Pembrokeshire Football League Division One:

Hakin United 7-2 Neyland

A RELENTLESS attacking display from Hakin United took them to within a win of effectively regaining the Division One title as they brushed Neyland aside at The Obs last night (Tuesday).

First half goals from Craig Nicholson and Nicky Woodrow put the home side in control at the break, and although former Viking Justin Harding and Wayne Parry both struck for The Nomads after half time – Woodrow scored again alongside braces from Gareth Fawcett and Adam John to seal a comprehensive win.

The result means if Kristan Bennett’s men win any one of their last three games, starting with Carew at home on Saturday, then only Merlins Bridge can match their final points tally – but even then Hakin’s vastly superior goal difference would still see them crowned champions.

The intent of Bennett’s side was evident from the off as despite starting with 10 men due to the late arrival of James Stanmore, they were almost ahead two minutes in when away keeper Patrick Hannon had to leap to his right to push away Fawcett’s powerful left footed drive.

The striker then headed straight at Hannon from Woodrow’s cross, before Stanmore’s cut back was met by winger Adam John, but he failed to make a proper connection with his shot from close range.

Fawcett then forced his way past Neyland defender Paul Hannon and went through on goal, but Paul’s brother Patrick was quickly off his line to make a smart block.

The one way traffic continued as this time Woodrow went clean through, and his effort was saved again by Hannon, but bounced back off Hakin’s top scorer and rolled towards the net – only to be cleared off the line by Joe Durrant.

But on 31 minutes, Hakin finally broke down The Nomads, as John’s corner was partially cleared as far as Nicholson, who did well to control his volley from the edge of the area and make it 1-0.

And just 60 seconds later Woodrow doubled the lead, latching onto a Fawcett flick on and driving a shot home off the underside of the bar.

Fawcett then headed a Woodrow cross against the woodwork – before Neyland had their only moment of real threat in the first half as Sean Hannon’s punt forward found Geraint Rees, and although Hakin keeper Steve Hartley was stranded out of his goal, the youngster wasn’t able to capitalise.

But despite their dominance, the half ended on a sour note for Hakin as right back Jimmy Walker was forced off with a serious looking shoulder injury after a seemingly innocuous challenge between him and Rees.

Two minutes into the second half, and the visitors struck with their first shot on target, as Harding beat Hartley to a bouncing ball and poked a shot home from just inside the area.

However, hopes of a Neyland revival were quashed when three minutes later Fawcett powered a header into the top of the net from Stanmore’s cross, and moments afterwards Woodrow did the same from John’s whipped free kick.

And on 57 minutes it was 5-1, as Woodrow returned the favour by teeing up John to curl a low shot into the corner from 15 yards.

John, who has enjoyed a superb first season at The Obs, was at it again eight minutes later, dispossessing Paul Hannon and making no mistake when clean through on goal.

Woodrow narrowly missed out on his hat trick when he nodded against the bar, while Fawcett blasted over from close range – before Neyland did grab a second goal on 72 minutes as Andrew Davies played in Parry, who finished well from inside the area.

At the other end, it was Fawcett who rounded off the scoring 13 minutes from time with a delightful angled chip from the right edge of the box – although there was still time for him to miss a golden chance of a treble as he glanced wide with the goal at his mercy.

Woodrow also hit the bar again with another flicked header, but The Vikings would have been more than satisfied with their night’s work as despite news of 4-3 wins for Merlins Bridge and West Dragons, against Tenby and Pennar Robins respectively, their title destiny is very much in their own hands.

Hakin United: Steve Hartley, Jimmy Walker (Allistair Robertson 44), Bradley Barrett, Daniel Armstrong, Gareth Fawcett, Nathan Banner, James Stanmore, Craig Nicholson (Ben Aldred 66), Adam John, Steve Mathias (Dean Fulton 75), Nicky Woodrow.

Neyland: Patrick Hannon, Joe Durrant, Scott Jones, Paul Hannon, Sean Hannon, Henry Durrant, Patrick Bellerby, Wayne Parry, Geraint Rees, Andrew Davies (Chris Smith. 79), Justin Harding. Sub not used: Jarred Campbell.

Referee: Kevin Milich.

Division One results:

Carew 3-3 Angle

Hakin United 7-2 Neyland

Johnston 0-6 Goodwick United

Merlins Bridge 4-3 Tenby

West Dragons 4-3 Pennar Robins

Division Two results:

Fishguard Sports 2-0 Saundersfoot Sports

Herbrandston 1-2 Clarbeston Road

Hundleton 3-2 Prendergast Villa

St Ishmaels 3-1 St Clears

Division Three results:

Narberth II 0-5 Kilgetty

Pendine 1-4 Camrose

Pennar Robins II 1-4 Milford Athletic