2022-23 West Wales Intermediate Cup – Semi Final
Hakin United 2 - Carew 1
Nick Woodrow grabbed a dramatic 95th minute winner to earn Hakin United a hard fought victory over battling Carew at the Ogi Bridge Meadow Stadium in front of a decent crowd under lights on Monday evening.
This eagerly awaited semi-final served up a cracking all Pembrokeshire tie, but there can only be one winner as it was the Vikings who got it thanks to Woodrow’s late header.
The Rooks took an early lead through Sam Southcott, the Vikings drew level just after the interval as midfielder Ben Aldred struck a low drive, substitute Jack Britton missed a penalty for the Vikings, but as the tie looked to be heading for extra time then deep in stoppage time up popped deadly Woodrow who struck a timely winner.
The last time Hakin United won this competition was back in 2004 when Chris Tansey was manager and Gary Dawes was captain, they beat Swansea League outfit Brynawel 2-0 at the Vetch Field, former home of Swansea City.
Scott Richards' Carew outfit started strongly putting the Vikings under pressure, they cracked in the seventh minute when Shaun Whitfield’s lofted free kick in the box was met skipper Sonny Phillips’ saw his firm header struck the underside of the bar, Sam Southcott followed up as he was in the right place at the right time to get the vital scoring touch.
The Vikings failed to really get going despite Woodrow, who struck an ambitious 25 yarder which warmed the hands of Davies.
The lively Archie Smith struck a wicked shot from 25-yards which whistled past Sam Franklin’s post.
The Vikings created a chance through Luby who cut in off his wing and struck a firm shot which agonisingly missed the target.
Rooks hold slender half time lead
Despite both teams creating further chances, it remained 1-0 to Carew at the half time.
Vikings boss Scott Davies made one change at the interval; he brought on Jack Britton who replaced Garin Gardner in midfield.
The Vikings needed a reaction after the break, they got it just four minutes into the second half when Ben Aldred drilled home low from 22 yards to get his team right back in the tie.
In the 59th minute Hakin were awarded a penalty as Davies parried Luby’s low drive the ball struck defender Sonny Phillips on the hand.
Britton took responsibility as he drilled a low effort to Davies’ right, the keeper comfortably palmed it wide.
Tense nervous finish
There was a tense nervous finish with both teams trying hard to find the winner, Carew came close to scoring twice as Adam Muskett missed a sitter with a close range header also Thomas Cole’s header from inside the box was cleared off the goal line by Vikings' defender Kieran King.
The defining moment of this tense tie came when the trickery of Luby’s by-line cross was met with a terrific Woodrow header which beat the despairing dive of keeper Davies. This brought wild celebrations from the Hakin United players as they realised, they’d won it and there was cruelly no way back for brave Carew.
Hakin United will meet West Wales Premier League outfit Penlan Club in the final which will take place on Thursday, May 11th at the Swanseacity.com Stadium.
Hakin United: Sam Franklin, Kieran King, Jake Merry, Jay Power, Matthew Broome (Captain), Grain Gardner (46’ Jack Britton), Leon Luby, Ben Aldred (70’ Justin Harding), Nicky Woodrow, Ryan Wilson, Shane Walsh.
Substitutes used: Hayden Dimond, Leon Davies, Gareth Fawcett.
Carew: Tom Davies, Shaun Whitfield, Sonny Phillips (Captain) (77’ Zac Rowell), Iwan Izzard, Sam Southcott, Archie Smith, Thomas Cole, Marcus Griffiths, Adam Muskett, James Hinchliffe, Curtis Hurlow.
Substitutes not used: James Harries, Dylan Morgan, Gareth Lewis, Harvey Drummond.
Referee: Spencer Williams.
Assistants: Ethan Goatley & Philip Harris.
Fourth Official: Robert Blowes.
