Manderwood Pembrokeshire Football League Division 1:

Goodwick United 1 - Tenby 3

On paper, it appears a surprise result. In reality, Tenby's win at Phoenix Park this afternoon was as convincing as it was comprehensive, writes Fraser Watson.

Goodwick began this campaign on the back of three successive titles, underpinned by a remarkable league record which had not seen them taste defeat since November 26th, 2022. It was a mantra they never looked like maintaining from the moment Scott Fernery fired Tenby ahead 27 minutes in, with Lloyd Hughes adding the second before the break. Liam Williams completed the job 11 minutes from time, with Chris O'Sullivan's late consolation goal proving merely that.

This was no smash and grab. From the offset the visitors set their stall out to dominate physically in midfield. Goodwick had moments, with Rhys Dalling miss-kicking in from of goal while Guto Roberts headed a Dan James cross wastefully wide, but it was Tenby in the ascendancy.

Shaun Whitfield's long throw into the area had already seen Hughes go close and Jerome Williams nearly teed up Ferney before the latter broke the deadlock. Joe Leahy, influential in his revamped deep midfield role, threaded a superb ball forward which saw Ferney peel into space and fire a precise lose shot across Nick Jones and into the bottom corner.

At that point Tenby stamped their authority. The hosts were pressed and harassed on the ball, with Williams booked for clattering Kyle O'Sullivan and Leahy lucky to escape with a foul on the same player. But the message that Tenby meant business was clear, and seconds before half-time they struck again.

Curtis Hurlow's free-kick forward fell to Hughes, and his left foot shot found the net via a deflection. To compound the blow for Goodwick, Rhys Jones limped off immediately afterwards.

Nigel Delaney's side did start the second period with the elements behind them and Dalling was only denied by a superb cover tackle from Whitfield. Leahy blotted his copybook by being sin-binned for dissent, but it didn't stem the tide as Goodwick struggled to make inroads or mount sustained pressure. Inevitably, they became vulnerable on the break and Fraser Finlay should have done better when played through by Hughes.

When the third did come it was Ferney who pulled out wide and found Liam Williams, who beat Jones with a composed chipped finish. In injury time O'Sullivan then pumped a 50 yard free kick forward that evaded everyone before bouncing into the top of the net. It denied Dylan Noot a clean sheet, but had zero impact on the mood in either camp.

"We know we got goals in us, we're always a dangerous side" said away manager Gareth Noot afterwards. "We knew we would have to battle first 15 minutes of the second half, and the defence stood strong. We go into every game with confidence and we can build from this."

It is way too early to be making assumptions and predictions on the destination on the league title. However, having seen five points go in three games, the stark reality for Goodwick now is they call ill afford to drop many more. And on the evidence of today, for both the Phoenix Boys and Hakin this season, it's not just each other they have to worry about.

Man of the match: Scott Ferney

Leahy, Hughes, and until he was curtailed by injury, Williams, all shone on and off the ball. However, for the finish, the assist, and the willingness to drop into midfield and harry players, Ferney gets the nod.

Goodwick United: Nick Jones, Josh Wood (Stefan Hayes 59, Chris O'Sullivan 72), Ross Jones, Scott Delaney, Dafydd Cole, Ben Adams, Kyle O'Sullivan, Rhys Jones (Jonny Horgan 45), Dan James, Guto Roberts, Rhys Dalling.
Subs not used: Alex O'Sullivan, Tyler Morris.

Tenby United: Dylan Noot, Shaun Whitfield, Curtis Hurlow, Sam Butler, Robson Evans, Joe Leahy, Jerome Williams (Richard Perry 72), Lloyd Hughes, Liam Williams, Fraser Finlay, Scott Ferney.
Subs not used: Daniel Storer, Daryl Williams.

Referee: Alan Boswell.