West Dragons 2

Merlins Bridge 2

STEPHEN McNabney’s late strike salvaged a draw for ten-man Merlins Bridge at derby rivals West Dragons.

After a goalless first-half, things certainly livened up in the goal scoring stakes in the second period.

In form striker McNabney scored the opener directly from a free kick from just outside the box. A low drive beat keeper Dan Birch at his right-hand post.

Jordan Thomas equalised with a far post header from a Ewan Cunningham corner, as the Dragons put the Wizards under pressure Joey Brill struck a wicked shot that smashed against Carl Woodhouse’s crossbar.

The Dragons did deservedly take the lead when some excellent work down the right by Niall Kinsella led to the goal, he whipped in a cross that Jamie Palmer bravely challenged and the ball broke for Bradley Barret to slot in at the near post.

Matters got worse for the visitors as Nathan Thomas was sent off for receiving a second yellow from referee Sean O’Connor, but McNabney struck late to earn a point when all looked lost for the Wizards.

West Dragons: Dan Birch, Jordan Thomas, Lee Palmer, Ian Harriers, Niall Kinsella, Joey Brill, Gethin Roberts, Jamie Palmer, Simon Ellis, Ewan Cunningham, Bradley Barrett. Subs: Johnny Horgan, Jamie Ashman.

Merlins Bridge: Carl Woodhouse, Matthew D’Ivry, Paul Thomas, Nathan Thomas, Lee Hudgell, Peter Thomas, Jonathan Sable, Dai Davies, Daniel Bryce, Jordan Raymond, Stephen McNabney. Subs: Dave Rees, Simon Thomas, Nathan Greene.

Referee: Sean O’Connor.