Photos by Ethan Ellis, article by Dan Metcalf
A late winner from Emyr Griffiths completed a second half comeback for Clarbeston Road, who came from 1-3 down to defeat Pennar Robins 5-4 in Division One's most entertaining weekend fixture.
The visitors had raced into that two goal lead in the first half thanks to a hat-trick from Jack Jones, continuing his rich vein of form with six goals in his last three games.
A goal to halve the deficit just before half-time from Ben "Rocky" John, followed by another to bring the scores level two minutes into the second period, changed the momentum of the game as the "Farming Army" marched on to pick up the three points.
It was interesting to hear both managers speak after the game about the season so far, taking a moment to reflect on seasons of transition and rebuilding.
A football team's expectations for season ahead can largely be determined by the transfer ins and outs at the club, with the summer break often seeing a flurry of activity in all directions as players head to various destinations.
This was no more the case than at these two clubs, two established teams who sealed top half finishes in Pembrokeshire's top division last season, but knew that a season of rebuilding was to be ahead following key departures.
For recent Senior Cup winners Clarbeston Road, joint-manager Matt Fox was followed on his way to champions Goodwick United by club captain, full back Josh Wood. Instrumental forward Laurie Haworth would also depart to join Merlins Bridge with his brother Joe, and box-to-box midfielder (and cup final goalscorer) Jake Booth would also make the move to Neyland.
For Pennar, an even greater number of departures. Brothers Rory and Liam Williams heading to Hakin United and Tenby, respectively, with duo Dan James and Ben Adams returning to Goodwick United, taking centre back Ross Jones with them. Forwards Cameron Brunton and Jimmy Wilkes also departed for Hakin and bitter rivals Monkton. Manager Craig Butland spoke open and honestly about the situation on last night's Pure West Sport Show, admitting the target for this season was survival.
With the quality of the division in recent years and the recent example of Milford United achieving a top half finish, but being relegated the following season - I think it's fair to say that both teams would have known about the challenges of the season ahead, with the importance of getting off to solid starts to avoid being drawn into a relegation scrap.
As we reach the halfway point, both teams can take plenty of positives from their campaigns so far. Clarby sit in the top half on 18 points, with a steady stream of results - the only glaring "black spot" being a 3-6 home loss to Narberth. With a full squad available, they have a team capable of taking on any team in the division with joint player-manager Matthew Ellis talking about targetting cup success once again.
Pennar sit in 8th place, 10 points above Carew in the relegation zone, with four wins, four draws and six losses. With the second worse defensive record in the league, manager Butland will know where his team needs to improve and was understandably frustrated by how his team let a comfortable lead slip in this fixture. But overall he will be happy with their solid start, where they have picked up three wins out of three against the teams played below them and dispelling any fears of a relegation scrap.
For both managers, plenty to build on for the second half of the season. If Clarby can secure a top half finish and Pennar can secure a comfortable mid-table position away from any relegation fears - I think both will be very happy.
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