Eddie Merry Cup semi-final:

Merlins Bridge 4-1 West Dragons

THERE was an early statement of intent for the season ahead from Merlins Bridge tonight (Tuesday) as they struck four times against the West Dragons at Tregroes to reach the final of the Eddie Merry Cup.

The Wizards deservedly led 10 minutes in through Ashley Beck, but Daniel Bryce levelled from the spot for the Dragons before the break.

But the outstanding Will Haworth curled in a second for the tournament holders after half time, before further goals from Nathan Greene and Adam Hawkins secured a comprehensive win for Nathan Thomas’ side.

Bridge could have been ahead inside two minutes when Hawkins played in Greene in the area, but the latter’s fierce left foot shot was tipped over the bar by Dragons keeper Ben Henton.

From the resultant corner, Greene was denied again as his header from Haworth’s cross was blocked on the line – but The Wizards were soon rewarded for their fast start.

Greene was again involved as his knock down teed up Ashley Beck, who drove a low shot past Henton.

The opening quarter felt like anything but a pre-season game as tackles flew in from both sides, with referee Sean O’Connor doing well to keep a lid on things, and it was from a rash challenge by Jack Christopher on Jordan Richards on the edge of the area that the Dragons had their first real opening – but Bryce’s free kick came to nothing.

At the other end, Greene continued to threaten, firstly firing over from close range after great work by Hawkins on the left, before latching onto a Peter Thomas through ball only to see his shot again pushed over by Henton.

But gradually, Matthew Price’s side came into the contest, and Bryce headed wide from a Jerome Mansbridge free kick, before Jake Davies hammered a 25 yard volley that flashed past the post.

And on 32 minutes they were level when Christopher brought down Richards in the area, and Bryce sent Bridge keeper Gary Thomas the wrong way with his penalty.

Will Haworth, who together with older brother Laurie caused the Dragons problems throughout, was then denied from close range by a great save from Henton, who then excelled again moments later to block a Hawkins header from point blank range.

There was still time for one more chance for The Wizards before the break, as Hawkins set up the younger Haworth, who fired against the outside of the post from a tight angle.

But having seemingly weathered the storm, it was The Dragons who made the brighter start to the second half and Jordan Williams twice went close – firstly seeing his effort blocked in a goalmouth scramble before firing just wide from the edge of the area.

However on 56 minutes, the reigning Senior Cup holders took command again when Haworth cut in from the right, and then curled a superb left foot effort into the far corner of Henton’s net from 20 yards out.

And five minutes later the scorer turned provider, whipping in a free kick from which Greene finally got his goal, heading in from six yards.

The Dragons tried to respond as Richards headed wide from a Tony Evans cross, before substitute Jordan Thomas fired narrowly over.

But after Greene skewed a shot wastefully wide after being played in by Will Haworth, Bridge did make it 4-1, and this time it was Laurie who did the creating as he surged forward and squared a pass to Hawkins, who drilled a first time shot into the bottom corner from just inside the box.

The brothers continued to exploit the space and Laurie set up Will in the area, but he could only shoot tamely at Henton – before The Dragons did muster a spell of pressure late on, with Jerome Mansbridge’s driven effort forcing Thomas into a low save.

It proved the final chance as Bridge set up a clash with Llandysul this Friday –after the Costcutter Ceredigion League champions booked their place in the final with a 5-2 win over hosts Fishguard on Monday.

The hosts actually led 2-1 at half time as a Ryan Howells strike and an own goal put them in front, either side of an Adrian Hazelby strike.

But Hazelby levelled matters for the visitors early in the second half, before Simon Davies and Terry Maynard added further Llandysul goals.

Skipper Ian Barrett then rounded off the win with a neat left footed volley.

Friday’s final will kick off 6.15pm at Tregroes.

Merlins Bridge: Gary Thomas, Matthew D’Ivry, Chris Ormond, Jack Christopher, Andrew John, Laurie Haworth, Peter Thomas, Ashley Beck, Will Haworth, Nathan Greene, Adam Hawkins.

Subs: Dai Davies, Jordan Raymond, Scott Murray.

West Dragons: Ben Henton, Dorian Davies, Lee Palmer, Nick Squire, Jerome Mansbridge, Jake Davis, Jordan Williams, Daniel Bryce, Daryl Mansbridge, Tony Evans, Jordan Richards.

Subs: Jordan Thomas, Matthew Price.

Referee: Sean O’Connor.

Assistants: Bernie Armstrong and Mark Cole.