Manderwood Pembrokeshire Football League fixtures for Saturday, January 6th:
Senior Cup quarter final (2pm):
Hakin United v Neyland
The Vikings pushed hard to get their game on against West Dragons last week - and it arguably backfired as they lost ground in the title race with a 0-0 draw.
And The Obs pitch is likely to be heavy again as they seek a Senior Cup semi final place at home to Neyland.
They will again be missing Nicky Woodrow, and Kristan Bennett will hope for more accuracy in attack than last weekend, with former Nomad Justin Harding again likely to lead the frontline.
The visitors meanwhile, can take encouragement from their 3-0 loss at Goodwick - a game where Geraint Rees and Mike Chandler had crucial chances, whilst Joe Charlton has a goal dissallowed.
The absence of Wayne Parry has affected their form, and although they have also missed keeper Patrick Hannon, 17-year-old George Incledon performed well at Phoenix Park.
It will be tough for The Nomads, and Hakin start favourites, but if Andrew Kemp's side can be organised and resolute, then the conditions could be a leveller.
Score prediction: Hakin United 3-1 Neyland
Division One (2.30pm):
Angle v Clarbeston Road
These two sides may be understandably rusty, with Angle having not played since December 16th, and Clarbie Road the week before that.
The latter's form continues to be up and down, but their ability to score goals, whilst at the same time be prone to conceding them - as produced some great contests.
A Ben Adams hat trick saw Angle return to form with a 4-1 win at Lamphey last time out, and they start 2018 with few fears of relegation.
If Clarbie click, and that is often the question with them, and the likes of Tom Reubens and Jason Griffiths pick up where they left off in 2017, then I'd fancy them here, albeit in a tight game.
Score prediction: Angle 1-2 Clarbeston Road
Carew v Narberth
We could have a cracker to start the year at the Recreation Ground as Carew host Narberth.
A month or so ago, it would have been The Rooks going in as clear favourites, but now they lie eighth whilst Narberth have surged to third courtesy of a recent run of eight straight league wins.
The Bluebirds have played three more games than their hosts mind, and finished 2017 with back to back losses against Goodwick and Merlins Bridge.
Carew had been stuttering after a great start before beating Angle 5-0 on December 9th, and it is their hat trick hero that day, Sam Christopher, who will again threaten tomorrow alongside the likes of brother Jack and Scott Ferney.
But through top scorer Dafydd Wright, Luke Raymond, Jordan Williams and Tony Evans, amongst others, the visitors' pack plenty of goal power themselves and I hope the weather doesn't spoil what could be a thriller - and a game I'm struggling to call.
Score prediction: Carew 3-3 Narberth
Goodwick United v Merlins Bridge
It's a massive game at Phoenix Park - and one which will have a big say in the outcome of the title.
Goodwick lead Bridge by five points, and a win here tomorrow would put clear daylight between them and The Wizards. On the contrary, a win for the away side, and suddenly their deficit is two points with a game in hand.
Both teams are unbeaten in the league which has been testament to their fitness and squad depth. Wayne O'Sullivan and brother Chris have The Phoenix Boys well drilled, fit and organised - and Nathan Thomas has achieved similar with Bridge.
Goodwick are still without top scorer Jordan Griffiths, but skipper Adam Raymond has slotted in seamlessly up front, and had two more goals last week in the win at Neyland. I expect they will keep their back five, in which youngster Iestyn Evans has been impressive.
Bridge have also been solid and organised at the back, which has allowed the likes of Will Haworth and Luke Hayward to flourish in midfield, with Nathan Greene and Adam Hawkins a potent partnership up front.
It should be close and could go either way - but by virtue of the fact they are at home, and had 90 minutes under their belts last week while The Wizards were called off, I'll tilt unconvincingly towards Goodwick.
Score prediction: Goodwick United 0-1 Merlins Bridge
Herbrandston v West Dragons
It has not been an easy season for The Dragons - but they deserve great credit for the way they have dug in last two games - winning 6-3 against Milford before a creditable 0-0 draw at Hakin on Saturday.
Under Chris Edwards, they were organised and determined, and became the first team in league or cup action to keep a clean sheet against The Vikings all season. They could even have won it had Scott Crawford's late effort not crashed off the bar.
With their new found momentum, I'd fancy them tomorrow against a Herbie team that has not played for four weeks - and not picked up a league point since November 4th.
In reality, Oliver West will need a full strength side out for a game his side simply have to win to have any chance of making up the 11 point gap between them and safety.
For that reason, I think the home side will come out fired up, but I fear that may not be enough for them.
Score prediction: Herbrandston 2-3 West Dragons
Milford United v Lamphey
Another side deep in relegation trouble are Milford, who like Herbie, have just four points.
And like their neighbours, they simply have to win tomorrow against a Lamphey side that picked up a great win at Pennar on Saturday.
Adrian Hutchings' side have been able to blood youngsters this season, with Lewis Tee one of many to show real promise, but although that bodes well for the future it seems unlikely they will still be in the top flight come May.
Lamphey have not had the easiest of seasons but have taken six points from a possible nine, with goals from Nico Morrison and Mikey Davies giving them that vital win on Saturday, as Dano Kitts also impressed in midfield.
As always, I expect Milford to battle, but suspect The Stags will move another big step closer to safety.
Score prediction: Milford United 0-2 Lamphey
Pennar Robins v Monkton Swifts
When these sides met on the opening day it was Monkton who won 5-0 with a Thomas Powell hat trick - but I'm certain it won't be as one sided this time.
Both teams have come through tricky periods this season, but it is The Swifts who are five points clear of their rivals in the table having played two games less.
And if James Russell is available and firing, I'd back them to edge the derby against a Pennar team who have lost their last two league games.
Chris Lloyd's side are capable though, and if they can rediscover the form that saw them take 16 points from 18 earlier in the campaign, then they'll have every chance.
Score prediction: Pennar Robins 2-3 Monkton Swifts
Division Two (2.30pm):
Lawrenny v Fishguard Sports
Llangwm v Letterston
Merlins Bridge II v Hundleton
Prendergast Villa v Kilgetty
Saundersfoot Sports v Hakin United II
Solva v St Ishmaels
St Clears v Johnston
Division Three (2.30pm):
Clarbeston Road II v Camrose
Narberth II v Manorbier United
Pembroke Boro v Carew II
Pendine v Milford United II
Pennar Robins II v Goodwick United II
St Florence v Milford Athletic
West Dragons II v Broad Haven
Division Four (2.30pm):
Fishguard Sports II v Llangwm II
Kilgetty II v Lamphey II
Monkton Swifts II v Angle II
Division Four Cup Round One (2pm):
Broad Haven II v Herbrandston II
St Ishmaels II v St Clears II
Division Five (2.30pm)
Camrose II v Lawrenny II
Hundleton II v Milford United III
Johnston II v Cosheston AFC
Letterston II v Pembroke Boro II
Division Five Cup Round One (2pm):
Milford Athletic II v Saundersfoot Sports II
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