2025 West Wales Intermediate Cup – Semi Final

 
 

Tenby 1 – Monkton Swifts 0

 

Jerome Williams’ superb 85^th minute strike secured a narrow victory for Tenby over Monkton Swifts in an absorbing end-to-end cup clash on a wet Ogi Bridge Meadow surface in front of a big crowd under lights on Friday evening, writes Gordon Thomas.
 
The Williams brothers combined as the elder Daryl played in the younger Jerome who wasted no time as he rifled a superb shot from an acute angle into the roof of Gullam’s net to start wild celebrations in the Tenby dugout.
 
That goal was fitting way for Gareth Noot’s Tenby outfit who have reached their first West Wales Intermediate Cup final in the club’s history – whilst on the flip side of the coin it was a real sickening blow for The Swifts’ players – who to their full credit had all played a blinder – however it was down to fine margins as Williams struck the late winner and there was no coming back for the spirited Swifts.
 
This highly entertaining cup tie result could have gone either way as both sides created chances but both goalkeepers Tenby’s Dylan Noot and Swifts’ Taylor Gullam - both pulled off some terrific saves on the evening as this all Pembrokeshire semi-final went down to the wire.
 
This season, both teams have won one league game apiece also Tenby knocked The Swifts out of the Senior Cup – incredibly there were 23 goals scored in those three games – even the most partisan of fans were expecting a goals fest, did we get it, emphatically no, as the tense emotions within both camps led to a nervous evening.
 
Early on Tenby’s Joe Leahy saw his header and shot both narrowly missed the target, at the other end the lively Dylan Davies showed neat skills as the Swifts’ striker beat his defender before his goal bound shot was blocked brilliantly by Gullam who came out quickly to narrow the angle.
 
Swifts’ skipper Ben Steele tried his luck from distance, but it didn’t trouble Noot, the Swifts thought they had scored when Paul Miller’s powerful header from a corner rattled the crossbar.
 
Tenby pressed as Jerome Williams headered two chances wide plus skipper Daniel Storer struck from the edge of the box which flew high and wide as it remained goalless at half time.
 
Shortly after the break, Jerome Williams was brilliantly denied inside the box by Gullam, minutes later Billy Davis struck an effort high and wide as this cup tie ebbed and flowed.
 
It was noticeable that a  quite few players from both camps were suffering from cramps as their whole hearted efforts on the big occasion was taking its toll as this clash went down to the survival of the fittest.
 
Noot denied Dylan Davies who struck a wicked shot from a tight angle, Tenby substitute Jacob Hipkiss broke inside the box on the right side, before his low drive flew into the side-netting.
 
Tenby piled on the pressure as the outstanding Gullam once again denied Jerome Williams as the keeper and striker came together, there were shouts for a penalty but the excellent referee Dave Morgan waved play on.
 
Scott Ferney’s dangerous 18-yard free kick flew into the side netting, with many Tenby fans thought he had scored.
 
Tensions were running high as both teams looked to settle this game within 90 minutes.
 
The magical goal scoring moment came five minutes from full time as brothers Daryl and Jerome neatly combined with the latter who found that elusive goal which sent Tenby into the final while the Swifts suffered painful cup heartache – his cup tie was a brilliant spectacle for Pembrokeshire grassroots football showcasing some of the finest talent.
 
The reward for Tenby is that they now play Hakin United, making it an all Pembrokeshire final, which will be played at the Swansea.com Stadium in May.
 
Tenby: Dylan Noot, Robson Evans, Ned Davies, Sam Butler, Daniel Storer (Captain), Joe Leahy, Spencer Williams, Scott Ferney, Daryl Williams, Curtis Hurlow (66’ Jacob Hipkiss), Jerome Williams (89’ Jonathan Lee).
Substitutes not used: Ben Evans, Rhys Morgan, George Taylor, James Adhern.
 
Monkton Swifts: Taylor Gullam, Ryan Hughes, Jay Kilby (65’ Lee Duignan), James Walker, Ben Steele (Captain), Liam Butland, Billy Davis, Rhys Davis (76’ James Finnegan), Dylan Davis, Gareth Finnegan (60’ Jack Clarke), Paul Miller.
Substitute not used: Will Abraham,.
 
Referee: Dave Morgan.
 
Assistants: David Badger & James Olyott.
 
Fourth Official: Stefan Jenkins.