Pembrokeshire League First Division MONKTON SWIFTS 4 - GOODWICK UNITED 1

MONKTON Swifts closed the gap to just two points at the top of the table after a good second half display earned them a deserved victory over Goodwick United, writes Gordon Thomas.

League leaders Hakin United slipped up as they lost 3-1 at home to third placed St Ishmaels and the champions took full advantage as the title race hots up, plus they have the comfort of two games in hand over the Vikings.

The scores were level at one goal apiece at half-time and in the second period the champions upped the tempo as they dominated proceedings and went on to score three goals without reply.

The home side got off to a dream start when they opened the scoring in the eighth minute. Lee Jones' cross from the right fell perfectly for striker Stephen Davies to send his six yard right foot volley crashing into the net.

Davies, Paul Lowe and skipper Dai Patterson had chances to put the Swifts further ahead, but all three were guilty of spurning their opportunities.

Five minutes before the interval the visitors were awarded a direct free-kick on the edge of the 18 yard area. Striker Rob Couzens drilled his effort low and hard through the wall and past the outstretched clutches of Craig Reardon.

Swifts manager Benno Jones' obviously fired some harsh words at his team during the half-time sermon and this must have certainly done the trick.

Paul Lowe drilled his effort through a crowded area to give his side the lead. Lee Jones got the third as he swung-in direct from a corner. Then with only five minutes remaining Richard Hughes powerfully headed in from 12 yards to complete the scoring.

MONKTON SWIFTS: Craig Reardon, Ben Nicholas, Paul Jarvis, Richard Hughes, Paul Lowe, Ben Jones, Jamie Callan, Dai Patterson, Stephen Davies, Lee Jones, Darren Shaw. SUBS: Daniel Hart, Ben Goldsmith, Daniel Scourfield.

GOODWICK UNITED: Carl Woodhouse, Martin Griffiths, Alan Davies, Antony Couzens, Paul Bartlett, Daniel Bellis, Steve Evans, James Dean, Lee Burrows, Robert Couzens, Dai Hayes. SUB: Steve Evans.

REFEREE: Alan Boswell.