PHOTOS:
Winners Merlins Bridge
Runners up Fishguard Sports
Match officials Andrew Hopkin, Sean O'Connor and Andrew Davies

Eddie Merry Memorial Final

 

Fishguard Sports 0 – Merlins Bridge 1

Joe Leahy’s last gasp header secured Merlins Bridge a hard fought victory against Fishguard Sports to lift the Eddie Merry Memorial trophy at Trecoed Park.

The Second Division outfit gave their First Division rivals a real run for their money, as the clash looked to be going into extra time, as Leahy stunned the Sports by scoring a late winner.

In midweek, Fishguard Sports beat First Division West Dragons 1-0 to reach the final, Niall Kinsella scored with a direct free kick.

Holders Goodwick United drew 1-1 with Merlins Bridge, Leahy gave the Wizards the lead before Scott Delaney equalised, but it was the Wizards who held their nerve to win the tie on penalties.

After a goalless first period, it was the Sports who created the better of the chances. Lewis Banks rattled Gary Thomas’ crossbar from distance, Jordan White flashed a low shot agonisingly wide and Ryan Howells also hit a long range shot that Thomas saved.

The second half was also eagerly fought, with both teams battling for every scrap of possession, the Sports were desperately unlucky not to take the lead in the 65^th minute. James Vaughan worked space and struck a low shot from 20 yards that Bridge left back Simon Thomas frantically cleared off the goal line. A real let off for the Wizards.

However, right at the death Simon Thomas free kick from the left caused mayhem in the Sports box, and the ever alert striker Leahy pounced with a header to seal the outcome.

Post match, Fishguard Sports spokesman Owen Duggan thanked both teams for a hard fought game, and thanked everyone who contributed to this year’s tournament with all proceeds raised will be given to the Fishguard Gateway Club.

This was the first time that the Eddie Merry final was played at Fishguard Sports’ new home Trecoed Park.

Fishguard Sports: David Pepper; Billy Moore; Lewis Banks; Steve Lewis; Matthew Lewis; Jamie Vaughan; Ryan Howells; Matthew Morgan; David Sinnott; Nial Kinsella; Jordan White. Subs: Simon Jones; Patrick Hughes; Keegan Summers.

Merlins Bridge: Gary Thomas; Chris Ormond; Simon Thomas; Sean Jones; Sion Price; Dai Davies; Will Haworth; Luke Hayward; Stephen McNabney; Joe Leahy; Jordan Raymond. Subs:  Paul Thomas; Matthew D’Ivry; James Skudder.

Referee: Sean O’Connor.
Assistants: Andrew Hopkin & Andrew Davies.