Division 1: Clarbeston Road 2-3 Merlins Bridge 

MATTHEW D’Ivry scored a late winner for Merlins Bridge who can count themselves rather fortunate as brave Clarbeston Road came from two down to level matters and it looked as if they had secured a point.

Adam Hawkins and Lee Hudgell struck in the first period, but back came Clarby as Charlie George and Greg Brown struck to square matters, but D’Ivry scored in the 84th minute to settle matters.

Playing with a gale force wind at their backs The Wizards had the lion’s share of possession and chances in the first period. 

In the 39th minute they finally broke the deadlock when Will Haworth’s pinpoint cross was met by a powerful far post header by Hawkins.

A couple of minutes later and the away side doubled the lead. Rheinallt George tackled Hawkins inside the box and the loose ball fell to Hudgell who instinctively drilled a low shot past Dave Pepper.

However, the hosts with a strong wind advantage pulled one back with first attack from second half kick-off. Player/manager Matt Ellis’ free kick in the box was cleared by Joe Leahy but the ball struck Charlie George and flew in the net past James Dickson.

This goal encouraged The Road to keep pushing forward and they were rewarded in the 51st minute when Joules Ward’s accurate cross from the left was met by Greg Brown who beat Peter Thomas in the air and looped a header into the back of the net.

Brown then struck a vicious 30-yard dipping volley which crashed against the crossbar, a let off for The Wizards.

But the visitors still believed they could get the win from this game and when Luke Hayward’s free kick in the box was spilled by keeper Pepper, super sub D’Ivry reacted quickest to poke home inside the six yard box and pinch victory under the noses of Clarby, who would have felt they deserved a share of the spoils.

Clarbeston Road: Dave Pepper, Josh Wood, Charlie George, Rheinallt George, Llewelyn George, Matt Ellis, Emyr Griffiths, Greg Brown, Joules Ward, Matthew Davies, Ben John. Sub: Keegan Summers.

Merlins Bridge: James Dickson, Gethin Roberts, Andrew John, Peter Thomas, Simon Gilderdale, Ashley Beck, Will Haworth, Luke Hayward, Adam Hawkins, Joe Leahy, Lee Hudgell. Subs: Matthew D’Ivry, Jamie Palmer, Dai Davies.

Referee: James Olyott.