SB Williams Inter Counties Cup

Carmarthenshire 5

Pembrokeshire 3

Striker Sam Wilson scored a cracking hat-trick for Carmarthenshire who earned a thoroughly deserved victory against Pembrokeshire at Richmond Park’s 4G pitch.

The Carmarthen Stars striker stole the show with his stunning treble alongside goals from team mates - Trostre’s Jamie Jenkins and Llandeilo’s Owen James.

Trailing 4-1 at half time, the visitors changed the three at the back formation and did a lot better in the second period, with Hakin United’s Adam John scoring with a terrific volley and there was a brace for Nicky Woodrow.

The hosts took the lead in the ninth minute, when a good ball in the box fell kindly to Jamie Jenkins who slotted home from close range.

But Pembrokeshire levelled matters in 15th minute when some good work in midfield by Chris O’Sullivan and Adam Raymond, saw the Carmarthenshire defence failing to clear their lines, and wide-sided midfielder Adam John took advantage when his sweetly struck volley from outside the box nestled in the the bottom corner.

However, two minutes later and the hosts regained the lead, Owen James unleashed a wicked right foot effort from the edge of the 18 yard area, which flew in the top corner of Patrick Hannon’s net.

Five minutes later and the hosts added a third goal as the visitors were disjointed at the back and Wilson benefitted from close range.

Carmarthenshire were clinical in front of goal and were rewarded when Wilson latched onto a cross for a simple tap-in for the fourth.

Carmarthenshire deservedly led 4-1 at half time and the county camp could have no complaints.

After the interval the visitors changed their formation, Ryan Wilson moved to right back and replaced Andrew John and Henry Durrant replaced Adam Raymond, there was also a late cameo run out for Merlins Bridge teenager Will Haworth who came on for striker Nathan Greene.

On the hour mark, Woodrow planted a firm header from a John cross into the back of net, the power too much for keeper Rhys Maides to hold.

Wilson tried an ambitious shot from distance which went high and wide as Pembrokeshire continued to press forward.

Midway through the second period and the visitors were awarded a penalty when defender Gavin Evans stuck out his arm to deny a cross, referee David Morgan pointed straight to the spot. Woodrow took responsibility and fired the resulting spot-kick into the bottom corner from 12 yards.

Woodrow’s penalty got the visitors back in the clash, but Carmarthenshire reacted quickly, with the lively Wilson finding acres of space inside the box and slotting home to complete an impressive treble and securing victory.

Next up Pembrokeshire will face Neath League at home and then an away trip to Swansea League, with dates and venues to be confirmed.

Carmarthenshire: Rhys Maides, Ashley Thomas, Jody Thomas, Thomas Harvey, Geraint Rees, Shaun Rogers, Ross Morgan, Owen James, Jamie Jenkins, Sam Wilson, Gavin Evans. Subs: Ben Williams, Callum Deadman, Dafydd Rees.

Pembrokeshire: Patrick Hannon, Andrew John, Scott Delaney, Chris O’Sullivan, Adam John, Ryan Wilson, Adam Raymond, Nathan Greene, Jonny Horgan, Nicky Woodrow. Subs: Will Haworth, Gethin Roberts, Henry Durrant, Jordan Richards.

Referee: David Morgan (Swansea)

Assistants: Martin Oliver & Dale Parker (Neath)

Fourth official: John Woodhouse (Neath)