West Wales Intermediate Cup – Round 2

 
 

Hakin United 2 – West End 0

 

Second half goals from Camron Thomas and debutant Liam Parks earned Hakin United an exciting cup victory against West Wales Premier outfit West End in front of a decent crowd at the Obs on Saturday.
 
Both these teams have fine pedigree in this prestigious competition, it was 25 years ago that they played each other in the final at the Vetch Ground, the old home of Swansea City, on that particular day  it was the Vikings who proved victorious with goals from Kristan Bennett header and Paul ‘Jonah’ Jones as skipper Gary Dawes proudly held the silverware aloft, ironically it was Dawes who kindly sponsored this cup epic clash.
 
Manager Scott Davies knew his side had to be at their best to beat the Swansea outfit, the first half was a cagey affair, with former Haverfordwest County skipper Dale Griffiths who had a strong game marshalling the visitors’ tight defence despite carrying a shoulder injury he picked up early in the tie.
 
Leon Luby and Jack Britton had shots at goal which both produced decent saves from West End goalkeeper Johnathan Harding, at the other end Adam Griffiths went close to breaking the deadlock as it remained goalless at half time.
 
After the break the introduction of Liam Parks, who has signed from close neighbours Milford United, for  the injured Jack Griffiths, looked sharp alongside Shane Walsh up front.
 
The Vikings finally broke the deadlock in the 62^nd minute with a cracking goal as skipper Ryan Wilson crossed for left back Cam Thomas who scored with a cracking 22 yard drive which flew in the top corner, much to the delight of the Vikings’ fans.
 
There was late drama as the visitors had goalkeeper Harding sent off for taking down Parks inside the box. The resultant penalty was taken by Britton which was comfortably saved by the replacement keeper.
 
The visitors were down to ten men then also had another player sin binned as tensions ran high, the hosts took full advantage playing against nine men as Mark Jones found Wilson (second assist of the tie) whose cross fell perfectly for 21-year-old Parks who applied the vital scoring touch from close range to secure a famous win.
 
In the next round Hakin United will entertain Clydach Rangers on Saturday, 7^th December, kick off 1.30pm.





 
Hakin United: Gareth Fawcett, Kieran King, Camron Thomas (91’ Craig Nicholson), Jake Merry, Jay Power, Jack Griffiths (45’ Liam Parks), Leon Luby, Shane Walsh, Jack Britton, Ryan Wilson, Mark Jones.
Unused substitutes: Justin Harding, Callum Stannett, Adrian Devonald.
 
West End: Johnathan Harding, Ben Newbury-Davies (63’ Nikki Parvin), Jerom Begley (87’ Rhys Coffey), Ashton Kime, Dale Griffiths, Elliott Gowen (Captain), Jack Barry, Adam Griffiths (77’ Chris Hole), Daryl Hughes, Rio Davies, Nathan Wickham (86’ Connor Cullen).
Unused substitute: Jesse Suggett.
 
Referee: Stefan Jenkins.