Hakin succeed in muddy battle (From Western Telegraph)

Hakin succeed in muddy battle

Hakin United 4 Saundersfoot Sports 0

Cup games and poor weather are renowned for being great levellers in sport, and when you combine both, this certainly proves to be true. Saturday's West Wales Intermediate cup clash between Hakin and Saundersfoot Sports, was the only top level football game in the county and for the first half at least, it was a durable battle between two determined sides.

Saundersfoot belied their position at the bottom end of the First Division table and gave Hakin a fright or two during the first 50 minutes of the game. They battled, harassed, tackled and passed the ball with a determination which showed that they are a side capable of avoiding relegation this season and but for a lack of confidence in front of goal, they could have gone into the interval a couple of goals to the good.

Hakin meanwhile, were sometimes rattled by this display and although they never looked in danger of losing the game, it took until the second half for them to edge their way in front.

For this they had Sean Mills to thank for their second half dominance. Making use of the driest part of the ground, he commanded the right flank like general and showed why he is so highly rated by all at the Obs.

His vision at times was exemplary and his passing and running off the ball a joy to watch as he mesmerised the visiting defence, but it could have been so much different.

Before the break, Saundersfoot had a couple of gilt edged chances to score with Mickie Beynon breaking through the Hakin defence on a couple of occasions and if he had the confidence to shoot with his left foot, he would possibly have scored.

At the other end of the pitch, Paul Jones and Leighton Edwards were causing their usual havoc, but the towering presence of Sports' 'keeper Craig Reardon kept any scoring chances at bay.

Following the break and the tide changed as Hakin started to influence their control.

Mills and Steve Mathias combined well and this proved difficult to defend against as was highlighted when a failed clearance was netted in by Jones.

Mills was at it again for the second when a clever chip into the box was again poorly dealt with and Marc Devonald scored with a powerful looping header.

At one stage it looked as if Saundersfoot might claw their way back into the game. Daniel Caine had a couple of good chances but he was well tackled by the Hakin defence and Mickie Beynon had an excellent one on one chance which Jason Morgan did well to save.

These chances obviously affected the vistitors' concentration as Hakin scored two late goals, the first by Steve Mathias and the second by Kristan Bennett but Saundersfoot left with their pride intact and Hakin move into the next round.