Defending champions Goodwick United set up a new year challenge to retain their trophy as the Pembrokeshire League enters its Christmas break writes Jonathan Twigg, after a convincing 4-0 victory over hosts Merlins Bridge at the Sports Village on Saturday (Dec 13), the visitors fitness and physicality, clinical finishing and tactical awareness apparent from the start of the game officiated by experienced whistler Alan Boswell.

Former Bridge striker Tom Jago’s physical presence saw him open the scoring against his recently departed club after 5 minutes, the frontman driving the ball beyond veteran home stopper Gary Thomas from close range after the Bridge were unable to clear their lines from a set piece. The Phoenix Park outfit controlled the game, moving the ball across the surface and probing down both flanks through an ageless Jonny Horgan and man of the match Will Haworth, whose fine touch and driving runs into the danger areas saw him also bag a brace of goals, also against his former club.

The Wizards competed for every ball in the opening period, veterans Nathan Evans and Dai Davies snapping into challenges in the heart of midfield, where Ben Adams and Jake Smith held the upper hand to dictate the offensive play, Rhys Jones often the recipient of their due diligence to win the ball alongside Haworth. There was no lack of effort from the Bridge trio of Andrew John, skipper Jordan Thomas and Gethin Roberts, who was a recipient of a yellow card on the half hour for a late challenge, the only card issued by Bowell whose experience allowed him to control the game with his whistle and voice, testament of his fitness that he was in the vicinity of play to make key decisions when required.

Goodwick dominated their territory, goalkeeper Nick Jones a verbal rock at the back, guiding his back four which was led by skipper Scott Delaney alongside Josh Wood, Ross Jones and Steffan Hayes, whose long throw ability was an attacking weapon, offering his side a different attacking option. Former Bridge manager Mathew D'Ivry had little change from his endeavours as the focal point of the home sides attack, Tom O’Toole having a rare opportunity in the first half from a sweet through ball from Evans, which the winger pushed wide of the upright.

Goodwick scored within minutes of the restart as Hayes throw found the head of Rhys Jones, the points sealed when Haworth scored midway through the second half and then added the coupe de grace with 20 minutes from time.

The Bridge have a number of youngsters taking their tentative steps into senior football and will be stronger for their efforts as they mature, Goodwick having yet to play Hakin this season and if they win their game in hand, could find themselves two points adrift of the Vikings as the season moves towards its conclusion in the Spring.

Merlins Bridge

Gary Thomas; Billy Jay Martin; George Mabuzane; Jordan Thomas ©️ (Peter Thomas; 67); Andrew John; Gethin Roberts; Sam Nicholas; Dai Davies; Mathew D’Ivry (Oscar Willington; 77); Nathan Evans; Tom O’Toole.

Substitutes not used
Tom Gwillam; Mike Preddy.

Goodwick United

Nick Jones; Josh Wood; Steffan Hayes; Ross Jones; Scott Delaney ©️; Ben Adams; Rhys Jones; Jake Smith (Kristers Kudrjavces; 72); Tom Jago (Kyle O’Sullivan; 62); Wil Haworth; Johnny Horgan (Guto Roberts;72).

Referee: Alan Boswell (Milford Haven)

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