HAKIN United take on Kilgetty in the final of the Senior Cup this weekend in what should be an excellent game.
It’s the team who currently sit second in Division 1 against the Division 2 Champions and both will want to win it.
The competition has not been played for two years because of the pandemic but its return has been well worth the wait.
Hakin United knocked out most recent winners (2018-19) Merlins Bridge in the quarter finals while Kilgetty sent Carew packing in the semi-final with a fine performance.
The games have been full of drama and goals and that looks set to continue in Saturday’s (Apr 30) final.
Hakin last won the competition in 2018 and they will look to get their hands back on the trophy but Kilgetty are in their first final for almost 50 years.
The final takes place at the Ogi Bridge Meadow and kicks off at 2:30pm.
Route to the final
Both sides had a bye in the first round and their second round matches were played in November.
Kilgetty earned a 3-0 win over St Ishmaels while Hakin earned a 3-1 win away at Pennar Robins.
The quarter finals were played in February and Hakin sealed a 4-1 win over rivals Merlins Bridge with Ashley Bevan and Justin Harding amongst the goals.
Kilgetty reached the last four with a 6-2 win at Pembroke Boro with Richard Cope scoring a hat trick and another goal from Lloyd Hughes.
The semi-finals were played at the Bridge Meadow stadium and Hakin earned a 2-0 win over Neyland thanks to goals from Shane Walsh and an own goal.
Kilgetty earned a stunning win over Carew in their semi. Adam Muskett had put Carew ahead but goals from Lloyd Hughes x2, and Oscar Miles x2 sent Kilgetty through to the final.
What the managers say
Hakin manager Scott Davies said: “I am delighted to have made the final, there is no day out like the Senior Cup final.. providing you win it.
“We have had a good end to the season, picking up some great wins in a packed schedule. And Kilgetty have had a brilliant season, champions of division 2 and making the Senior Cup final is a great achievement. We hope it’s going to be an open game and enjoyable for the crowd.”
Kilgetty manager Robbie Beynon added: “Looking forward to the game it will be nice to test ourselves against top opposition.
“It’s a great achievement on reaching a Senior Cup final. Last time we reached the final was nearly 50 years ago and we will give it our best shot.
“Hakin are a top top team no doubt about it they have a very talented squad they can hurt you from all over the pitch they have been a top team for many years now it will be tough to contain them. I wish them good luck may the best team win.
“It means a lot to make a senior Cup final being a Kilgetty lad to lead my village club out is a big big honour. We have had a tremendous season I just hope the lads can give one last big effort all we can do is do our best and that’s all you can ask for. It will be a tremendous achievement if we pull this one off.
“We will definitely enjoy the occasion regardless of result, it’s what my squad deserve for a great season.”
League form
Hakin United have finished the season strongly since their West Wales Cup semi-final defeat with three wins and two draws in their final five games.
The Vikings only lost once in the league throughout the season, securing 18 wins from their 22 games.
Kilgetty were beaten in their final league game on Saturday (Apr 23) but that was only their second loss of the league campaign, also securing 18 wins from their 22 games.
Lloyd Hughes has been Kilgetty’s top scorer this season with 34 goals while Richard Cope also has 15 league goals to his name.
Justin Harding and Shane Walsh have been in fine form for Hakin this season, both with 27 goals to their names.
Leon Luby and Camron Thomas have also been top of the assist charts for the Vikings and they will provide another big threat.
Referees
The referee for the game will be Craig Templeton and he will be joined by assistants Sion Jenkins and Angus Scourfield while Tom Bevan will be the fourth offical.
Final say
The game kicks off at 2:30pm and promises to be another exciting game of football. Make sure you get down to the Bridge Meadow to cheer on your team.
May the best team win!
