Welsh Veterans League:

Hakin United Over 40s 1–1 Cardiff Corrinthians Over 40s

A LATE goal from Leighton Edwards kept the unbeaten league record of Hakin United’s Over 40s intact as they ended honours even with Cardiff Corrinthians at The Obs this afternoon.

To the credit of both sides, they tried to play good football and it was The Corrinthians who took the lead after half time through a composed finish from Nathan Johnson, before Edwards levelled from close range following some good work by Michael McCarthy.

Malcolm Jones’ team went in on the back of four wins from their opening four league games, but the Corrinthians themselves started the day in third with nine points from a possible 12 thus far.

And it was the visitors who started the sharper, as striker Mattie Davies had a close range header saved by Hakin keeper Jason ‘bomber’ Morgan, before The Vikings were indebted to a brave block from centre back Richard Bland after a scramble in the six yard box.

At the other end, Paul Jones fired into the side netting from a tight angle, before the usually clinical striker wasted a golden chance, scuffing wide from point blank range after latching onto a ball over the top from Hakin left back Adam Collins.

The home side then went close again when Matthew Price unleashed a rising 25 yard shot which beat away keeper Carl Wadsworth, but cannoned back off the bar.

But as both sides settled into the contest, chances for the remainder of the half were few and far between with the game goalless at the break.

The Vikings then made the faster start to the second half, with Price twice breaking into the area – but on both occasions, his left foot efforts were well saved by Wadsworth.

And then 10 minutes into the second half, the visitors took the lead when Johnson went clean through, and kept his composure to send a delightful chip over the advancing Morgan and into the net.

It stayed that way until 14 minutes from time, before Hakin levelled after Michael McCarthy skipped through two tackles and got to the by-line, before drilling in a left foot cross that Edwards tapped home at the back post.

The Vikings then pushed for a late winner, and Wadsworth again did well to cut out a Jones cross with Price lurking in the six yard area, before midfielder Richard Nash missed a great chance to win it, firing wide from 12 yards out after being teed up by McCarthy.

But despite missing out on a fifth straight victory, the point at least keeps Hakin top of the table ahead of their trip to play Coedova Athletic next Sunday, November 4th.

Hakin United: Jason Morgan, Adam Collins, Gary Dawes, Nigel Delaney, Richard Bland, Gerrard Gray, Richard Nash, Michael McCarthy, Leighton Edwards, Matthew Price, Paul Jones.

Subs (rolling): Stuart MacDonald, Steve Batty, Anthony Aldred, Nigel Armstrong, Robert Davies.

Cardiff Corrinthians: Carl Wadsworth, Leigh Stimpson, Troy Reilly, Paul Isaac, Dave Chaplin, Richard Carter, Matty Allwood, John McNamara, Mattie Davies, Jon Mawley, Dave Jenkins.

Subs (rolling): Jamie Murray, Nathan Johnson.

Referee: Damian Haworth.

Prior to the game, a minute’s applause was held in memory of popular Milford resident Justin Whelham, who sadly died this morning after a battle with illness.