Senior Cup semi final: Merlins Bridge 2-3 Goodwick United

Jordan Griffiths grabbed a superb brace to help Goodwick United overcome holders Merlins Bridge in an entertaining tussle at the Bridge Meadow.

Goodwick have reached the final for the first time since 2016, and Wayne O’Sullivan’s team were too strong on the night for the holders.

Four of the goals came in a frantic first half, Griffiths struck the opener, Steff Williams added the second before Ashley Beck pulled one back for The Wizards, but Griffiths slotted in the third.

Adam Hawkins scored with the final kick but it came too late.

Goodwick got off to a bright start and created some decent early chances, Scott Delaney headed over the bar from a Chris O’Sullivan’s free kick into the box. Minutes later Griffiths headed Rhys Dalling’s corner over the bar, and then Griffiths volleyed another chance wide.

James Dickson pulled off a fine save to deny Rhys Dalling from close range.

Jordan Griffiths finally broke the deadlock in the 15th minute after excellent work from Matty Delaney down the right ended with his low hard cross being met by the striker.

Three minutes later Steff Williams was on target with his side’s second, the forward picked up a pass from Matty Delaney, took a touch and rifled a low shot past Dickson.

Within a minute The Wizards pulled a goal back, Ashley Beck struck a vicious shot which deflected over James Gwilt and went in off the far post.

Chris O’Sullivan fired a long range direct free kick just past Dickson’s right-hand post.

In the 29th minute Goodwick added a third, Llyr Tobin’s long-range free kick fell kindly to Griffiths who coolly drilled in his second of the tie.

Adam Hawkins had a good chance to score for The Wizards, the striker was totally unmarked inside the box as he pulled the trigger Goodwick keeper James Gwilt came quickly off his line to deny him.

Goodwick United deservedly led 3-1 at half time, the Wizards needed to up their game in the second period, but it never really materialised.

Shortly after the break Wizards manager Simon Thomas was forced to make a change as Dai Davies limped off and was replaced by Nathan Greene.

Chris Ormond fouled Griffiths on the edge of the box, from the resultant free kick Griffiths fired inches over the bar.

Matters got worse for The Wizards when skipper Ormond received his second yellow of the evening for a handball.

Dalling spurned a late chance to add to his side’s total, and then in the final seconds Hawkins drilled in from the edge of the area.

But there was no time for a grandstand finish as the final whistle went moments later, before Matthew D’Ivry was seemingly shown a red card by referee Tom Bevan for dissent at the final whistle.

Merlins Bridge: James Dickson, Matthew D’Ivry, Chris Ormond, Peter Thomas (74, Simon Gilderdale), Andrew John, Dai Davies (47, Nathan Greene), Luke Heyward, Ashley Beck, Adam Hawkins, Ben Davies, Lee Hudgell.

Subs: Gethin Roberts, Leon Pemberthy, Nathan Thomas.

Goodwick United: James Gwilt, Steff Hayes, Llyr Tobin, Jordan Thomas, Scott Delaney, Matty Delaney, Chris O’Sullivan, Kieran O’Brien (74, Ben Adams), Rhys Dalling (81 Sion O’Sullivan), Jordan Griffiths (77 Jake Smith), Steff Williams (70, Jonny Horgan).

Sub not used: James Bryan.

Referee: Tom Bevan.

Assistants: Sion Jenkins & James Olyott.

Fourth official: Paul Rooney.