Depleted Hakin get back to winning ways (From Western Telegraph)

Depleted Hakin get back to winning ways

Hakin United 2 Monkton 0

Referee: Jonathan Twigg

Hakin United returned to winning ways with a comfortable enough win against a Monkton Swifts outfit which never gave up despite being territorial underdogs - and although this wasnt a vintage Hakin performance it was reasonable in view of the fact that they were without several key players and manager Chris Tansey, all going AWOL at the wedding of sponge man Mike Nukie Thomas.

A bumpy pitch and a ball carried on the strong wind always meant that good football was at a premium, although both sides deserve credit for not trying to adapt a kick and rush approach, with the Swifts cajoled into solid resistance from the touchline by manager Benno Jones, looking very slimline and eager to return to action after his recent suspension.

The Vikings had Greg Dalton at the helm and from the start they played into the elements with conviction, Ade Haworth, Paul Chapman, Steve Mathias and Andrew Postlethwaite were strong in midfield but the clear-cut chances were few and far between as Swifts had Jonathan Hangar and Chrissie Manning at the heart of their defence and keeper Wayne Glider Reynolds controlling his box well, making good saves from Joff Lennon and Mike Cooper.

But the Swifts had the best chance of a goalless first half when a cross from Terrence Kingdom gave striker Mike Canton a headed chance from six yards which he put wide when a goal appeared more likely.

The second half followed a similar pattern as the Vikings had the better of the chances but werent able to turn their superiority into goals until Andrew Postlethwaite broke the deadlock with a corker of a goal.

It stemmed from a good move initiated by classy defender Karl Rhead from which Steve Mathias had his shot pushed around the post by Reynolds - who also parried Mathiass ensuing corner out of the box before being left helpless as Possie half-volleyed the rebound with such power that it literally bulged the net at the changing rooms end.

As the Vikings poured forward in search of a second there were other good saves by Reynolds from a Chapman shot and a Cooper drive after he had shown his neat touches.

The Swifts brought on Stu Midgeley, Lee Gilpin and Lee Jones in an attempt at snatching a draw but Hakin made sure of the three points when Joff Lennon cleverly turned his marker and drilled the ball home from eight yards.

There were neat performances from Adam La Rosa, Kristan Bennett and Haworth as Hakin finished still pushing forward but the Swifts deserve credit for sticking to the task, with Aaron Butland, Paul Webb, Canton, Gilpin and Daniel Harts all being youngsters who will serve the Swifts well in the future.

Hakin United: Jason Morgan: Gerrard Grey; Karl Rhead; Kristan Bennett; Adam La Rosa: Ade Haworth; Andrew Postlethwaite; Paul Chapman; Steve Mathias: Mike Cooper; Joff Lennon. Subs: Dai Malloy; Greg Dalton.

Monkton Swifts: Wayne Reynolds: Aaron Butland; Jonathan Hangar; Chrissie Manning; Terrence Kingdom: Paul Lacey; James Archer; Paul Webb; Daniel Harts: Mike Canton; Barry Dilworth. Subs: Stu Midgeley; Lee Jones; Lee Gilpin.