Goodwick United 2 Merlins Bridge 4

THE young guns of Merlins Bridge shot down Goodwick United at Phoenix Park on Saturday.

The Wizards have been in fine form recently and will surely be there or thereabouts when the silverware is handed out next season.

But even for a team starting the day in third place, a trip to Goodwick is never an easy fixture.

Yet Merlins Bridge took the game by the scruff of the neck early doors and always looked on top.

The scoring was opened as early as the fifth minute when poor Goodwick marking allowed Simon Gilderdale a free header and the midfielder took his chance well.

It turned out to be a interesting afternoon for Gilderdale who later scored an own goal, meaning he found the back of the net at both ends.

But for the remainder of the first half it was nip and tuck as Merlins Bridge failed to build on their lead and Goodwick couldn't find the equaliser.

But the second period saw things really hot up as five goals flew in and Goodwick defender Rob Hughes saw red.

Any hopes the home team may have had about getting back into the game early in the second 45 quickly evaporated when the Bridge went two goals up.

Just seconds after the re-start Niko Algieri broke clear of the cover, ran in on Goodwick keeper Darren Turner and calmly slotted his shot into the net.

At this stage the visitors were well on top and Goodwick were struggling to get a foot-hold in the game. But they were thrown a lifeline when Gilderdale scored his second of the game, only at the wrong end!

That sparked a concerted period of Goodwick pressure and they came close to an equaliser through Adam Raymond.

He fired in a terrific effort but Bridge keeper Trevor Wright produced a fine save to keep his side in the lead.

But Goodwick's hopes of drawing level were hit by the dismissal of Hughes for a second bookable offence.

Steve Thomas' side stepped up a gear and used their numerical advantage well and scored two late goals to kill the game off.

Substitute Sean Jones beat Turner with a deflected shot and Simon Thomas made it four with just minutes to go.

A late Barry Hayes header gave Goodwick a second goal but Merlins Bridge took home the points and will be full of confidence as they go into next Thursday's cup semi-final.