Merlins Bridge - Pen Pics 2019

	Gary Thomas 33 - Goalkeeper Plant operator Gary is rightly regarded as one of the best 'shot stoppers' in the list of goalkeepers in the first division and a quiet player on the pitch but with the ability to link well with his back four. A strong kicker of the ball out of his hands to put opposition under pressure - and showed his worth in the semi-final against Monkton Swifts, where he kept a clean sheet.
	Matthew D’Ivry 33 - Right back Property developer In his first season as manager but still more than holds his own at the back, where he can use his speed off the mark and ability to read the game that makes him still worth his place as a player after four previous final appearances. Played a season in Welsh League with Haverfordwest County but has served The Wizards well as a right-footed defender who still loves pushing forward to make telling crosses into the box. Totally committed to the club's cause and delighted to be in the Senior Cup and West Wales Cup Finals in his first year.
	Chris Ormond 36 - Central defence Grounds worker Now in the veteran category but still one of the most respected defenders in the county. He is totally committed to the club and he is very strong in the tackle that links well with his ability to read situations and cut out any hints of danger. Deceptively strong in the air and not afraid to move up for set pieces 'Ormy' has already played in five finals and looking forward to two more before the season ends!
	Jordan Thomas 21 - Central defence Builder Rightly regarded as the 'find of the season' in his role as central defender who will be appearing in his first finals for The Wizards. He plays with a maturity beyond his years and is a natural ball player who is strong in the air but equally at home with his work on the ground. Clearly an outstanding player and certainly one to watch for the future, perhaps at a higher level.
	Andrew John 28 - Left back Support worker He has really come of age in his role as left back but with his natural footballing skills can slot in elsewhere when needed. Very calm in the tackle and able to push forward in support of his front runners. He has already played in four finals and really looking forward to an exciting end of the Wizard's season
	Ashley Beck 27 - Central Midfield Soldier A member of the British Armed Forces at Brawdy and someone who has settled in well with The Wizards. He is very tall and extremely fit and strong so poses a threat from central midfield in the air and on the floor - and is really looking to be heavily involved in his first experience of a Pembrokeshire Cup Final
	David Davies 34 - Central midfield Railway worker 'Dapper' is very important to the team in big matches with his ability to play a key part both on and off the field. In the midfield battle he will challenge for every ball in the air and compete strongly on the ground as he uses his natural fitness to good effect. His positive attitude also helps in training and pre-match and this will be Dai's fifth final. Has also won Harrison-Allen Bowl Finals in cricket with Haverfordwest as a stylish batsman and useful bowler.
	Laurie Haworth 22 - Left Midfield Mobile phones salesman Despite being only 22 Laurie is a major factor in Merlins Bridge's success because he can turn a tussle with his ability to create time, space and goals. His left-footed skills are immense and he loves nothing more that bamboozling opposing defenders wide out to create chances for himself and colleagues. He also has a terrific work ethic and if he plays really well then so will his team!
	Joe Leahy 26 - Striker Hotel manager Stands out for his goal-scoring ability as he can knock them in from long or short range; it’s all the same to him! He has played as a youngster at a much higher level with the likes of Cardiff City, Newport County, Merthyr Town and Haverfordwest to name but a few. Joe has played in one winning final and if he goes well then The Wizards are likely to play well!
	Will Haworth 21 - Left wing/striker Car repairer One of the younger members of the squad who is beginning to catch the eye with his ball skills allied to a real tenacity and will to win. Strong in the tackle and another member of the Haworth family that is likely to take the club to further success in years to come. Came on in the semi-final and showed in a short time what a good footballing future he has.
	Adam Hawkins 31 - Striker Retail manager Had a terrific game in the semi-final as his immense work-rate played an important part of a 3-0 win against The Swifts. Played in two previous finals, one for Johnston, and eager to complete a hat-trick as he uses his ability to score goals alongside an unselfish approach that creates chances for team mates, Certainly one to watch for the final!
	Nathan Greene 32 - Striker Tree surveyor An old-fashioned centre forward whose physicality is always going to be a threat up front as he can be relied upon to score more than his share of goals for The Wizards. One of the best in aerial duels and has a tremendous work rate which earns him a ‘key player’ nomination by the club’s supporters. Surprisingly, this will be Nathan’s first final!
	Gethin Roberts 30 - Central midfield Carpenter Gethin is known as ‘The General’ by his pals in the team and his play in midfield shows his strong tackling skills and his good distribution as someone who looks for the simple pass to create space for front men. Like his late dad Derek, a terrific player and manager with The Bridge, he is very calm in possession and has already played in a final with Haverfordwest County.
	Richard Hughes 32 - Central defence Plater A very experienced defender who has previously played Welsh Premier and Welsh League with Carmarthen Town and Haverfordwest County, plus more locally with Monkton Swifts and Pennar Robins - and back from a nasty injury to stake a place in both of the club's finals. Can cover all the defensive roles and sure to play an important role at some time with his strong tackling and ability to spot danger in defensive areas.
	Joe Haworth 19 - Right back Waiter The third brother in the family and like them and his dad Ade he is very fit and with skill aplenty that enables him to have plenty of time to cut out danger at the back and get the ball played forward. Joe is a strong tackler and useful in the air - he loves to push up in attack and is another talented teenager to ensure The Bridge conveyor belt keeps its production deadlines.
	Leon Pemberthy 18 - Central midfield Apprentice Wall Plater Leon is a product of the Merlins Bridge junior system and is now in his second season of senior football and pressing for a place in the first team squad with his ability to play a strong game in midfield as he tackles well and is a good distributor of the ball. Held in high regard by the club’s management – which really demonstrates the huge strides he has made!
	Marcus Taylor 44 - Assistant Manager Police Officer Hugely respected by the current players after many years as a goal-scoring Wizard who used his close control and aerial skills to good effect. Immensely strong on the ball he was never easy to shake off and is now passing on his wealth of experience and doing a great job from the touchline since the manager is still playing. One of the top Bridge players of his era.
	Phil Jones 60 - Coach Retired police officer Phil was a superb junior coach and is now doing an equally good job with The Bridge senior sq1uas as he links closely with Matthew and Marcus – and does much of the graft in training sessions, where he has got the squad really fit. Of immense value because he also makes sure that all the small jobs are done well – and very vociferous on the touchline too!