Merlins Bridge 2 - Goodwick United 3

Jordan Griffiths grabbed a superb first half brace which helped Goodwick United overcome holders Merlins Bridge in an entertaining tussle at the Bridge Meadow under lights.

Goodwick United have reached the final for the first time since 2016, Wayne O’Sullivan’s team were overall too strong on the night for the holders.

Goodwick deservedly led 3-1 at half time, Griffiths struck the opener, Steff Williams added the second before Ashley Beck pulled one back for The Wizards, Griffiths slotted in the third despite a late strike from Hawkins, but it was a classic case of too little too late for The Bridge.

Goodwick got off to a bright start and created some decent early chances, Scott Delaney headed over the bar from a Chris O’Sullivan’s free kick in the box. Minutes later Griffiths headed Rhys Dalling’s corner over the bar. Goodwick continued pressing as Griffiths volleyed another wide.

James Dickson pulled off a fine save to deny Rhys Dalling from close range.

Jordan Griffiths finally broke the deadlock in the 15^th minute when excellent work from Matty Delaney down the right saw his low hard cross was well met by the deadly striker.

Three minutes later Steff Williams was on target with his side’s second, the wide sided striker picked up a pass from Matty Delaney, took a touch and rifled a low shot past Dickson.

Within a minute The Wizards pulled a goal back, Ashley Beck struck a vicious shot which deflected over keeper James Gwilt and flew in off the far post.



Chris O’Sullivan fired a long range direct free kick just past Dickson’s right-hand post.

In the 29^th minute Goodwick added a third, Llyr Tobin’s long-range free kick fell kindly to Griffiths who coolly drilled in his second of the tie.

Adam Hawkins had a good chance to equalise for The Wizards, the striker was totally unmarked inside the box as he pulled the trigger Goodwick keeper James Gwilt came quickly off his line to deny him.

Goodwick United deservedly led 3-1 at half time, the Wizards needed to up their game in the second period, but it never really materialised.

Shortly after the break Wizards manager Simon Thomas was forced to make a change as Dai Davies limped off and was replaced by Nathan Greene.

Chris Ormond fouled Griffiths on the edge of the box, from the resultant free kick Griffiths fired inches over the bar.

Matters got worse for The Wizards when skipper Ormond received his second yellow of the evening and was sent off.

Dalling spurned a late chance to add to his side’s total, but right at the death Hawkins drilled in a low 25 yard shot into the bottom corner, the final whistle was blown saw Matthew D’Ivry have words with Tom Bevan the Bridge defender received a straight red card for his troubles from the referee.

Merlins Bridge: James Dickson, Matthew D’Ivry, Chris Ormond, Peter Thomas (74, Simon Gilderdale), Andrew John, Dai Davies (47, Nathan Greene), Luke Heyward, Ashley Beck, Adam Hawkins, Ben Davies, Lee Hudgell.
Subs not used: Gethin Roberts, Leon Pemberthy, Nathan Thomas.
Goodwick United: James Gwilt, Steff Hayes, Llyr Tobin, Jordan Thomas, Scott Delaney, Matty Delaney, Chris O’Sullivan, Kieran O’Brien (74, Ben Adams), Rhys Dalling (81 Sion O’Sullivan), Jordan Griffiths (77 Jake Smith), Steff Williams (70, Jonny Horgan).
Sub not used: James Bryan.
Referee: Tom Bevan.
Assistants: Sion Jenkins & James Olyott.
Fourth official: Paul Rooney.