Division 1: Merlins Bridge 2-2 Monkton Swifts
Monkton Swifts twice came from behind to salvage a draw against Merlins Bridge at the Racecourse in a highly entertaining clash.
The hosts took the lead in the 3rd minute when they were awarded a penalty after Adam Hawkins was taken out by Swifts’ keeper Stuart James. Up stepped Joe Leahy who made no mistake from 12 yards.
In the sixth minute the visitors levelled matters through a superb goal from Ben Steele, the deadly striker stuck an unstoppable 20-yard free kick which flew in the top corner, not giving Wizards keeper James Dickson a chance.
On the 15-minute mark and the hosts took a 2-1 lead when Ashley Beck powered home a Luke Hayward corner.
The Wizards should have gone further ahead but both Leahy and Beck missed glaring headers from inside the box.
After the break and Beck’s edge of the area shot crashed off the crossbar, then Dickson pulled off a brilliant stop to deny Dylan Davies in a one-on-one.
In the 55th minute Martyn Carroll pounced inside the Wizards’ box, setting up a titanic finish, but neither side could find that crucial winner and both camps had to settle for a point apiece.
Merlins Bridge manager Simon Thomas:
"We should have buried them in the first half, really disappointed we didn't win"
Monkton Swifts boss Joe Lewis:
"Really proud of the boys to come from behind and secure a draw. Not many teams will go to the Racecourse and get something."
Merlins Bridge: James Dickson, Chris Ormond, Andrew John, Peter Thomas, Gethin Roberts, Dai Davies, Ashley Beck, Luke Hayward, Adam Hawkins, Joe Leahy, Ben Davies. Subs: Lee Palmer, Will Haworth, Jordan Williams.
Monkton Swifts: Stuart James, Dylan Davies, Rhodri Davies, Shaun Jones, Jake Seaton, Martyn Carroll, Ben Steele, Thomas Powell, Jordan Richards, Chris Richards, Ben Nicholas. Subs: Ryan Griffiths, Jimmy Walker, Jimmy Wilkes.
Referee: Sean O’Connor.
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