Division One:

Merlins Bridge 0-1 Goodwick United

A FIRST half goal from Rhys Dalling ensured Goodwick backed up Saturday’s Senior Cup victory with a vital league win against Merlins Bridge at The Racecourse tonight.

Dalling volleyed home at the near post from a Chris O’Sullivan corner 25 minutes in – but the Phoenix Boys then endured a nervy second half as Bridge pressed for a leveller.

The visitors threatened inside a minute when Dalling found space on the left edge of the area and clipped a shot onto the top of the bar.

But aside from that, it was defences on top during the opening quarter before O’Sullivan, on for the injured Kieran O’Brien, delivered an in-swinging corner and Dalling ghosted to the front post and made no mistake from close range.

The Wizards almost responded immediately when Lee Hudgell’s curling left footed shot was beaten away by Goodwick keeper James Gwilt, and Dai Davies picked up the rebound and flashed his effort just past the far post.

Steffan Williams then missed a golden chance to double Goodwick’s lead when he blazed over after a probing run and pass from O’Sullivan – and just before the break, The Wizards wasted their best opening when Chris Ormond’s determination set up Steve McNabney in the area, who cut inside but was also too high with his effort.

And early in the second half, the home side enjoyed their best spell as skipper Matthew D’Ivry was wide with an acrobatic effort – and McNabney saw his 20-yard drive parried away by Gwilt.

Stuart Gray had a shot blocked from close range after being teed up by Davies – but Goodwick also threatened on the break when substitute Johnny Horgan and Dalling combined, only for Horgan to skew his volleyed effort wide from ten yards out.

The Phoenix Boys had another chance to seal it when Wayne O’Sullivan’s quick free kick set up Dalling – whose scuffed effort beat Bridge keeper Adam James but came back off the post.

Nigel Delaney’s men then endured a tense finish as Bridge threw men forward, and Simon Thomas flashed a left foot shot inches over from the edge of the area.

But the visitors held on for a vital three points, made all the more important by virtue of the fact title rivals Hakin United won 5-1 at home to Johnston at The Obs.

And despite a fifth straight league defeat, caretaker Bridge boss Nathan Thomas would have been encouraged by the way his side pushed the league leaders all the way.

Both sides are back in action on Thursday, with Goodwick going to Milford United and Bridge hosting Tenby.

In tonight’s other games, Carew pulled away from the bottom two with a 3-1 win over St Clears, and Narberth won 3-1 away at rivals Tenby.

Merlins Bridge: Adam James, Kevin Phillips (Andrew John 60), Chris Ormond, Paul Thomas, Richard James, Lee Hudgell, Dai Davies, Matthew D’Ivry (captain), Simon Thomas, Steve McNabney, Stuart Gray (Peter Thomas 70).

Sub not used: Owain Cochran.

Goodwick United: James Gwilt, Stefan Hayes, Darren Devonald, Wayne O’Sullivan, Scott Delaney, Steven Dockerty, Jordan Griffiths, Kieran O’Brien (Chris O’Sullivan 5 – Johnny Horgan 55), Rhys Dalling, Steffan Williams.

Sub not used: Rob Morgans.

Referee: Alan Boswell.