After beating Penllergaer, Penlan and Brynawel to get this far, Wellfield were drawn to play Narberth, who have beaten Drefach, CMB and Ragged School so far. Narberth currently lie in midtable of the top Pembrokeshire Division.
Wellfield knew that they would have their work cut out this afternoon and started the stronger of the two teams. Johnny Thomas had a free kick saved and Chris James almost bundled the ball over the line at the back post after a great cross from Johnny. But it was Narberth who took the lead after 15 minutes, when their forward was played in and scored with a clever finish on the turn. Wellfield seemed disheartened and conceded again when a long free kick was headed back across goal and finished from close range. Narberth were all over Wellfield and Darren Greene made a great save from a shot on the volley to keep the score down. But he couldn't keep out a back post header just minutes later with Wellfield falling into deeper trouble. Narberth were soon 4-0 up after their centre forward was played in once again who flicked the ball past Greene. It had been an awfully disappointing first half display by Wellfield who had no other option but to deal with it and play another 45 minutes.
Half-Time: Narberth 4-0 Wellfield Athletic
Even though Wellfield were 4-0 down, they came out battling in the second half to try and salvage something. Wellfield competed much better in the midfield and refused to give in. Both sides were soon reduced to 10 men after Nick Glendon had a scuffle with the Narberth captain, who had been a key player for the home side so far. Just minutes after, Steffan Youngman was brought down by the Narberth keeper after knocking the ball past him. The keeper was very lucky not to see red as well, but the referee felt that there was a couple of players between them and the goal. Johnny Thomas drove in the resulting free kick into the top corner in style. Wellfield were forced to make some important changes with reserve player/manager Jason Garcia and striker Chris James now playing together at centre back. Substitute Chris Hickey shot wide of the target and Johnny Thomas had a long range shot parried wide by the keeper. Wellfield were battling their way back in the game but were often getting caught on the break. Narberth managed to grab another goal which finally sealed the game for them. It came when a powerful long shot was saved by Greene, but the ball fell to the left midfielder who squared it to his teammate. His shot was blocked off the line by Daniel Thomas, but the ball ricocheted off diving Darren Greene and into the net. Wellfield did continue to work hard until the final whistle but with the game already won, Narberth looked comfortable once again coming close on two occasions. The first was well blocked by Chris James and the second thundered off the post.
Full-Time: Narberth 5-1 Wellfield Athletic
Although it is disappointing to have lost, Wellfield can be pleased to have raised some eyebrows to get this far. Today they were beaten by a very good Narberth side but showed great courage in the second half to try to get back in the game. Wellfield's side is still young with the oldest starting player today being Darren Greene at 20. Hopefully Wellfield will learn from this game and pick themselves up for next weeks game. |