Football - Pembrokeshire League Division One Merlins Bridge 2 Hakin United 1

Merlins Bridge snatched a dramatic victory virtually on the final whistle after luckless Hakin United's defender Tom Wheeler, under pressure, fired the ball into his own net.

It was a cruel blow for the Vikings, and they will feel very hard done by that they didn't get at least a point for their whole hearted efforts.

The visitors had the better of the first half, and they thoroughly deserved their one goal cushion at the break.

Aaron Owens and Daniel Lincoln linked well to set-up Michael Cooper in the box. The silky striker turned on a sixpence and sent three Bridge defenders the wrong way before comfortably dispatching past helpless Dai Smith.

In the second period the Wizards began to take the game to the visitors, and they were unlucky not to equalise in the 51st minute after Shaun Halpin fired agonisingly over the crossbar.

Peter Thomas rapped the post with a tremendous volley, and at that that point you just felt the equaliser was only just around the corner.

In the 65th minute Ben Skudder's goal bound shot was spilt by Hakin 'keeper Wayne Phillips, and it allowed Peter Thomas to follow-up and make absolutely no mistake with the rebound.

With time ebbing away a draw looked inevitable. That was until Simon Thomas nutmegged Hakin defender Paul Hood, and made good ground down the left wing.

Thomas' dangerous low hard cross into the six yard box saw poor old Wheeler fire the ball into his own net as he desperately tried to clear the danger.

Merlins Bridge player/manager Peter Thomas said: "We have really earned this win, and it's even sweeter that we did the job without our full squad."

"The Bridge played well, but I do feel we should have had a point," said Hakin boss Colin Fawcett.