The weather was not the only beauty on show yesterday morning at Cwmbran for the U14s Match Day. Whitchurch, Penarth & Swansea visited the stadium, with each club able to parade 2 teams. Gwent Team 1 consisted of Alfie Turner, Theo Cobb, Josh Jones, Alex Draper-Eustace, Morgan & Iestyn Williams and Joe Matthews. Gwent Team 2 consisted of Dilwyn Howells, Tobias Hargreaves, Conor Oakerbee, Louis Hewet, Alec & Harri Rhodes and Daniel & James Draper-Eustace.

Team 1 kicked off the day v Whitchurch 1 with some fantastic counter attacking passing and triangular play. Some quick attacks saw Gwent take a 2-goal lead. Plucky Whitchurch battled well and were able to stretch the GT1 and come back to 2-2. As the game wore on both teams seem to tire and saw out a well-deserved draw.

The Gwent coaches were particularly impressed with the fast multi-dimensional attacking play between Josh, Alex, Morgan and Joe to really stretch the Whitchurch defence from attacking from all angles by their crisp passing.

Next up were GT2 v Swansea 2. This was a tough ask. Due to late absences GT2 had Dilwyn & James step up an age group. Swansea were a tight outfit and kept up the pressure, however Dilwyn, Conor & Tobias were particularly strong and defiant. A tight affair saw Swansea just edge out winners 1-0.

The next few games saw both Gwent Teams find their rhythm and move up a gear. GT1 saw off Penarth 1 5-0 and GT2 won 4-0 v Whitchurch 2.
As is the quality on show at the stadium at U14s level from all clubs, the last two games of the day were high quality all round. Gwent 1 v Swansea 1 seemed to be a game of Attack v Defence. Gwent were completely dominant in their play, controlling the play with most of the possession, attacking the Swansea defence from all angles. Swansea were resolute and solid in defence, often crowding the 'D'. Eventually the Gwent control paid off, with a goal come at the end of the first half. The second half became much the same as the first, however as Gwent tired, Swansea were able to break away and steal a draw.

The last game of the game was an end-to-end thriller. Both Gwent 2 & Penarth 2 were hedging their bets with swift attacking play. Penarth were able to take the lead with Gwent following up a short time later... in the end the game ended 2-2.

Some coaches highlights of the day..... The maturity in the attack of Gwent 1s, players Josh & Alex in particular the Gwent 1s mixing skilful play with quick passing. Conor & Theo were solid rocks in defence for their respective teams. Iestyn playing himself into Team 1 in defence with some stunning tackling & passing out of defence. Likewise, his brother Morgan showing more decisive performances. Alec found his position at Left midfield, despite an early injury, really stretching the opposition defence. Louis & Harri linked up well, swapping positions. Tobias had clearance of the day, despite being on his goal line and surrounded by 3 attackers, he was able to clear the danger with a very tight pass out wide. Joe showed how he is developing into an exciting attacking midfielder, often linking up with his teammates, but also happy to stretch the defence by being stubborn in his positioning.

Alfie & Dilwyn were solid in goals for the overwhelming time. Daniel & James showed how well they are developing, with enthusiastic play despite stepping up an age.

Well done boys, please keep up the exciting dynamic attack and resolute defence. Thank you to Rich Matthews for coaching, John Turner for umpiring and Sam Sayce & Sue Turner for organising, overcoming some very late changes.

Apologies for the long post, but any other would not have done the boys justice. Have a great week all and hopefully you can all make training tonight...

Gwent 1 results (i think?)
2-2 d v Whitchurch 1
5-0 w v Penarth 1
1-1 v Swansea 1

Gwent 2 results (i think?)
1-0 L v Swansea 2
4-0 w v Whitchurch 2
2-2 d v Penarth 2

Geraint