Hakins class shines through in epic derby (From Western Telegraph)

Hakins class shines through in epic derby

Milford United 3 Hakin United 4

Hakin United proved why they are the current league champions on Saturday with an excellent victory over neighbours Milford United.

Played in perfect conditions, the sizeable crowd witnessed a thrilling game between two teams intent on playing attacking football.

Hakin were without inspirational skipper Gary Dawes and key defender Kristan Bennett for this clash yet they still possessed too much class for their battling neighbours who shocked the league leaders with an early goal courtesy of speedy striker Leighton Edwards.

It was no more than the home side deserved because they started the brighter of the two sides as they made use of a favourable slope and they were quicker and hungrier for the ball than the Vikings.

Edwards scored after a lapse in the Hakin defence allowed him to steal possession, round a few players and poke the ball into the back of the net despite the advances of Hakin keeper Jason Morgan.

This early set back appeared to jolt the visitors into playing the quick brand of football for which they are associated with and through the efforts Steve Mathias, who was playing against brothers Martin and Neil and Paul Jones, who was playing against brother Nick, they had their chances to score but found Andy Carridge in inspired form between the sticks for United.

Jones also hit the woodwork for the visitors while co striker Adi Haworth was also denied by a piece of Carridge brilliance.

Despite the visitors dominance, United hung in there and also had their chances with Nick Jones having the best opportunity after a piece of Edwards magic down the right, although he couldnt quite get enough power into the shot.

Hakin drew level after being awarded a free kick outside the box, which was taken by Paul Chapman. Despite Carridge being in good form he had no chance to stop the thunderous kick that sailed passed his outstretched arms like a rocket. It was a goal to grace any standard of football and virtually the last kick of an entertaining half.

Few people would have bet against the score remaining at 1-1 especially with the slope favouring Hakin in the second half and they quickly took the lead after being awarded a dubious penalty when Jamie Black was deemed to have brought Jones down illegally. Naturally Jones converted, much to the dismay of the home team supporters.

With their tails up Hakin heaped piles of pressure on United and quickly score their third through Adi Haworth after a mix up inside the box and Jones grabbed his second after Carridge brilliantly stopped Howarths powerful shot only to see the ace striker nip in to slam the ball home.

They were now playing some scintillating soccer but even so, United never gave up and had their chances too.

They reduced the deficit after Karl Rhead fouled Tom Carrington with Nick Jones converting the penalty and minutes later Leighton Edwards had a simple header to notch his second.

However, time was running out and Hakin were never going to let them in for another as their defence held firm.

This must go down as one of the most entertaining games of soccer seen in Pembrokeshire for a while and although the scoreline flattered United a little, they played their part in great game of football.

Milford United: Andy Carridge, Jamie Black, Neil Mathias, Andrew Burgoyne, Tom Carrington, Steve Kenyon, Terry Bevan, Leighton Edwards, Steve Warrender, Martin Mathias, Nick Jones. Subs: Adrian Roberts, Owen Thomas.

Hakin United: Jason Morgan, Adam La Rosa, Gerrard Gray, Karl Rhead, Paul Turner, Nigel Armstrong, Paul Jones, Paul Chapman, Joff Lennon, Steve Mathias, Adi Haworth. Subs: Mike Cooper, Greg Dalton.

Picture: Adi Haworth prepares to shoot on his way to scoring for Hakin.