Jerome Williams' late strike sends Tenby to historic cup final
TENBY reached the West Wales Intermediate Cup final for the first time in their history with a dramatic 1-0 win over Monkton Swifts under the floodlights at Ogi Bridge Meadow on Friday evening.
The breakthrough came late, in the 85th minute, when Jerome Williams rifled a superb shot into the roof of the net from a tight angle, sparking wild celebrations among the large Tenby crowd.
The winning goal was the result of a well-worked move between the Williams brothers. Daryl Williams picked out his younger brother Jerome with a pinpoint pass, and the forward made no mistake, lashing home past Swifts' goalkeeper Taylor Gullam.
It was a goal that encapsulated Tenby's attacking spirit, and it proved enough to settle what had been a tense, fiercely contested semi-final.
For the Swifts, it was a bitter pill to swallow. Despite a strong performance, they could not find a way past Tenby's defence or goalkeeper Dylan Noot, who produced several important saves. Monkton came close, with Paul Miller's powerful header rattling the crossbar, and Gullam also pulling off key saves at the other end to keep his side in the game.
The match was a tactical and physical battle on a slippery surface, with early chances for both teams. Joe Leahy saw a header and a shot narrowly miss for Tenby, while Dylan Davies impressed for the Swifts with a skilful run, only to be denied by a crucial block.
Ben Steele tried his luck from distance for Monkton, and Miller's header was agonisingly close, but the breakthrough remained elusive.
Jerome Williams had two headed opportunities in the first half, both of which went wide, while Tenby skipper Daniel Storer fired over the bar. Noot had to be sharp at the other end, denying Dylan Davies from a tight angle with a smart save.
The second half continued in the same vein, with end-to-end action and both sides pushing for a breakthrough. Jerome Williams was denied brilliantly by Gullam, while substitute Jacob Hipkiss rattled the side-netting with a low shot. Tenby had loud appeals for a penalty turned away by referee Dave Morgan after another Williams effort was blocked in the box.
As the clock ticked down, the tension grew, with several players struggling with cramp as the physical demands of the match took their toll.
But with penalties looming, the Williams brothers combined for the decisive moment: Daryl's measured pass, Jerome's clinical finish, and Tenby's place in the final was secured.
Led by manager Gareth Noot, Tenby's victory was a long-awaited reward for a season of hard work and determination. Monkton Swifts, who contributed fully to an enthralling semi-final, were left to reflect on a performance that deserved more.
As the final whistle blew, Tenby's historic achievement was clear. They will now face Hakin United in an all-Pembrokeshire final, to be played at the Swansea.com Stadium in May.
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