Hakin United 3

Goodwick United 3

HAKIN United were deservedly crowned Division One champions following a dramatic three-all draw with Goodwick United at The Obs.

 

The Vikings came into this clash needing a point to secure their third successive title, Gary Dawes’ Vikings lost 4-2 at Phoenix Park a few weeks ago, and were three-up and breezing to victory, but the Phoenix Lads mounted a thrilling comeback to level matters and also had a late goal disallowed ruled out for offside as the Vikings stayed firm to claim victory and the coveted title.

 

The visitors played into the strong wind and should have taken the lead in the first minute when Jonny Horgan's cross from the right was met by Lewis Banks, completely unmarked six yards out; his header was brilliantly tipped over the crossbar by James Manson.

 

Nigel Delaney’s men defended deeply and were very dangerous on the break with Horgan causing Nathan Banner problems down the right.

 

The Vikings could have taken the lead in the 25th minute, when a cross from the left was met at the far post by Justin Harding whose effort struck the post. Just before the interval Nicky Woodrow found space on the right and his fierce shot from 15 yards found the net despite Dean Hopson getting a hand to it. Within two minutes the Vikings doubled their lead as Adam Davies unmarked ten yards out, turned and shot right footed into the corner.

The visitors had the benefit of the wind and within the first five minutes of the restart they had a free kick 35 yards out that Rob Morgans took, he beat Manson but his effort rebounded off the crossbar.

 

Hopson was called upon to make a couple of saves from Harding and Davies. In the 70th minute the Vikings added their third goal, when they broke quickly and Woodrow hammered the ball past Hopson from 15 yards.

 

Hakin continued to look dangerous on the break and Hopson was called upon to prevent Jonty Bennett scoring when he burst into the box.

 

Goodwick then pulled a goal in the 75th minute when Morgans broke through and kept his composure to slot the ball past Manson. Two minutes later and Morgans scored directly from a corner to get his team back in the game.

 

In the 82nd minute the Vikings levelled matters when a Horgan cross from the right found Dalling who headed into the left hand corner. Two minutes later another Horgan cross found Dalling, who headed the ball past the near post.

 

Two minutes from the end and Dalling did find the net with a tremendous shot, but the effort was ruled out for offside. Referee Angus Scourfield who had an excellent game blew the final whistle to confirm Hakin United’s  well deserved third league title on the trot.

Pembrokeshire Football League Association secretary Michael Phillips presented the trophy and medals at the end of the game, he ongratulated Hakin United on winning the title and  also praised the squad for their terrific run in the FAW Trophy this season, where they bowed out at the semi-final stage.