Monkton Swifts tightened their grip on second place in Pembrokeshire's top division, with a 4-1 win on the their travels against Clarbeston Road on Saturday 14th Februrary.

The two sides had already met earlier in the season with the Swifts coming out on top of a seven goal thriller in the West Wales Cup, Liam Butland the hero in a 4-3 win back in October.

Since then, it has been a season of contrasting fortunes for each side. Monkton flying high behind league leaders Hakin United on a run of three consecutive victories, whilst Clarby had fallen into the bottom half following three straigh defeats.

The host's task was made more difficult by another reduced squad selection - Will Green and youngster Ethan Ellis coming in to make their first appearances in Pemrokeshire's top flight for the club - and the visitors got off to the perfect start with Jimmy Wilkes scoring a brace inside 15 minutes thanks to assists from Gareth Finnegan and Dylan Davies.

Liam Butland then made it three just before half time, thanks to another assist from Gareth Finnegan, to give his side a commanding lead at the break. 

After a relatively quiet second half, club stalwart Ben Steele added a fourth in the 89th minute thanks to an assist from Dan James, before Clarby pulled a goal back through substitute player-manager Travis Jones.

After the result, Monkton now had 32 points in 2nd spot, five clear of St Ishmaels and six clear of Goodwick United who were both in West Wales Cup action.

Clarbeston Road slip down to 8th place, with goal difference pulling them below Carew who suffered a narrow 0-1 defeat to Narberth. They are six points clear of the relegation zone with Fishguard Sports on 12 points. However, with Fishguard securing a victory over Pennar Robins and with six games in hand over Clarby - managers Ellis and Jones will know there will be no room for complacency in their remaining four league games.

Match photos from Ethan Ellis

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