Football CUP FINAL Feature . . . from PembrokeshireSport.co.uk

page revision date: 12th April 2009

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Who will win the Senior Cup?

This week we asked some of our former tipsters and a few other football anoraks to say who they think will win the Senior Cup and we print some of their thoughts below. If you want to have a go at forecasting the result then use our ‘Contact Us’ page and we will publish the best!

Steve Maytum (Ex-Monkton Swifts Asst Manager)
There should be lots of goals and I hope it will be a cracking match. I think it will be closer than some people think but I have to go for Hakin on form.
Hakin United 3 Merlins Bridge 2

Derek Roberts (Haverfordwest County Manager)
Hakin are far away the best team we have played this season and their strike force is second to none. But I’m an old Bridge boy and I have this feeling they could spring a surprise – and I would be delighted that my heart over-ruled my head.
Hakin United 2 Merlins Bridge 3

Daisy Picton (Top Tipster!)
We have been playing some good football and our strikers have some great support players in midfield so I think we will complete the double on Saturday.
Hakin United 4 Merlin’s Bridge 1

Mackie Harts (Carew Manager)
There’s no doubting the fact that Hakin are a good side but I have this feeling this Bridge side will rise to the occasion and cause a bit of a cup upset.
Hakin United 1 Merlins Bridge 2

Jamie Callan (Monkton Swifts Captain)
Hakin strikers Adam Davies and Paul Jones will take some handling if they get the service they regularly have from midfield. I have to go for Hakin.
Hakin United 3 Merlins Bridge 1

Steve Batty (Herbrandston manager)
These are two good sides with lots of cracking players but it is impossible to go against Gary Dawes and his team at this time.
Hakin United 3 Merlins Bridge 2

Huw Bevan (Clarbeston Road)
Gary Dawes has rebuilt his team with some good young players moulded around an experienced spine and I think that although the Bridge are a strong side who could win it will be Hakin who complete the double.
Hakin United 2 Merlins Bridge 0

Bernard Armstrong (Goodwick United Manager)
The Bridge will start as underdogs but they have battled their way through to the final and a really do think that their name is on the cup again this season – so I’ll go for the Bridge
Hakin United 1 Merlins Bridge 2

Cup Final Special - - Meet the Teams . .

HAKIN UNITED AFC . . . . The Vikings
MERLINS BRIDGE AFC . . . . The Wizards

SENIOR CUP - Sponsored by Brains Breweries
2.30pm Saturday 18th April 2009
at The Bridge Meadow Stadium, Haverfordwest
Match ball Sponsors - Ocky White's

