Wizards hold on for hard-fought victory

9:28am Wednesday 1st October 2008

Merlins Bridge 3.

Narberth 2.

Champions Merlins Bridge edged out Narberth to pick up their third victory of the campaign, writes Gordon Thomas.

Amazingly, all the goals came in the opening 45 minutes, and in the second period Narberth can feel a little disappointed that they didn’t come away with at least a draw.

The hosts took an early fourth minute lead, striker Michael Canton’s drive from the edge of the box came off the foot of the post, central midfielder Simon Thomas followed up to quickly fire home the rebound.

Morgan Preece came close to scoring an equaliser, but his wicked shot skimmed the top of Ian Kerrison’s crossbar.

In-form striker Michael Canton struck his side’s second from the edge of the box in the 23rd minute.

Straight from the kick off the visitors replied when gritty midfielder Raff Barnett scored with a cheeky back-heel.

Stephen McNabney scored a quality third goal for the Wizards. Cutting in from the right and unleashing an unstoppable 20-yarder that screamed into the back of the net. Once again Narberth clawed their way back within a minute, a quality cross into the area left Harry Allen, with plenty of time and space to make no mistake at the far post.

In the second period both sides created scoring chances, but neither could take them, and it left managerless Merlins Bridge holding on for three precious points.

Merlins Bridge: Ian Kerrison, Ben Field, Paul Thomas, Chris Ormond, Ross Williams, Robbie Waters, Simon Thomas, Peter Thomas, Sean Halpin, Stephen McNabney, Michael Canton. Subs: Matthew D’Ivry, Tony Jones.

Narberth: Christian Phillips, Liam Woodford, Kyle Quartermaine, Adrian Howells, Harry Allen, Raff Barnett, Morgan Preece, Richie Adams, Ashley Williams, Adie Jones, Jordan Williams. Subs: Codie Clews, Liam Woodford, Josh Layzell.

Referee: Alan Boswell.