Clarby Road were back on home soil for the third game in a row this season, welcoming St. Ishmaels on a hot, blustery afternoon. The swirling wind made conditions tricky for both sides, and the opening stages were evenly contested, with chances falling at both ends.
Clarby Road started with intent, pushing forward and looking to make the most of their home advantage. However, as the first half progressed, St. Ishmaels began to take control of the game. Their sharp attacking play and clinical finishing saw them open the scoring through Aaron Hallam before adding a second from youngster Thomas Williams before the break, leaving Clarby with a mountain to climb in the second half.
After the restart, the visitors continued to press, piling on the pressure and extending their lead with Williams turning provider for Hallam ust four minutes in. Clarby Road kept battling and worked hard to create openings of their own, but the game increasingly slipped away as St. Ishmaels’ attack proved too strong, with a flurry of goals compounding Clarby's misery - Hallam completing his hat-trick in the 83rd minute.
One of Clarby’s best chances came late in the match when Ben John found himself well-placed in front of goal. With the home supporters willing the ball in, he just couldn’t quite get the right touch, and the opportunity went begging — a moment that summed up Clarby’s frustrating afternoon in front of goal.
When the final whistle blew, St. Ishmaels had run out 7-0 winners. It was a tough result for Clarby Road, who will now regroup, take the positives from their effort and commitment, and look to bounce back stronger in their next outing as they travel to face Pennar Robins, who secured their first win of the season with a victory over Kilgetty.
St. Ishmaels now sit on four points following their first win of the season, with their only loss in three games coming narrowly to Monkton Swifts. The Mice will be hoping for another strong season of survival in Pembrokeshire's top division.
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