PHOTOS:


Goodwick United



Hakin United


Jordan Griffiths breaks through

 

West Wales Intermediate Cup:

 

Goodwick United 4 - Hakin United 3

 
A late goal by Kieran O’Brian earned Goodwick United victory over old rivals Hakin United in a terrific West Wales Intermediate Cup tie on an inevitably heavy pitch at Phoenix Park.

Matches between these top sides are invariably exciting and often nerve-wracking and this tussle was no exception as play was deep into time added on by referee Mike Phillips (Swansea) when Johnny Horgan’s in-swinging corner was headed past Adrian Devonald, via the back of a Viking defender, to send the home side through to the last eight of the competition.

Cracking contest starts with Harding’s stunning strike

It rounded off a cracking contest which was a credit to both clubs and had everything from Justin Harding’s superb strike to open the scoring through to the lead changing hands twice, some terrific last-ditch defending, total commitment and a mutual respect from players on both sides.

It was Harding’s goal that was the feature of the first period when Gareth Fawcett’s flicked header gave him space 20 yards out and he rifled in a left-foot drive that saw James Gwilt with no chance as it flew past him into the left corner.

Hakin just about deserve interval lead

At the other end Iestyn Evans flicked a left-foot shot just wide and also hit the post before Jordan Griffiths fired the rebound wide from close range, whilst ‘Skinny’ Harding’s low shot after good work by Jonty Bennett and Ryan Wilson caused little trouble for Gwilt in the Goodwick goal.

Hakin’s lead was just about deserved as Daniel Armstrong Sion Price, Leigh Marchant and Jake Merry defended well for them and Ade John and Craig Nicholson worked hard in midfield.

Goal glut starts . . .

But there was little evidence of a six-goal second half and whatever the Goodwick management team said at half time it worked because they soon drew level when Lee Hudgell’s mis-hit shot caused mayhem in the Hakin six-yard area and Goodwick central defender Scott Delaney, who had looked solid in defence alongside Wayne O’Sullivan, stole in at the far post and stretched out his long left leg to touch the ball home past the stranded Devonald.

The home side’s joy was short-lived however, as The Vikings regained the lead from the kick off as Jake Merry pushed the ball forward to Fawcett, whose accurate cross was touched home by the lurking Armstrong.

And continues apace!

At the other end Horgan volleyed wide but they drew level after a long throw in on the left by Tobin was flicked on by Iestyn Evans and Horgan popped up beyond the far post was fired low past the partially unsighted Devonald.

As fortunes ebbed and flowed both teams had half chances on tired legs but it was Goodwick who went ahead from a Horgan corner on the right, his left-foot delivery into the six-yard box allowing Delaney the chance to score his second goal from a well-placed header.

But The Vikings refused to submit and they fought their way back level when Leigh Marchant found space on the left and although his first shot was blocked he finished off well with his left foot shot into the far corner.

Goodwick had another chance when Hudgell found space on the left but his low-cross shot was somehow cleared off the line by the combined efforts of Price and Marchant.

O’Brien kills of Hakin hopes

Another extra-time penalty shoot-out between these quality sides seemed a distinct probability but with referee Phillips, who had a good game with his quietly firm control, taking a glance at his watch Goodwick had another Horgan corner on the right and up popped O’Brien in a packed six-yard area to claim the vital touch and find the net.

There was little time for Hakin to claw their way back again and so the honours fell to Goodwick, with referee Phillips afterwards congratulating both teams on a titanic clash – and with Goodwick skipper Raymond praising the talented young Viking team on their performance.

Goodwick United: James Gwilt: Steff Hayes; Wayne O’Sullivan; Scott Delaney; Llyr Tobin: Johnny Horgan; Adam Raymond; Iestyn Evans; Kieran O’Brien: Lee Hudgell; Jordan Griffiths. Substitutes: Anthony Couzens; Steve Dockerty; Mattie Delaney; Chris O’Sullivan; Rowan Nicolson.

Hakin United: Adrian Devonald: Jake Merry; Sion Price; Daniel Armstrong; Lee Marchant: Craig Nicholson; Jonty Bennett; Ryan Wilson; Adam John: Justin Harding, Gareth Fawcett. Substitutes: Nicky Woodrow; Shane Walsh; Brad Barrett; Jimmy Walker.

Referee: Mike Phillips (Swansea).

PHOTO:

Gareth Fawcett and Wayne O'Sullivan battle for possession