Kilgetty AFC

On a cold and frosty morning in Narbeth, Kilgetty’s Under 9’s delivered their best performance of the season so far.

Following a narrow 4-3 victory earlier in the season, this was an eagerly awaited rematch. 

From the first whistle Kilgetty dominated, and by half time they were 4-0 ahead. The second half was even better, and by the final whistle Kilgetty had scored an incredible dozen unanswered goals.

A lot of credit has to go to the Narbeth team who never stopped trying.

Kilgetty team was; Dylan Davies, Ryan Scourfield, Oliver Gamble, Ryan Moffat, Zac Rowell, Oliver Griffin, John Mansbridge, and Oliver Wheeler.

In conditions more suited to swimming than football, these two teams served up an excellent exhibition of football at a saturated Clicketts.

Kilgetty, missing players, and suffering from a lack of confidence after their first defeat the previous week, looked nervous, and it was no surprise to see Tenby take a deserved 3-1 half-time lead.

Halftime saw a complete change around, and a frantic final quarter of the game saw Kilgetty pressure turn into three late goals, and meant that Kilgetty completed the double over Tenby this season. Well done to both teams for overcoming the conditions.

The first away game of the season for Kilgettys’ under 9’s was under threat until the last minute due to illness and holidays.

We arrived at Clarbeston Road in the bright sunshine for an early kick-off, and were grateful that we had 8 players. The boys were asked to occupy new positions and given a new formation, and told not to get injured as we had no subs!

It took us a while to gel, and Clarby scored first, but it was 1-1 at half-time.  A see-saw second half saw Clarby go ahead again, but in the last minute, a goal-mouth scramble was turned in by Oliver Wheeler with his second goal, to leave a final score of Clarby Road ‘A’ Under 9’s 2 v Kilgetty Under 9’s 2. Well done boys on an excellent fighting spirit.

Kilgetty Under 9’s managed to maintain their 100% record in the bright sunshine, but were given a real scare by a Narbeth team making their debut in this age group.

Kilgetty were forced into personnel and positional changes through illness, and after a slow opening, found themselves 3-1 up by half-time.

The second half was more tightly contested, and by the final whistle Kilgetty were pleased to have hung on to record a 4-3 victory.

Goal-scorers were Oliver Griffin, Ben Harris, Ryan Scourfield, and an Own Goal, turned in off John Mansbridge’s shot.

A wet and windy Autumnal day greeted the two teams for the opening match of the Under 9’s  season, but the adverse weather conditions didn’t prevent a large and enthusiastic group of spectators from attending.

From the first whistle both teams gave 100%, and following an even opening, Kilgetty began to dominate and by half-time they were 2-0 up.

Tenby never gave up trying, but by full-time it was 6-0 to Kilgetty. The goal-scorers were Oliver Wheeler(4), Oliver Gamble, and Zac Rowell, but it  was  a complete team performance, so well done to Dylan Davies, Ben Harris, John Mansbridge, Ryan Scourfield, Ryan Moffatt and Oliver Griffin.

Kigetty had to fight hard for the win at home on Saturday, against a revitalised Hundleton side.

It was obvious from the start that coaches Kevin and Paul had been working hard with the little green men from Hundleton.  A much improved performance since our last encounter made sure that it was not going to be a walk in the park for our boys this time.

Kilgetty did well to keep a clean sheet, after the goalkeeper, Fletcher, had to be replaced at the last minute through injury.  Jaden opted to don the gloves in the first half, while Thomas took over in the second.

2 goals from the strikers Zac and Thomas made it a little more comfortable at half-time, but the Kilgetty defence were made to work hard in the second half as Hundleton presses the Kilgetty goal.  Fortunately, a solid defensive performance from Aled kept them at bay.

Dom was re-introduced with 2 minutes to go, and sealed the victory with a fantastic left-footed shot from 18 yards.

Kilgetty’s own little Brazilians were hosts to Camrose on Saturday, a team who have rightly been gaining a reputation as the best Pembrokeshire team at under eight level.

The weather was wet and freezing, but the only one feeling the temperature was the referee, as both teams came flying out of the traps from the first whistle.  Kilgetty showed little respect for the visitors reputation, and after five minutes of continous pressure at the Camrose end, they managed to force a goal.  Zac Rowell only needed the one opportunity presented, for him to slot the ball into the corner of the goal.

With their tails up, the little guys were never going to sit back on their lead, and after more Kilgetty pressure, Thomas Harding-Jones bagged a typical poachers goal from just a yard out, meaning the boys went into the half-time break with the game firmly in control.

After the break, Camrose showed why they hold such a fearsome reputation in Pembrokeshire.  Wave upon wave of attack on the Kilgetty goal suggested that the game was far from over, and it wasn’t long before Camrose got themselves back into the game with a finely crafted equaliser.  Camrose pressed further, to stamp their authority on the game, forcing the whole of the Kilgetty team to defend.

Some outstanding goalkeeping, resolute defending, and a rather large dollop of luck, assured that the score remained 2-1 to Kilgetty at the final whistle.  Camrose will have been disappointed not to find the equaliser. The return fixture at Camrose will be awaited with eager anticipation, but now the boys will need to concentrate on next week’s away game at Clarbeston Road, a fixture that may prove to be an even bigger test.

Two goals again seperated these two teams, in a thrilling encounter at James Park, but once more, it was the Vikings that came out on top.

A thunderbolt from Jaden made sure it was all level at half-time, setting up an exhilarating second half.

With Adam, Ollie & Dom all out, it was always going to be a tough challenge to overcome arguably the best U8s team in Pembrokeshire, and whilst the boys played with both passion & discipline, they were eventually undone by two finely crafted goals.

It was a stern test for the little guys in yellow, but some valuable lessons will have been learned.  Next week they face Tenby, and who knows? maybe, just maybe, an upset is in the offing.

Kilgetty’s Samba Boys built upon last weeks commanding performance at Hundleton, to deliver a warning message to the Pembrokeshire League’s Big Four.

In all fariness, Kilgetty came up against a team that are still learning their game, whilst some the Kilgetty players have been training together for two years.  The difference in experience was obvious. 

Our little guys controlled the game in every area of the pitch.  Showing great discipline in their positioning, their passing, and their movement off the ball.

You can be sure however, that next weeks encounter with Hakin will provide a much sterner test.  With Dom Booth & Adam Wilson away on international duty, the usual strength on the bench will be reduced, and the team will be without its regular keeper.  Hakin and Kilgetty met in a tight encounter pre-season, so all eyes will be on the match at James Park this Saturday, as the new boys attempt to rock the establishment.

Photography: Steve Swales

Kilgetty team: Euan Swan, William Swales (c), Dom Booth, Adam Wilson, Oliver Gamble, Jaden Elliot, Thomas Harding-Jones, Oliver Griffin, John Mansbridge.