Narberth real title contenders (From Western Telegraph)

Narberth real title contenders

Pembrokeshire Football League - Division One HAKIN 1 NARBERTH 2

IT WAS a tale of two subs on Saturday as Narberth scrambled out of the Obs' clinging to all three points, writes Emma Jones.

Despite both teams being gifted with a goal from their replacements, it was Barry Walters' in-form side who won the battle and kept hot on the heels of Monkton Swifts.

On a pitch more bobbly than a worn-out sweater, the home-side created a hatful of chances that should have seen them well in front by half-time.

The best came after 22 minutes when midfield puppeteer Postlethwaite found an unmarked Devonald, who fired over from six yards.

After the break, Narberth settled in and steadily exerted some influence, Richard Nash squandered a glorious chance on 55, after blasting wide in front of an open goal.

The match looked to be heading for a draw, but in a frenetic five-minutes the game turned on its head, firstly thanks to Narberth sub Matthew Lloyd, who broke free in the box to rifle home.

Not surprisingly, Hakin lost their cool, racking up a series of reckless challenges before giving away a penalty, which keeper Morgan saved from an unconvincing Raff Barnett shot. With the game threatening to boil over, a predictable red finally came.

Hakin's last man Bruce Whisby, brought down Barnett, who teased and tested the defence all afternoon.

Ten-man Hakin did briefly come back with seven minutes to go, when second-half substitute, Scott Davies's low drive crept in under the keeper.

But two minutes later the pendulum swung back in the away side's favour, with Nash making up for his earlier miss to safely score and see Narberth head home with a vital win.