Pirates resist a strong challenge from Hakin in tight tussle
Under 14s:
Hakin United 1 - Neyland Pirates 2
Referee: Gary Lewis.
Assistants: Gareth Elliott and Keith Amos
There were high skill levels shown in this competitive local derby and the result was in doubt right up to the final whistle of an evenly-balanced tussle before two late goals for the Neyland Pirates saw them win through to a final at Stebonheath Park, Llanelli, as their reward.
It meant delight for their large group of enthusiasts who gathered to cheer on Craig Power’s team but inevitable disappointment for Hakin United and their supporters because they took an early lead and were still front until those late goals for The Pirates, which were hotly disputed.
Hakin believed the first goal, a header hadn’t crossed the line and the winner might have come after Hakin keeper Alfie Thomas had his both hands on the ball when it was kicked towards goal but referee Gary Lewis, who conferred with assistant Gareth Elliott, signalled the goal stood.
Be that as it may, it has to be said that referee Lewis was well-placed for both incidents but it was a pity that such a cracking game should end in controversy.
Outstanding Armstrong strike gave Hakin the early lead
The Bridge Meadow has wide open spaces and both teams did well to adapt to the lights and conditions, so that play was fast and furious as it spread from end to end and there were chances in both boxes before Neyland took the lead after only nine minutes.
And what a goal it was as Reggie Armstrong, their outstanding central defender and captain, strode up to the angle of the penalty area on the right side and launched a left-foot pile-driver they flew into the far corner – a strike to grace any final!
The Pirates plunder a late victory
In The Pirates’ team their captain, Liam Power, was a real driving force with his pace and ball skills alongside Sammie Vaughan Harries, Josh James and Kian Evans giving plenty of support; whilst keeper Corey Riley controlled his box well and could do little about the goal conceded.
For Hakin, Rowan Dixon and Ethan Davies were busy in midfield and Jamie Sitoe was heavily involved after coming on a sub – but it was The Pirates who finally snatched the game out of the fire as Sammie Vaughan-Harries headed the equaliser and then Zach Owen grabbed the winner to a mixture of delight and despair, depending on which team you supported!
Hakin United: Alfie Thomas: Isaac Mills; Liam Hughes; Reggie Armstrong (Capt); Tyler Williams; Dylan McGuire; Ethan Dawes; Henry Mayhew; Rowan Dixon; Thomas Powles; Lewis Llewellin.
Substitutes: Cruz Findlay; James Macallan; Owain Roberts
Manager: Anthony Mayhew.
Coach: Ben Williams.
Neyland Pirates: Corey Riley: Todd Hewitt; Dylan James; Josh James; Sam Vaughan-Harries; Leo Power (Capt); Zach Owen; Owen Roach; Kian Evans; Rhys Lewis; Tomos Vaughan-Harries.
Substitutes: Oliver Vaughan-Harries; Corey Rayner; Alfie Bowen; Jack Dyer; Deanthony Matthews.
M
anager: Craig Power.
Coach: Martin James.