Merlins Bridge 5

Saundersfoot Sports 0

Stuart Gray grabbed a brace to help Merlins Bridge defeat a spirited Saundersfoot Sports outfit at the Racecourse.

This win was the perfect tonic for Bernie Armstrong, in charge of Merlins Bridge for the first time. “We were outstanding in the first half,” he said. “I was pleased with the way that the team played and we killed them off with two further goals in the second half to secure a comfortable victory.”

This win pushes the champions back up to second spot, nine points behind leaders Hakin United, and the Wizards have a game in hand.

Stephen McNabney scored on 25 minutes, set up by good work from Dai Davies and Matthew D’Ivry, as the striker made no mistake from close range.

Brett Shakir buried a second when Peter Thomas played a good ball down the right for D’Ivry to cut back from the by-line.

On the stroke of the interval striker Gray placed his shot passed the outstretched Ben Evans.

On 75 minutes Gray was on target again with the fourth. The fifth was scored in spectacular fashion, referee Phil Gale allowing Bridge good advantage and substitute Ben Skudder finishing with a brilliant overhead kick from 18 yards out.

Sports player/manager Sam Coleman said: “They deserved to win as they were far sharper all over the pitch.”

Merlins Bridge: Gary Thomas, Peter Thomas, Paul Thomas, Simon Thomas, Simon Gilderdale, Matthew D’Ivry, Dai Davies, Gethin Roberts, Brett Shakir, Stephen McNabney, Stuart Grey. Subs: Lee Hudgell, Ben Skudder.

Saundersfoot Sports: Ben Evans, Sam Butler, Jake Marsh, Kevin Berry, Russel Evans, Dan Bates, Ryan Howells, Danny Caine, Rhys Hewson, Geoff Marsh, Nick Cope. Subs: Chris Milward, Dan Storer, Sam Coleman.

Referee: Phil Gale.