Pembrokeshire Schools met a very strong Swansea Schools’ side at the Conygar Bridge Meadow.
Pembrokeshire A 1 Swansea A 1
Pembrokeshire got off to a bad start, going 1-0 down very early on, after a mix up in defence. This did not deter the boys and they bounced back, playing some good football. Josh Hutchings made some very brave saves in goal and Charlie Phillips once again showed his class in defence. Joel Mills played a solid game at right back with Rio Proctor in central defence. Team captain Alex Wainwright worked hard in the midfield with Jack Griffiths and the energetic Archie Hughes supporting Charlie Gregory upfront. Ollie Morris and William Wilson both had good debuts and contributed to the team’s battling performance.
In the second half Gregory equalised when he skilfully chipped the keeper after a lovely through ball from the hardworking Finley Davies. Pembs defended desperately for the last 10 minutes and held out for a well deserved draw.
Pembrokeshire B 0 Swansea B 3
Pembrokeshire competed well for a spell and had several chances to score, but were thwarted by some excellence tackling by the Swansea defence. Kieran King and Ryan Hughes both ran well and Jack Baker covered a lot of ground in midfield. Gethin Greenhalgh, Tom Wheeler and Osian Smith held out in defence for a long time, but were overwhelmed by the wave of Swansea’s attacks. Rowan Fair, in the Pembs goal, made some great saves, but the determination of the Swansea’s forwards paid off, scoring three times in the match. Jasmine Guymer held up the ball well when in possession and Harvey Jones and Tom Blockwell supported the front runners.
Pembrokeshire A 0 Swansea B 3
Pembs gave the ball away too many times in this match, putting great pressure on the defence and goalkeeper. For a while they held out, but it was only a matter of time before Swansea scored several times.
Although there were flashed of good play and individual effort, the strength and skill of the Swansea boys was too much for the Pembs team to handle.
Pembrokeshire B 0 Swansea A 6
The Swansea boys totally outclassed the Pembrokeshire team, who to their credit never gave up the battle. They were taught a harsh lesson and now have to learn from this and go forward into the next rounds with a renewed effort.
Pembrokeshire A Squad:
Josh Hutchings (Hakin); Finley Davies (Glan Cleddau); Charlie Phillips (Narberth); William Wilson (Roch); Charlie Gregory (St Teilo’s); Joel Mills (Hakin); Archie Hughes, Ollie Morris (Tenby Juniors); Alex Wainwright (Lamphey); Jack Griffiths (Glannau Gwaun); Rio Proctor (Stepaside);
Pembrokeshire B Squad:
Rowan Fair, Osian Smith (Spittal); Tom Blockwell (St Francis); Tom Wheeler (St Mary’s); Harvey Jones (Narberth); Jasmine Guymer (Neyland); Jack Baker (St Mark’s); Ryan Hughes (Cleddau Reach); Kieran King (Ger y Llan); Gethin Greenhalgh (Maenclochog).
Pembrokeshire Schools FA would like to thank Haverfordwest County AFC for the use of their facilities.