Eddie Merry Cup final:

Merlins Bridge 1-2 Llandysul

A GOAL on the brink of half time from Llandysul's Adrian Hazelby secured the Eddie Merry Cup for Llandysul as they overcame Merlins Bridge at Tregroes Park, Fishguard, last night (Friday).

The Costcutter Ceredigion League champions took an early lead through Lewis Jones, before Adam Hawkins swiftly levelled matters for The Wizards.

But after Hazelby restored the lead, his side then withstood some fierce pressure from Nathan Thomas' side to secure the pre-season trophy.

Things started well for the Cardiganshire side as Jones put them ahead 10 minutes in with a back post header.

But within moments Bridge were level as Steve McNabney teed up Hawkins, who made no mistake from six yards out.

Hawkins and Luke Hayward were then both narrowly off target with chances as Bridge pressed, but Llandysul looked threatening on the break and two minutes before half time, they were back ahead.

Hazelby got on the end of a long ball in the area and although his first effort was well saved by Bridge keeper Gary Thomas, he made no mistake with the rebound.

The Wizards made their intentions clear early in the second half as they pushed for an equaliser, with Laurie Haworth having a 20-yard shot tipped over the bar.

Ashley Beck had a free kick tipped around the post, and from the resultant corner, a scramble ensued that saw the ball cleared off the line.

And the frustration for Bridge continued with 15 minutes left, when a Hawkins cross was met by the head of Jack Christopher - but he too was denied by a goal-line clearance.

The Wizards continued to our forward but were met by some resolute defence, and it was Llanydul who were able to hang on for a narrow win.

Merlins Bridge: Gary Thomas, Andrew John, Chris Ormond, Jack Christopher, Laurie Haworth, David Davies, Ashley Beck, Luke Hayward, Joey George, Steve McNabney, Adam Hawkins.

Subs: Simon Thomas, Scott Murray, Will Haworth.

Referee: Helmut Reinhardt.

  • Also last night, in the Weaver Callan Memorial Cup, home side Monkton Swifts beat Pennar Robins in the final, thanks to two second half goals from Matthew Davies
  • The Micky Thomas Memorial Cup meanwhile, went the way of Carew as they beat hosts Clarbeston Road 3-2 - with goals for The Rooks coming from Morgan Scourfield and Scott Ferney (2).