Monmouth Town FAW Academy hosted teams from Llanelli AFC at the Sports Ground this week.

Dave Murphy, head of youth development at the Academy, was extremely pleased with all the Academy teams' performances against a very strong Academy from Llanelli of the Welsh Premier League.

The Under 12s produced a very good performance in a narrow 3-2 defeat, showing good team work and progression.

The Under 14s were given a footballing masterclass by Llanelli going down 7-1. Although there were several good individual performances, on the day Llanelli played some fantastic football.

If any one of the Academy 16s at Monmouth thought playing academy football was going to be easy then they must think again.

Playing their fourth academy game, the team finally notched up their first win beating Llanelli Academy 3-2. 

Monmouth started the game the better and raced into a 3-0 lead with goals by Cameron Caulston, Kieran Finnerty and Issac Henry.

At this level of playing ability, you can not lose concentration and all the hard disciplined football was undone just before half-time the Kingfishers allowed a sloppy goal to be scored.

Llanelli came out with the bit between their teeth and fought hard for possession. It paid off with an early goal to make it 3-2.

The visitors pressed and pressed for an equaliser and maybe could have got it if it were not for outstanding performances by Max Goodridge, Robert Legge, Callum Wheatly and Dan Woods in defence.

Llanelli will strongly feel that they should have got a point for their tremendous efforts but it was not to be and Monmouth Academy 16s held on for their first win.

Dave Murphy said: "A win that was down to hard work, commitment and the experience gained from the previous three games.

"The 16s are learning fast what life is like in The FAW Academy League. It's not an easy one.

Barry Burns Director of Football said: "Great result for the under 16s, I've seen how hard they have been working in training, the boys are developing well and the future of Monmouth Town AFC is looking very promising."

The Academy teams have played competitive fixture against Cambrian and Clydach, Haverfordwest County and Carmarthen Town from the Welsh Premier League, and friendly fixtures against Yate Town, Newport Schools representative team, Hereford United Academy and Cardiff City development squad.

The Academy teams are next in action away at Merthyr Town FC.