Vikings win derby (From Western Telegraph)

Vikings win derby

Milford United 0 Hakin United 1 Hakin United overcame the challenge from their arch rivals Milford United in this rain affected local derby.

With only one point separating the two teams before kick-off both sides realised the importance a win would mean to either side clinching fourth spot in the table come the end of the season.

Heavy rain prior to kick off had left Marble Hall extremely wet, with large puddles across the pitch, this made playing conditions tricky.

In a traditionally physical encounter it was the Robins who started promisingly.

Nicky Woodrow's free kick found the target before bouncing off the chest of Hakin keeper Adrian Devonald who safely captured the rebound.

It was Milford who had the better of the chances in the first half with a succession of free kicks dangerously placed into the box.

Just before the interval Robins' striker Woodrow came closest to breaking the deadlock when his wicked low drive flashed past the post.

In the second half it was the visitors who came out the stronger of the two sides as they confidently attacked Milford's defence.

Substitute Steve Mathias created some good attacking moves. His fine cross found Gary Dawes who was well placed at the edge of the penalty area, but his mis-directed effort ballooned over the bar.

But the Vikings didn't have to wait long before they finally scored what turned out to be the winner.

Midfielder Shaun Mills drove the ball low and hard past outstretched Robins' keeper Steve Hartley.

Hakin continued to press and the home side were left sitting back defending for much of the second half.

Hakin were unlucky not to double their advantage when Kristan Bennett's dangerous cross into the box began to curl towards goal, an excellent dive from Steve Hartley tipped the ball safely over the bar denying Bennett.

The home side's best chance of equalising came ten minutes from time.

Woodrow was through on goal and just about to pull the trigger, but Vikings defender Ewan Findley's last ditch tackle saved the day.

Hakin United's win now consolidates their fourth position and Milford will feel unlucky not to have got anything from this clash after such a promising first half.

Milford United: Steve Hartley, Neil Mathias, Lee Broome, Anthony Patterson, William Goodhall, Matthew Charnley, James Stanmore, Terry Bevan, Chris Thompson, Nicky Woodrow, Lee McNeil. Subs: Andrew Turner, Lee Dennison, Andrew Burgoyne.

Hakin United: Adrian Devonald, Kristan Bennett, Gary Dawes, Ewan Findley, Chris Millich, Nigel Armstrong, Scott Davies, Aaron Owens, Daniel Lincoln, Shaun Mills, Mark Jones. Subs: Steve Mathias, Jonathan Bennett, Michael Cooper. Referee: Roy Boswell