PHOTOS:

Ben Aldred and Rhys Dalling compete

James Manson

A real aerial battle

Goodwick United 4 - Hakin United 2

Goodwick United fought back from a 2-1 deficit to win by two clear goals against champions-elect Hakin United in a cracking match on a superb playing surface at Phoenix Park.

It was full-blooded local football of the highest quality as referee Dave Badger officiated well and kept a tight rein on the action, sending off Hakin defender Matthew Broome for deliberate hand ball and issued a few yellow cards as there were chances galore from both camps and plenty to discuss afterwards.

It was the Vikings who took the early lead as Ashley Bevan fired home a splendid free kick from fully 25 yards that left home keeper Dean Hopkins stranded but Rhys Dalling soon levelled matters with a stunning run past three defenders which saw him plant a low drive past a helpless James Manson in the Hakin goal.

In a desperate goalmouth scramble the visitors had three close-range chances for Nicky Woodrow and Justin Harding (2) but the home side somehow scrambled the ball clear – but were unable to stop the Hakin attack as Ashley Bevan set up the chance and Ben Aldred unselfishly slipped the scoring pass for Woodrow to net with ease.

In some end-to-end play Rob Morgans smashed a free kick against the upright and watched his free kick headed against the crossbar by Wayne O’Sullivan for Goodwick - and Harding shot just wide for Hakin.

But then Broome was despatched for hand-ball at a set-piece and although O’Sullivan fired home the whistle had already gone and it was left to Morgans to level matters from the spot-kick.

The second half was no less competitive but the Vikings inevitably found it tough with a man short and Goodwick took the lead for the first time with another excellent goal, this time when Horgan broke down the right and curled a left-footed shot over Manson and into the far corner.

Worse was to follow for the Vikings as Jonty Bennett was carried off with a neck/jaw injury that took some time to treat and saw the arrival of an ambulance – but Bennett was back by the finish, after Goodwick made the game safe when Kieran O’Brien lobbed the ball into the danger area and Morgans was allowed a free header from close range.

Goodwick United: Dean Hopkins: Steffan Hayes; Wayne O’Sullivan; Scott Delaney; Darren Devonald: Karl Hedley; Lewis Banks; Kieran O’Brien; Rob Morgans; Johnny Horgan: Rhys Dalling. Subs: Jordan Griffiths; Nigel Delaney; Ryan Howells.

Hakin United: James Manson: Matthew Broome; Scott Reynish; Michael Cooper; Alex Greenish; Justin Harding; Nicky Woodrow; Ashley Bevan; Steve Mathias; Ben Aldred. Subs: Paul Jones; Lewis Thompson.
Referee: Dave Badger.

 

PHOTO:
Matthew Price bagged four goals for Narberth against Johnston
Picture by Susan McKehon
 

Good wins for Herbie, Narberth, Pennar and West Dragons

 
There were five other games played in the Manderwood Pembrokeshire Football League First Division.
 
Herbrandston were too strong for second from bottom Monkton Swifts winning 5-2 at home. Shane Walsh (2), Scott Reid, Mark Jones and Craig Nicholson scored for the homesters, whilst Robin Stanley bagged a brace for the poor Swifts.
 
Merlins Bridge drew 2-2 against Angle on the Racecourse. Scott Crawford scored a brace for the Wizards and brothers Lee and Craig Brockway (penalty) netted for the visitors.
 
Narberth thrashed Johnston 9-1 at Jesse Road, Matthew Price (4), Tony Evans (penalty), Adi Jones, Ashley Williams, Simon Evans and Jordan Williams found the back of the net for the Bluebirds, Simon Ormond scored the Tigers’ solitary goal.
 
Pennar Robins defeated Neyland 3-1 at Bush Camp. The Robins’ goal scorers were Sam Southcott, Jimmy Russell and Ben Steele, Aaron McQuillan scored Nomads’ only goal.

West Dragons gained a surprise, but thoroughly deserved 3-1 win at home against Tenby. Jack Johnson, Jordan Thomas (penalty), Ewan Cunningham scored for the Dragons as Jack Christopher cracked a brace for the stunned Seasiders.