Haverfordwest County 1.

Merlins Bridge 1.

Both sides had to settle for a point apiece after Saturday’s derby clash between Haverfordwest Cou-nty and champions Merlins Bridge ended in a draw.

The result sees the Wizards currently seventh in the table, with the Bluebirds in eighth, but both on ten points.

The Bluebirds have had a very topsy-turvy season, while the Wizards on current form will definitely not retain their title.

Derek Roberts’ Bluebirds took the lead in the 15th minute when striker Dai Davies drilled home hard and low with his right foot from the edge of the box.

Jason Clarke was unlucky not to score with three attempts for the home side.

However, the Wizards levelled matters when central midfielder Nathan Thomas’ deflected free-kick caught out Bluebirds keeper Shane Earp.

In the second half the visitors dominated, but came up against some stiff resilient defending and frustratingly couldn’t find the elusive winner.

The closest the visitors came to getting a second score was when Matthew D’Ivry struck the post ten minutes from the final whistle.

Bluebirds boss Derek Roberts said after the match: “We had an excellent first half and I’m delighted we got a point.

“They found it tough to break us down and each one of my players deserves a pat on the back for their whole-hearted effort.”

The Wizards’ Tony Jones said: “We absolutely hammered them in the second half — but we couldn’t score and have to settle with a draw.”

Haverfordwest County: Shane Earp, Gethin Roberts, Jason Clarke, David Rees, Simon Gilderdale, Kristian Speake, Lloyd Wilson, Matthew Court, Mike Preddy, Dai Davies, Brett Evans. Subs: Chris Darlington, Luke Robinson.

Merlins Bridge: Ian Kerrison, Andrew John, Carl Mason, Paul Thomas, Peter Thomas, Nathan Thomas, Simon Thomas, Matthew D’Ivry, Steve McNabney, Michael Canton, Robbie Waters. Subs: Sean Phillips, Ross Williams.

Referee: Steve Williams.