Hakin United - Pen Pics 2018

	Adrian Devonald 31 - Engineer Goal Keeper ‘Devsy’ has already played in two winning finals, including one where his 89th minute penalty save helped The Vikings in a 1-0 victory – and is back between the sticks after a spell where he played outfield for the seconds. An excellent shot-saver, commanding in the air and works really well with his back four.
	Jimmy Walker 24 - Electrical Craftsman Right Back This will be Jimmy’s first final after a spell where his working away interfered with his football – but he’s now back in the groove and eager to play as often as possible. He gets stuck in, enjoys winning the ball from powerful tackles – and his manager says he knows Jimmy never lets the squad down with his total commitment.
	Jake Merry 16 - Student Right Back This is ‘Mezza’s’ first season in senior football but with his old head on young shoulders has slotted in really well to claim a regular place at the back as he shows his ability to read the ball well. Played superbly for the all-winning under 16s and Haverfordwest County development squad – and loves to push forward, where he can use his ball skills as an added bonus.
	Sion Price 29 - Sales Rep Central Defender Known to his team-mates as ‘Bat’, he arrived from Merlins Bridge this season having played in two finals, winning one, and is described by the management as ‘a great signing’ as he uses his experience to good effect in marshalling the defence. Sion is deceptively quick and a good reader of the game, looking to snuff out any signs of danger, and enjoying a central defence partnership with Dan Armstrong.
	Daniel Armstrong 26 - Construction Worker Central Defence ‘Lazzie’ is an old-fashioned ‘no nonsense’ type of defender who knows his role in the team and gets on with it: winning most aerial duels and being very strong in the tackle, as well as being a more than useful distributor of the ball. Loves to push forward at set-pieces and capable of heading his share of goals, often at key times, as a vital cog in the Viking’s battle machine.
	Bradley Barrett 24 - Construction Left Back This will be ‘Brucie’s’ first final after joining the club from Johnston and immediately making an impact on the left side of a very strong defence. He is strong in the air and never gives an inch in the tackle – but as well as his defensive qualities he loves pushing forward, with a wicker left foot than can make chances for others or catch goalkeepers out from distance.
	Leigh Marchant 29 - Carpenter Left Back After five years out of the game ‘Marchie’ is back playing as if he’s never missed a game – and hoping to appear in his third final after winning one and losing the other. Uses his pace to good effect at the back and able to push forward in support of his front men when needed, and is very strong in the tackle and good in the air – and provides another option for his manager because he can also settle in at the heart of the defence.
	Jack Wilson 16 - Student Right Midfield Although only 16, Jack’s pedigree is already well established as he has represented Wales at college level, played youth football for Haverfordwest County, and inspired the Young Vikings to their epic treble last season. ‘Willie’ has made a seamless transfer to senior football to claim a place in the final. He has pace, flair, seems to be able to run forever and is strong in the tackle – and definitely one to watch for the future!
	Adam John 21 - Carpenter Left Midfield This is ‘Titch’s’ second season in the squad and his first final, where he will be looking to exert a considerable influence down the left flank, especially with his talent at taking corners that would test any keeper. He is fast and extremely tricky so will take some careful watching, especially since he is also deceptively strong in the air to belie his nickname. Definitely one to watch on the day!
	Ryan Wilson 24 - Mechanical Engineer Central Midfield Ryan helps produce the team’s engine room with his high fitness and determination to control action from box to box – and his all-action performances are appreciated by his team-mates and management. ‘Vet’ is good ball-winner but also adept at covering back, and is looking forward to his second final after previously playing in one as a sub at 16 years of age!
	Jonathan Bennett 29 - Roofing Company Owner Central Midfield ‘Jonty’ thinks he’s played in five finals, winning three of them – but is more sure of his role in the team as a real grafter who never knows when he is beating. His fitness is great but he also possesses far more skill than he is credited with and will cover the Conygar Bridge Meadow Stadium in support of his team-mates, picking up scraps and using them well. A much underestimated player and great team man!
	Craig Nicholson 26 - Q/A/ Paint Inspection Central Midfield Playing in his second campaign for Hakin and has already struck up a good partnership with Wilson in midfield. This will be ‘Nico’s’ first final and he will be eager to demonstrate his consistency and high skill levels as he sprays the ball around with either foot to create space for others.
	Nicholas Woodrow 30 - NDT Technician Striker ‘Woodie’ is the team captain and as well as being one of the top goal scorers in the county is a natural leader by example with his reading of the game. Played in three finals, winning one, and scoring in all of them, including a hat-trick. Also experienced in Welsh League for Haverfordwest County – and if he plays well then Hakin will play well – it’s easy as that!
	Ben Fawcett 17 - Student Striker Ben has emerged from the superb junior team to find an immediate spot in Kristan Bennett’s plans and has scored four hat-tricks already as proof of his terrific balance, skill and pace. ‘Fawcie’ is very much continuing the family footballing dynasty and is already a regular in the Welsh Schools and Welsh College’s squad. An old head on young shoulders he is certainly a player who could go far with the right luck – and will relish the challenge of his first final!
	Justin Harding 28 - Manderwood Employee Striker ‘Skinny’ is very much the joker in the Vikings’ camp but on the pitch he has all that it takes to score goals, with proven balance, surprising strength and the ability to outpace frustrated defenders on his runs into the box. His ability to pull players out of position to benefit his team-mates is perhaps under-played and the fact that he scored a hat-trick in his only other final is a stark warning to the opposition’s defence!
	Shane Walsh 24 - Sales Assistant Striker/wide player Shane joined Hakin from Milford Athletic and nearby Herbrandston and this will be his first final and able to play out wide or straight down the middle. He has scored heaps of goals for the seconds has a tremendous work-rate which his manager admires and is greatly thought of by his Viking team mates.
	Kristan Bennett 41 - Manager Fabricator Kristan was one of the most respected players in the county during a highly successful career with Hakin United where they were the top team – and he played in six finals, losing the first but winning the rest, including four on the trot. Has transferred his never-say-die commitment into management of a very young squad that includes three of last season’s brilliant under 16’s. ‘Benny’ will certainly make sure his team are prepared for the big day.
	Stuart MacDonald 41 - Fireman Fitness Coach Stu played most of football as a very neat and competitive player at Milford Athletic who was known as a good reader of the game. Then moved across the Town to help Colin Fawcett and Daisy Picton with last year’s all-conquering under 16s and proved an immediate hit with his motivational skills. He also started to help Kristan with the senior side and Benny would say that he is a vital part of the current set-up as he is held in huge respect by the players for his part. Will be looking forward to his first final after so long in local football!
	Jonathan Lewis 35 - Linesman/Hon Secretary Civil Servant Club Flag Man Known to all as ‘Johnny Bap’ and now serves The Vikings in his dual role of linesman and Hon Secretary, where he has proven to be a solid and reliable worker for the club in conjunction with the Manderwood Pembrokeshire League, as well as the local press in providing necessary details. Used to be a decent cricketer in his younger days but his main sporting interest now is Hakin United AFC!