Merlins Bridge moved into the second round of the Pembrokeshire Senior Cup with a 4-2 victory over Pennar Robins on Saturday (Nov 22) writes Jonathan Twigg, man of the match Nathan Evans securing the victory in injury time with a sublime free kick beyond Ryeley Clarke after substitute Alex Wheeler had been dismissed by Sageston based referee Sion Jenkins, for bringing down Thomas O’Toole who had broken through from a Tom Gwillam through ball.

Central midfielder Evans had provided the assist for Sam Nicholas to open the scoring on 18 minutes, the front man’s goal cancelled out Toby Davies in first half injury time when he beat an out of position home custodian Ben Henton with a 20 yard free kick which left Henton scrambling at thin air. Minutes earlier Henton had been involved in a prolonged debate with the referee over his application of the Laws of the Game, Jenkins, a Cymru Premier Tier 2 official having offered advice on his interpretation of the Laws which Henton disputed and required his team mates to deflect the situation, in the knowledge half time was approaching.

Referee Jenkins had controlled the game throughout, showing a high level of fitness and keen understanding of the mood of the game, where he could apply the advantage and at times formally addressing the foul play, only awarding one other card during the encounter at the Pembrokeshire Sports Village, a yellow to home speedster Tom Gwilliam for a foul on visiting skipper Kieran Smith, on 80 minutes.

Wheeler’s dismissal had come after an advantage played by Jenkins for a foul on Evans after his pass allowed the on running O’Toole to bear down on goal from the left, the game poised for a crescendo finish after the Robins had pulled a goal back to 3-2 when substitute Ryan Walters buried his effort at a corner with Jack Jones involved, on the cusp of added time, after Gwillam had put the Bridge 3-1 ahead on 87 minutes as he was set up by his skipper Jordan Thomas, who had marshalled his sides defensive platform with assurance alongside his centre half partner Morgan Richards and full backs, Billy Jay Martin and Iwan Howells.

Veteran midfielder Dai Davies combined with Evans to ensure the hosts had dominance in the centre of the field, before he was withdrawn by manager Mike Preddy, with a quarter of an hour to play, for teenager Daniel Iassac, fellow 17 year old Oscar Willingston entering the amphitheatre to replace Howells immediately after Walter’s goal made it 3-2, both teenagers showing, pace, control and vision to make a short impact on the game.

Sam Nicholas scored his and his sides second goal with 70 minutes played, Evans again the provider for the wingman, the visitors back four of Bobby Jones, Nicholas Willis, Ethan Ball and Connor Roberts having nullified the offensive play well, Connor Willis, who had replaced Tom Grimwood at half time and Noah Davinson also working hard for manager Craig Butland, the second goal always the key moment for the direction of the game and as it proved, the final result. Davison made way for Wheeler minutes after his side went 2-1 behind, Gethin Bradney stepping up to the mark as they searched for an equaliser, Jamie Palmer not putting a foot wrong all game from the defensive midfield berth for the Wizards to protect his back four, another of ‘veteran status’ who are key to allowing the youngsters around him to develop their game which bodes well for the club’s future.

The Robins had their moments which on another day could have fallen their way to take to score the all important third goal of the game, assistant referee Carl Vincent frustrated with offside decisions he made not being accepted by Jenkins, who once again followed the West Wales FA guidance that club assistant referees should signal only for the ball in and out of play. It does raise the shackles of club officials who are passionate for their club and it is the clubs who can address the scenario by changing the WWFA deliberations. There is no VAR at ‘parks football’ Jenkins well positioned and confident to make his call in all his offside decisions, maybe a consideration for local football is the offside line should only be applicable across the pitch parallel to the 18 yard box, where such decisions have a meaningful influence on the game.

There was a large crowd watching yesterday’s fixture, many involved with other clubs whose matches fell afoul of this week’s weather. The beauty of football is the drama has no script and for every decision made by the referee, their will be two opposite view points. This rancour adds to the flavour of the game and has to be managed by the man in the middle, such debate taken to the local hostelry for further debate, but it should do so after a handshake and thanks all round as we head to work on Monday, not leaving the man in black to collect his linesman’s flag from the floor in the centre circle.

Merlins Bridge

Ben Henton; Bill Jay Martin; Iwan Howells (Oscar Willington; 91); Jordan Thomas ©️; Morgan Richards, Jamie Plamer; Sam Nicholas; Dai Davies (Dylan Isaac; 70); Thomas O’Toole; Nathan Evans; Tom Gwilliam;

Substitutes not used
Peter Thomas; George Mabuzane; Gethin Roberts.

Pennar Robins

Ryleley Clarke; Bobby Jones; Nicholas Willis; Ethan Ball; Connor Roberts; Tom Grimwood (Connor Wills; 45) Noah Davison (Alex Wheeler; 72); Kieran Smith ©️; Jack Jones; (Toby Davies (Ryeley Walters; 77); Gethin Bradney.

Substitutes not used
Harry Jones; Max Wheeler.

Referee

Sion Jenkins (Sageston)

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