

After that, Hakin threw the kitchen sink at the home team and Rhys Mansell was called upon on a few occasions to deny them, but probably the defensive highlight of the day again came from the ever-dependable Ned.

With Hakin on the attack and a player bearing down on the ’keeper, Ned, with timing that any player would be proud of, took the ball away just as the shot was about to be taken - again brilliant.

So 1-0 to Tenby was how the match finished.

All in all every player gave 110 per cent and coaches Dewi Davies and Phil Catlin were extremely pleased.

By no means is the league over, but it gives the lads an excellent chance of putting last year’s disappointment behind them. So far this season, they have beaten everyone they have faced in all competitions. Next week sees them travel away to Camrose.

Finally, a big thank you to Gemma Jones for the photograph; a great job.

Lawrenny Under 9s 2 Tenby Under 9s 4

On a lovely sunny, crisp morning, Tenby Under 9s 9 seen below) travelled to play Lawrenny on Saturday.

The pitch was soft underfoot, with it just being nice to be able to play. We had a professional referee for the first threequarters of the match in Jo Craig - his match fee raised a few eyebrows!

The first quarter was an even encounter, with neither side breaking into their stride. The home side had a goal disallowed with the referee, using Lawrenny’s new VAR system, correctly judging that the ball had gone out of play before the cross got centred!

The Seasiders had a good chat at the break about their passing and spatial awareness, with Tenby’s Tyler saying ‘come on dad’ about his dehydration and his water bottle.

Tenby dominated the second period, showing great passing skills, with the midfield three of Dylan, Sam and Lucas linking up really well with George and Charlie.

The pressure finally told, with Dylan putting the visitors one up, with Sam, later in the period, extending the lead to 2-0 at half-time.

Tyler was his solid self at the back, while Lucas showed some great footwork and trickery.

Tenby’s barmy army of Dan, Jess, Giz, Sarah and Dylan’s grandparents, all trying to avoid catching Paul’s and Jools’s colds on the sidelines, were in good humour as usual.

The tide began to turn in the third quarter, as you would expect in Lawrenny, with the home side playing downwind and putting concerted pressure on the visitors.

Tenby’s defence of Jesse and Louis stood strong, ably assisted by a hard-working midfield, while Dylan added his second to put his side three up, probably against the run of play.

Lawrenny had to go for it in the final period, and they certainly threw the kitchen sink at it. The home side pulled a goal back, but Sam later restored Tenby’s three-goal lead. Lawrenny were not to be outdone, hitting the post and pulling another goal back to make it ‘squeaky bum’ time for the final five minutes. Charlie was outstanding in goal, making several fine saves.

The final score was 4-2 to Tenby, a great game to watch.

Man-of-the-match went to Dylan, who had silky skills in the middle of the park, displaying some great dribbling and a high work-rate.

Hope Giz made it home after his car was stuck in the mud in Lawrenny! He may well still be wheel-spinning there now!

Team: Jesse Craig, Louis Rapi, Tyler Simpson, Lucas Rhys-Davies, Dylan Sine (2), Sam Hughes (2), Charlie Cronic, George Morgan.