Hakin United 3

Merlins Bridge 2

Division One champions Hakin United deservedly picked up the Jubilee Bowl at the expense of Senior Cup holders Merlins Bridge, in a highly competitive clash at the Bridge Meadow.

This game is the annual curtain raiser before the Pembrokeshire Football League will officially kick-off in earnest next week.

Kristan Bennett’s Vikings were the hungrier of the two sides on the night, whilst Nathan Thomas’ Wizards created chances, but despite scoring two late goals, left it too late, despite a spirited fightback.

The champions led 2-0 at half time, thanks to goals from Ryan Wilson and Nicky Woodrow, and in the second half, the Vikings bagged a third, following a stunning 20-yard volley from Wilson, for his second goal on the night.

The Wizards fought back with two late consolation goals through Luke Hayward and Nathan Greene.

Early on, Hakin United’s Justin Harding fired a vicious edge of the area volley straight at Wizards’ goalkeeper Gary Thomas.

Wizards’ Nathan Greene rounded keeper Adrian Devonald, struck a firm right footed effort that Vikings’ defender Bradley Barrett bravely blocked on the goal line.

Wilson struck a fierce effort that keeper Thomas fumbled, as The Vikings pressed strongly for the opener.

On the 25 minute mark The Vikings broke the deadlock, Wilson fired home from 12 yards as Thomas failed to hold on as the ball crossed the line.

Bridge’s midfielder Ashley Beck struck a rising 20-yard shot that flew over the crossbar.

Five minutes before the break, and The Vikings added a second goal, striker Woodrow volleyed home from close range, a move that involved Craig Nicholson and Harding, to give The Vikings a deserved two-goal cushion at half time.

The Vikings started brightly in the second period, and should have added a third in the 59th minute, busy left sided midfielder John squeezed through two strong challenges from defenders Chris Ormond and Matthew D’Ivry, with only Thomas to beat, he then slid a low shot into the side-netting.

Minutes later, and The Vikings added a cracking third goal, Wilson striking an instinctive volley crashing into the top corner to put his side in command.

However, there was a late twist when The Wizards pulled two goals back in the space of a couple of minutes, substitute Hayward nodded in the first, and Laurie Haworth’s through ball fell to Adam Hawkins, saw the striker’s by-line cross fell invitingly for Greene to hammer home from close range for their second, and setting up a tense finish.

But it was a classic case of too little too late as far as The Bridge were concerned, and Hakin held firm for the remainder to record a sweet victory over their arch rivals.

After the game, Hakin United skipper Nicky Woodrow received the Jubilee Cup from Pembrokeshire League Chairman Steve Briers.

Prior to kick off both teams observed a minute’s applause for former Hakin United Chairman Raymond Young, who has sadly died.

Hakin United: Adrian Devonald, Jimmy Walker, Bradley Barrett, Daniel Armstrong, Craig Nicholson, Justin Harding, Ryan Wilson, Nicky Woodrow, James Stanmore, Adam John. Subs: Ben Fawcett, Shane Walsh, Ben Steele.

Merlins Bridge: Gary Thomas, Chris Ormond, Andrew John, Peter Thomas, Simon Thomas, Matthew D’Ivry, Will Haworth, Ashley Beck, Adam Hawkins, Nathan Greene, Laurie Haworth. Subs: Joey George, David Davies, Luke Hayward.

Referee: Roy Boswell.

Assistants: Sean O’Connor & Alan Boswell.