Torrential rain and wind made for rough conditions as Carmarthen hosted Fishguard in the De Cymru 2 West Wales Derby. With both teams looking to cement their place in the top 4, the stakes were high.
Carmarthen began well winning multiple short corners through young forward Josh Gwynne, but failed to convert pressure into points. A strong opening 15 was thwarted by a pinpoint counterattack from Fishguard, who opened the scoring. Carmarthen continued to utilise their airtight press to create pressure high up the pitch, and were duly rewarded when midfielder Jonti Merry drew in multiple defenders with a surging run, before finding captain Osian Evans who slotted home the equaliser with a pushed finish
Half time came and the elements continued to punish, with wet surface and howling winds providing some challenging conditions.
Carmarthen started the second half strongly, with a 2nd goal coming early - forward Tom Ferguson firing off a first touch finish from a baseline drive from Evans.
The momentum would continue building for Carmarthen, with a fluid transfer game giving the midfield pairing of Jonti Merry and Cai Morgan the time and space to dictate the game. A 3rd goal quickly followed when wide midfielder Adam Poole put in a strong drive into the D before passing to Evans, who under pressure from the keeper found Merry’s late run, with Merry firing home.
Fans who’s braved the elements were not let down by the on field action, as Carmarthen’s 4th goal came from a wonderful team move. The ball was played across the back 3, to midfielder Steffan Walters. Walters played an incisive pass to Merry who put Ferguson in space at the penalty spot to score his 2nd.
Fishguard enjoyed bursts of attacking play, but key tackles from Ryan Carvey and Lee Richardson held the line. Keeper Lee Jones marshalled the defence well, and a goal line stop from Bryan Geatrick meant Carmarthen weathered the storm.
The last quarter of the game saw Carmarthen relentlessly continue their pressure and transfer game. Buildup play from the back was wonderful with centre back Russell Horsey distributing from defence.
A debut goal for wide mid William Heath marked Carmarthen’s 5th as he finished a tricky pass from Evans following one of his forays down the baseline.
With time winding down, Carmarthen utilised their passing game incredibly effectively, totally managing the final passages. A penalty corner won again through the relentless pressure of forward Josh Richardson led to Carmarthen’s 6th and final goal, with captain Evans converting a dragflick just inside the left post.
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