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West Wales Cup: Rockspur prove too strong for Merlins Bridge

Ryan Hurlow cuts back before opening the scoring

ROCKSPUR moved into the third round of the West Wales Cup on Saturday (Nov 5) as they beat Merlins Bridge 4-0 at the Pembrokeshire Sports Village.

The Wizards had not lost since the opening day of the season and they came up against a Rockspur side who had won their last three games.

There was an early chance for the Wizards as Fraser Finlay sent a free kick into the box but Joe Leahy saw his header pushed over by the visiting keeper.

Richard Jeremiah then looked to put his side ahead, getting to a rebound, but his effort was blocked wide by Bridge keeper James Dickson.

Rockspur then took the lead in spectacular style in the 21st minute. Ryan Hurlow ran into the box before cutting back and he curled a beautiful shot into the top right corner of the net.

With half an hour gone they made it 2-0. Chris Ormond was adjudged to have committed a foul in the box and a penalty was given. Ormond was booked before Sam Keefe stepped up to convert the spot kick.

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The WIzards looked to get back into the game and soon won a corner. The ball was cleared but only as far as Alfie Stottor but his shot on the volley was comfortably saved by Rockspur keeper Ben Parkin.

Just a minute later it was 3-0 to the visitors. Keefe saw a shot saved but the ball fell to Luke Chappell who tapped in despite calls of offside from the Bridge players.

In the 41st minute Merlins Bridge’s Finlay sent a cross into the box for Sam Christopher whose deft header was well saved by Parkin to keep the score at 3-0.

On the stroke of half time the visitors nearly added a fourth when Chappell sent an inviting cross into the box for Keefe but he saw his header hit the bar and bounce away to safety.

Keefe sees his header hit the bar

The Wizards knew they would need to start the second half well if they were to stand a chance of getting back into the game and progressing to the next round.

Finlay tried his luck for the home side but saw an effort blocked wide for a corner.

Minutes later, at the other end, Chappell set up Hurlow, who cut inside like he did for his goal, but this time he saw his shot blocked.

Rockspur then did make it four as Keefe recieved the ball on the edge of the box and he fired into the left side of the net to all but seal his side’s passage into the next round.

The Wizards did not give up and saw a shot from Stottor go over but they were unable to find the net.

Rockspur saw the game out and they will now look forward to their game in the third round of the West Wales Cup.

On Saturday, November 12, Rockspur return to league action in the Swansea Senior League with a home game against Division 1 leaders St Josephs.

Merlins Bridge are not in action next weekend due to other sides being involved in rearranged West Wales Cup matches.

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