Preview of the SENIOR CUP VINAL 2009. Hakin United – Pen Pictures Steve Hartley Goalkeeper (1) 27 Building Trade Worker Now in his second spell at the club and eager to stake a claim for selection after playing in recent league games. Big and strong in the air and very reliable in working with his back four, Steve commands his area and won’t let the side down. Scott Davies Right back (4) 23 Trainee Accountant Another young player who has spent all his time at Hakin and now forced his way into the first team as an attacking right back who covers well at the back bout also pushes forward well to support his front men. Kristan Bennett Centre half (5) 32 Welder In his 20th season as a one-club player who has played in many league and cup-winning sides. Still a key defender with a never-say-die spirit but also vital at set-pieces with his heading ability that has brought many goals in big matches. Terry Bevan Sweeper (3) 25 Looking for work A very strong and dominant player who likes to be in control at the back – but can also play in midfield. Never gives less than 100% and a good man to have in the side when the chips are down. Ewan Findlay Left back (2) 23 LNG Worker Looking forward to his second final as a left back who is known as a cool, calm and collected player who keeps focused on the opposition at all times. Good in the ball distribution stakes and loves to push forward on the flank to create space and chances for others. Craig Robertson Midfield (12) 19 Chevron Apprentice A product of the Hakin Youth team which won the West Wales Cup and Craig has been impressive since moving into senior football to command a regular spot in the first team. Good ball winning and distributive skills, he can run for ever and score goals. Andrew Kingston Midfield (11) 18 Apprentice Welder Another member of the West Wales Youth Cup winning squad who has developed nicely and found his niche in the senior side as a ball-winning midfielder who loves pushing forward and whose height is a factor at set pieces. Steve Matthias Midfield (10) 27 Engineering Student Another experienced player who has known a great deal of success in all competitions with Hakin, Steve is a real match-winner on his day as he combines a strong running game with skills galore and is a real talisman for the team. Scored two goals in the semi-final and if he plays well then Hakin tend to play well. James Stanmore Midfield (6) 21 Chevron Apprentice Now in his second season at The Obs and gives a vital balance to the side with his naturally left-sided play. Full of trickery, with silken skills, and a proven goal scorer from free kicks – but also works very-hard when he needs to cover back. Adam Davies Striker (8) 25 Carpenter Joined the team from Tish during the season and a real acquisition for the club as a perfect foil to Paul Jones. Strong and determined, but with a pace and balance that makes him hard to shrug off, he is a proven goal scorer who will trouble any defence. Paul Jones Striker (7) 34 Storeman The club captain and now the grand old man of the team after coming out of retirement last season and finding the touch that saw him as the league’s top scorer for an amazing seven seasons. A threat to any team, he netted twice in the semi-final and could have had more! Aaron Owens Striker (9) 23 Labourer Another very loyal club man who has only played at Hakin – and who scored the winning goal the last time the Vikings reached the final. Fully committed, strong in the air and with a nice touch that is an added bonus. Neil Mathias Defender (13) 25 Electrical Engineer Quick to establish himself as a strong-tackling defender since he came to Hakin and very good at pushing forward as a bonus. Brother of midfielder Steve and former player Martin so the third in the family to contest a final spot. Ashley Bevan Midfield (14) 17 Student A product of the West Wales Youth Cup-winning squad and the youngest regular player in the squad who was on form until recent injury. Strong but deceptively skilful and with a powerful right foot shot as a bonus. Gary Dawes Player/Manager 39 Builder Now in his second season as the boss after being the most successful captain in the club and the county’s history, with seven league winners, four Senior Cup successes and victory in the West Wales Cup – and now looking after his young charges with a skill that has amazed some pundits who felt he might be too fiery for the role! Malcolm Jones Asst Manager 44 Timber Manager The perfect foil as assistant manager where he can use his wealth of experience in Welsh and local league football to good effect. Known to all at the club as ‘Jimmy’ he has been involved for three seasons and forms a demanding duo with Mt Dawes which brings the best out of their young charges. Kieran Chandra Fitness Coach 27 Electrical Engineer In his second campaign with the club as fitness coach and works well with the players in building their fitness. He proved the worth of his training schedules in the semi-finals as Hakin outlasted Kilgetty – and will be looking for even better in the final! Merlins Bridge – Pen Pictures Ian Kerrison Goalkeeper (1) 33 Civil Servant Previously played for Carew and now rightly regarded as one of the best keepers in the county with his judgement, agility and control of his area. One of the characters of the side, ‘Kerro’ is also a useful cricketer. Chris Ormond Centre Half (5) 26 Builder A strong tackler and good distributor who always gives 100% in the club’s cause because that is the way that he plays his game. Also a good motivator and ever-ready to organise those around him, he will be eager for a winner’s medal! Ben Field Left Back (12) 30 Sports Development The ‘thinker’ of the team who has added some craft to the back four with his ability to read the game well. Strong in the air and in the tackle, likes to play the ball around and not afraid to push forward. Also a very good cricketer on his day at Hook. Peter Thomas Midfield (4) 23 Child Care A power-house midfielder who has been with the Bridge since he was a nipper and joins twin Simon and brother Nathan in the side. A real threat from midfield with his goal-scoring ability – as he proved in the semi-when he grabbed two beauties! Paul Thomas Centre half (6) 29 Dentmaster Forms a strong central defence with Chris Ormond as he commands the air, is strong on the ground and never knows when he is beaten. Will relish the challenge of trying to shackle the Hakin front-runners and will give total commitment, as usual. Mathew D’Ivry Right Back (2) 23 Builder Good in defence as a clever reader of play, never shirks a tackle and can distribute the ball from deep positions - but ever-ready to push forward and supply chances from wide out, as he did in the semi-final, as a bonus. Mike Canton Striker (8) 24 Aerial Erector Very quick off the mark and with a natural nose for goals, he will look to provide space for others with his clever running off the ball and only needs a half chance to get his name on the scoresheet. Might be one to watch in the final! Steve McNabney Striker (9) 21 Sales Executive Has played up front for Haverfordwest County and scored goals but is now at the Bridge and eager to show his goal-grabbing ability in this showpiece match. Very quick off the mark and always looking for the yard of space he needs to turn a defence – he will need watching. Nathan Thomas Midfield (10) 25 Self Employed Has played for the Bridge since he was a nipper and still battling as hard as ever in midfield – and will eagerly anticipate the midfield battle where he will look to exert his powerful influence – as well as push forward in a search for vital goals. Simon Thomas Midfield (11) 23 Carpenter The third brother in the team and he loves playing out wide to create chances, as he did in the previous round with his silken left foot. Will be used to run at the opposition and able to score spectacular goals – he is a key man in the final battle plan. Robbie Waters Striker (13) 22 Plumber Played an influential role in the semi-final as he scored the vital second goal to seal victory. Big and strong, good in the air and with an eye for the half chance and eager to be heavily involved on the big day. Matthew Morrissey Left Back (3) 25 Dentmaster Has come to the fore this season and blossomed into a very good defensive player, but as someone who can also push forward and help his front runners from wide out. Strong in the tackle but very skilful – and sure to feature in the final. Carl Mason Midfield (14) 25 Builder One of those players who has served his club really well over the years as a bustling midfielder who can stop opposition moves but also create chances for his team-mates – and score the odd goal as a bonus. Chris O’Sullivan Midfield (7) 26 Bricklayer 'Sully' was doubtful for the final after dislocating his shoulder for the ninth time but has bounced back well to take his place on the right from where it is hoped by the Bridge faithful that he will be an attacking force. Previously with Goodwick United and Haverfordwest County in the Welsh Premier league before a trip to the Southern Hemisphere - and could be a big influence if the Wizards go well! Steve Thomas Manager 51 Farmer Was a Bridge player in his younger days and been involved as manager for the best part of 15 years. A canny boss who has the ability to get the best out of his players – and with wife Sue has played another significant role in producing three fine sons who epitomise the Wizards’ spirit! Tony Jones Manager 44 Brewery Salesman Started out with the Bridge when he was 15 and he is still convinced that he should be at the heart of their defence. With Steve, typifies all that is good at the club and is enjoying his joint managerial role as a good motivator and reader of the game. Jamie Lonergan Coach 35 Games Teacher Played Welsh League football for Milford United and was a very good defender who had lots of skill. Now a vociferous coach who can be relied upon to urge the players to great heights, Jamie is a key member of the managerial set-up who demands, and gets, high standards.