MANDERWOOD PEMBROKESHIRE LEAGUE
A BLUSTERY but fine day at the Obs saw Hakin put in the sort of performance that reminds their rivals that the title race isn’t over until the Vikings have their say.
With the top of Division One contested by Goodwick Utd and leaders Monkton Swifts at the start of the day, Merlin Bridge’s storming comeback win against Goodwick meant this win propelled Hakin to second in the table.
With the top of Division One contested by Goodwick Utd and leaders Monkton Swifts at the start of the day, Merlin Bridge’s storming comeback win against Goodwick meant this win propelled Hakin to second in the table.
With a vastly superior goal difference than Goodwick, with whom they are now level on points, and a better goal difference than the Swifts who lead the table by three points, Hakin will want to extract maximum benefit from the game they still have in hand.
If Swifts slip up against Fishguard Sports on Saturday and Hakin play to form against strugglers St Clears, the Vikings could seize the top spot next weekend.
Strengthened by the return of NIcky Woodrow, Hakin were never really in trouble against mid-table Clarbeston Road, who have been dogged by inconsistency all season and undoubtedly suffered from a recent lack of league football.
Strengthened by the return of NIcky Woodrow, Hakin were never really in trouble against mid-table Clarbeston Road, who have been dogged by inconsistency all season and undoubtedly suffered from a recent lack of league football.
The returning Woodrow showed he had not lost his scoring touch, finding the net in typically clinical fashion.
A few tasty challenges in midfield never spilt over into anything more serious than a talking to from the referee to the players involved.
Hakin showed greater variety and poise in their play than Clarby and capitalised on moments of poor control by the visitors to press play upfield at every opportunity.
Cameron Thomas opened the scoring for the home team before Nicky Woodrow popped in a neat finish. Ashley Bevan rounded off a strong display from the Vikings with the third.
Cameron Thomas opened the scoring for the home team before Nicky Woodrow popped in a neat finish. Ashley Bevan rounded off a strong display from the Vikings with the third.
Elsewhere in the Division, Monkton Swifts hammered Narberth 7-0 away from home, with goals from Ben Steele (2), Jordan Richards (2), Dillon Davies (2), and Martin Carrol. Meanwhile, a hat trick from Steve Lewis allied to braces apiece for Danny Hopkin (2), Matt Harries (2), and Niall Kinsella (2) and a goal for Karl Headley led Fishguard Sports to a 10-1 hammering of second-from-bottom St Clears, who managed a consolation through Jamie Thomas. Bottom side Saundersfoot were edged out 3-2 at home to Carew and Pennar Robins, with a goal apiece for Craig Asparassa and Josh Clarke, shaded Neyland 2-1.
The day’s remaining top division clash was easily the match of the day. In-form Goodwick made the trip to the Racecourse to face a Merlins Bridge who haven’t given up on their title ambitions.
At one point, it looked like game over for the Wizards as Goodwick took a 2-0 lead. However, the home team muscled their way back into the game to clinch a thrilling comeback with three goals to take all three points.
