Hayes' strike keeps Goodwick on title trail (From Western Telegraph)

Hayes' strike keeps Goodwick on title trail

Pembrokeshire football league - Division One HERBRANDSTON 0 GOODWICK UNITED 1 A Barry Hayes goal just before half-time proved crucial in this tough clash at Herbrandston, and as a result this puts Goodwick United in a prime spot for a nerve-jangling run in for the title.

The Phoenix lads who convincingly beat Hakin United in the Senior Cup to reach the last four also have their sights very much focused on the league.

Sean O'Connor's outfit have three games in hand over leaders Monkton Swifts, and if they can win them then the championship is there's for the taking, plus a possible double is also on the cards.

A strong crossfield wind played havoc for both sets of players in this no-nonsense tussle. Herbie's striker Clive Marshallsay rattled Carl Woodhouse's post in the 10th minute, a real let off for the visitors.

Phil Frank's Herbie troops battled for every scrap of possession, and they really unsettled the visitors giving them them no space or room to manoeuvre on the ball.

However, just before the break a deft Rob Hughes cross from the left, fell invitingly for Barry Hayes to drill his shot beyond Martin Langdon from 12 yards allowing for the angle.

In the second period Herbie's Matthew Hearne struck Woodhouse's crossbar which just about summed up there luckless afternoon.

Moments later the visitors could have extended their lead when Rob Hughes' terrific shot was brilliantly tipped around the post by Langdon.

HERBRANDSTON: Martin Langdon, Adam Galdo, Carlo Giannuzzi, Richard Jenkins, Adrian Jenkins, Geraint James, Tim Roberts, Matthew Price, Steve Batty, AJ Galdo, Clive Marshallsay. SUBS: Matthew Hearne, Adrian Rees.

GOODWICK UNITED: Carl Woodhouse, Dai Hayes, Steve Blackford, Martyn Griffiths, Steve Evans, Nigel Delaney, Adam Raymond, Barry Hayes, Rob Hughes, Dan Williams, Mike Ahearne. SUBS: James Dean, Richard Morgan, Brian Morris.

REFEREE: Steve Walters.