Milford Mercury | Local News, Sport & Entertainment

Vikings title hopes hang by thread

From the archive, first published Thursday 19th Jan 2006.

Hakin United 1 Merlins Bridge 4 HAKIN United's title hopes are hanging by a thread after Merlins Bridge ran riot at the Obs.

The Wizards thumped four past Colin Fawcett's Vikings who now find themselves falling further adrift of leaders Monkton Swifts.

Peter Jones' side completed the league double over Hakin despite falling behind as early as the first minute.

With the Bridge defence still half-asleep 16 year-old Justin Harding latched onto the ball and picked his spot beyond the dive of keeper Dai Smith.

It was a fine way for the teenager to introduce himself to the first division on his debut.

But instead of building on their early advantage, Hakin seemed to relax and allowed the Wizards to build some pressure.

With Welsh Premier player Chris O'Sullivan pulling the strings, the visitors drew level. O'Sullivan picked his spot for the equaliser and was at the heart of the move that put the Bridge ahead.

O'Sullivan put the chance on a plate and Adam Raymond was calmness personified as he stroked past Adrian Devonald.

And things went from bad to worse for the Vikings mid-way through the first half when captain Gary Dawes was sent off.

Dawes clashed with O'Sullivan and referee Jonathan Twigg had no hesitation in flashing the red card to the combative midfielder.

The Wizards took the slender lead into the break but with 10 men it was always going to be difficult for the home side.

And with 55 minutes on the clock the Wizards edged themselves further ahead.

Midfielder Simon Thomas made good ground down the left wing and his perfect cross was headed powerfully into the net by Danny Williams.

With their tails up the Bridge pushed forward to make the game safe. Ben Skudder proved his eye for a goal to come off the bench with a drilled finish from 18 yards.

Hakin remain second but are six points off the pace, having played two games more than the champions.

Hakin United: Adrian Devonald, Scott Davies, Anthony Mayhew, Ewan Finlay, Kristan Bennett, Daniel Lincoln, Michael Cooper, Gary Dawes, Steve Mathias, Justin Harding, Arron Owens. Subs: Craig Robertson, Morgan Harries.

Merlins Bridge: Dai Smith, Paul Thomas, Peter Thomas, Chris Ormond, Kevin Phillips, Guy White, Chris O'Sullivan, Nathan Thomas, Simon Thomas, Danny Williams, Adam Raymond. Subs: Ben Skudder, Sean Halpin, Simon Gilderdale.

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