PHOTOS:
Winners Goodwick United
Man of match Rhys Dalling
Officials Kevin Williams, Andrew Hopkin, Sean O’Connor
Runners up Merlins Bridge
Goodwick United 4 – Merlins Bridge 2
(after extra-time)
Rhys Dalling claimed a brilliant hat-trick to ensure Goodwick United retained the Eddie Merry Memorial Cup at the expense of Merlins Bridge at St Mary’s Field.
After 90 minutes this clash finished 2-2, with Dalling and Daniel Bryce scoring a brace apiece, in the 98th minute Dalling added his side’s third and the Phoenix Lads wrapped up a cracking final when Rob Morgans converted a late penalty.
Goals up the slope
Five of the six goals scored were amazingly scored playing up the slope, Dalling broke the deadlock, five minutes before half time, turning Wizards left back Simon Thomas, striking a low left footed shot in the far corner from 12 yards.
However, the Wizards should have taken an early lead, Matthew D’Ivry was put through on goal by player manager Lee Hudgell, but keeper James Gwilt stood up and denied his the right sided midfielder.
Minutes later, Scott Delaney looped a header just over Chris Thomas’ crossbar, Rob Morgans struck a vicious long-range effort high and wide, then just before the break the deadly Dalling struck.
Shortly after the break a deflected shot by Karl Hedley struck the crossbar, but the Wizards then settled and played with a lot more conviction.
Gwilt pulled off a tremendous double save from Hudgell and D’Ivry that denied the Wizards an equaliser.
Wizards square matters
However, the Wizards levelled matters soon after, Hudgell, Bryce and substitute Ben Skudder had shots blocked before Bryce pounced with a close range header.
Bryce added a second header on 80 minutes that stunned the Phoenix Lads, but right at the death of normal time Dalling equalised with a stunning header that forced the game into extra-time.
Midway through the first period of extra-time, Dalling was put through by a delightful Morgans through ball, the striker kept his composure to lob keeper Chris Thomas.
The victory was sealed, as Morgans made no mistake from the spot after centre back Paul Thomas had taken down Jake Davies.
At the post match presentations Fishguard Sports official Owen Duggan complimented both teams for a committed display in the 32nd final, he also thanked the officials, the press and everyone who had helped raise money for charity.
Goodwick United: James Gwilt, Steff Hayes, Darren Devonald, Anthony Couzens, Scott Delaney, Karl Hedley, Jordan Griffiths, Jake Davies, Rob Morgans, Rhys Dalling, Rob Morgans. Subs: Jac Pepper, Jordan White.
Merlins Bridge: Chris Thomas, Simon Thomas, Andrew John, Peter Thomas, Dai Davies, Matthew D’Ivry, Dan Bryce, Lee Hudgell, Nathan Greene, Jordan Raymond. Subs: Nathan Thomas, Chris Ormond, Ben Skudder.
Referee: Andrew Hopkin.
Assistants: Kevin Williams & Sean O’Connor.
