Senior Cup Round 2: Monkton Swifts 3-2 Goodwick United

Monkton Swifts produced an excellent performance to secure victory and dump Goodwick United out of the Senior Cup at Monkton Lane.

Joe Lewis’ Swifts outfit grabbed first half goals through Chris Richards, Ben Steele and Tom Powell to take a commanding lead, but in the second period the Phoenix Lads hit back with goals by Steve Dockerty and Lee Hudgell but they couldn’t find an equaliser to force the tie into extra time – and Joe Lewis' side are now one of just two confirmed quarter finalists.

Despite Storm Callum causing havoc around the county at the weekend, remarkably the Monkton Lane surface looked superb.

The hosts took the lead on the ten minute mark. Goodwick keeper Patrick Hughes tipped a shot wide and from the resultant corner Chris Richards scored directly, using the elements to perfection.

On the 25 minute mark and the lively Swifts were awarded a penalty that Ben Steele coolly slotted past Hughes from 12 yards.

A couple of minutes later and the visitors were awarded a penalty themselves, but home keeper Michael Murray pulled off a cracking save to deny striker Jordan Griffiths.

On the half hour mark the hosts added a crucial third, when Paul Miller’s cross was glanced in by Thomas Powell.

A minute after the interval Jonny Horgan whipped in a cross from the right and Steven Dockerty stabbed home from close range.

Wayne O’Sullivan’s Phoenix Lads then got right back in the cup tie when they added a cracking second goal. Lee Hudgell controlled well and struck a hard low effort from 20 yards which flew in the bottom corner.

Goodwick pressed for an equaliser but the Swifts defended resolutely for the remainder and they were delighted to hold firm and reach the last eight.

“I’m absolutely ecstatic,” said Swifts manager Joe Lewis.

“They are a very good team, but we took our chances and I am thrilled we’re in the hat for the next round.”

Goodwick United manager Wayne O’Sullivan said: “Bitterly disappointed, but that’s football, best of luck to the Swifts.”

Monkton Swifts: Michael Murray, Ben Nicholas, Shaun Jones, Jake Seaton, Rhodri Davies, Blake James, Thomas Powell, Ben Steele, Chris Richards, Dylan Davies, Paul Miller. Subs: Ryan Griffiths, Shaun Donohoe, Adam Brown.
Goodwick United: Patrick Hughes, Steff Hayes, Wayne O’Sullivan, Scott Delaney, Llyr Tobin, Matty Delaney, Kieran O’Brien, Lee Hudgell, Steven Dockerty, Jonny Horgan, Jordan Griffiths. Subs: Rowan Nicholson, Tom Davies, Nigel Delaney.

Referee: Angus Scourfield.