Goodwick United 2

Hakin United 1

Save: Bevan’s effort is saved by Goodwick keeper Gwilt

GOODWICK UNITED retained the Senior Cup as they beat 10-man Hakin United at a packed Bridge Meadow Stadium on a sunny Saturday afternoon.

Over 1500 fans gathered in Haverfordwest and they were treated to an excellent match which could have gone either way.

Goodwick came out of the blocks quickest and had a penalty shout in the first minute when Rob Morgans went down but after thinking about it, referee Angus Scourfield waved away the appeals.

With eight minutes gone it was Goodwick who had the first real chance of the game when Rhys Dalling cut inside but his shot was palmed away by the Hakin keeper but he could not get the rebound under control and the chance had gone.

James Stanmore came close for Hakin but his shot was pushed away by Goodwick keeper James Gwilt.

The opening goal came midway through the first half when Dalling picked up the loose ball before running on and firing a low shot into the bottom right corner of the net.

It wasn’t long before Hakin responded as, with just over half an hour gone, Ashley Bevan found Nicky Woodrow who slotted the ball past Gwilt to level the scores.

Dalling came close for Goodwick again but James Manson in the Hakin goal made an excellent save to tip his shot wide.

Shortly before half time Hakin had the ball in the net but Jonty Bennett’s header was ruled out for offside.

A minute later, there was a flashpoint when Hakin’s Ewan Findlay appeared to push a Goodwick player back to the ground after the pair had each gone for the ball and the referee showed Findlay a straight red, a big blow to Hakin’s chances of winning the cup.

On the stroke of half time Goodwick had a chance to take the lead when Dalling beat his man on the right wing before running along the byline and after he was tackled the ball fell to Adam Raymond on the edge of the box but his shot went over the bar.

Despite being down to ten men it was Hakin who made the better start to the second half.

Ashley Bevan raced through on goal but his effort was blocked by Goodwick’s keeper.

Gwilt then had to be at his best as a blocked shot appeared to be looping in but the keeper did well to get back and push the ball away for corner.

Bevan was free again in the box soon after but Scott Delaney got back to slide in and take the ball away from his feet.

Matthew Broome sent in a free kick ten minutes into the half but Bevan’s header was wide.

Ben Steele provided a chance for the ever-present Bevan but his flick rebounded back off the post and into the keeper’s arms.

Having soaked up all the pressure, Goodwick attacked and Johnny Horgan’s cross-cum-shot from the right flew over everyone and into the top left corner of the net to make it 2-1.

That left Hakin with twenty minutes to try and find an equaliser but it was Goodwick who continued to attack.

Dalling was sent through again with fifteen minutes left but Hakin keeper James Manson left his area to confront Dalling and he blocked his effort with his chest.

Bevan turned provider for Hakin when he crossed for Woodrow but his effort was blocked.

With ten minutes to go Stanmore came close for the Vikings but his free kick went just wide.

Woodrow came close in the closing minutes when he curled a shot towards goal but Gwilt did well to tip the ball over.

Goodwick held on and the final whistle sparked jubilant scenes among the players and club officials.

Rhys Dalling was voted man of the match for his excellent display and it was left to captain Wayne O’Sullivan to pick up the trophy for a second year running.

Goodwick United: James Gwilt, Steffan Hayes, Wayne O’Sullivan, Scott Delaney, Anthony Couzens, Adam Raymond, Chris O’Sullivan, Kieran O’Brien, Rob Morgans, Rhys Dalling, Jonny Horgan.

Subs: Darren Devonald, Jordan Griffiths, Jac Pepper.

Hakin United: James Manson, Matthew Broome, Ewan Findlay, Gareth Fawcett, Mark Jones, Jonathan Bennett, Ben Steele, Nicky Woodrow, Ashley Bevan, Steven Mathias, James Stanmore.

Subs: Adam Davies, Daniel Armstrong, Ricky Diamond.