Villa battle hard but Wizards take the spoils (From Western Telegraph)

Villa battle hard but Wizards take the spoils

Football Division One

Merlins Bridge 2 Prendergast Villa 0

Usually, two teams playing in a derby game, together with a strong breeze fail to produce a good game of football, but Saturday's match on the Racecourse between Merlins Bridge and Prendergast Villa was an exception.

There may not have been a load of clear cut chances, there may only have been two goals, but the work rate of both sides coupled with an abrasive approach was enough to satisfy the hardy bunch of supporters who turned up to watch.

Merlins Bridge deserved to win this game. That's not to say that Villa were totally outplayed, they gave it their all and never shirked out of a tackle but the Wizards were just a little too good on the day.

They were unlucky not to score as Simon Thomas had a close range shot cleared off the line by Tom Goring with just five minutes gone.

Fortunately for him the miss wasn't costly as Steve Britton was denied putting the visitors into the lead when Trevor Wright brought off a remarkable save with is feet. The goalless first half quickly made way for the second and after 51 minutes the Bridge were a goal up.

Jamie Gilderdale delivered a delightful pass to Simon Thomas who was sprinting down the left. He in turn crossed the ball in and Hudgell slammed the ball in from close range for a wonderful goal.

Darren O'Leary should have equalised but he skied the ball over the bar from close range and that was virtually Villa's only chance of the half. Gilderdale got on the act for the decisive goal when he split the Villa defence with a lovely pass and Hudgell did the rest to seal a good day for him and a good day for the Wizards.

Merlins Bridge: Trevor Wright, Chris Ormond, Jamie Gilderdale, Peter Thomas, Simon Gilderdale, Brett Shakir, Kevin Phillips, Karl Mason, Lee Hudgell, Nathan Thomas, Simon Thomas; Subs: Peter Jones, James Skudder.

Prendergast Villa: Dai Smith, Guy White, Dean Flood, Tom Goring, Steffan Ateyo, Damian Ellis, Michael Ateyo, Simon Ateyo, Darren O'Leary, Steve Britton, Jason Disley; Subs: Riath Al-Samurrai, Josh Arnold.