Goodwick United 4

Hakin United 2

GOODWICK United fought back from a 2-1 deficit to win by two clear goals against champions-elect Hakin United in a cracking match on a superb playing surface at Phoenix Park.

It was full-blooded local football of the highest quality as referee Dave Badger officiated well and kept a tight rein on the action, sending off Hakin defender Matthew Broome for deliberate hand ball and issued a few yellow cards as there were chances galore from both camps and plenty to discuss afterwards.

It was the Vikings who took the early lead as Ashley Bevan fired home a splendid free kick from fully 25 yards that left home keeper Dean Hopkins stranded but Rhys Dalling soon levelled matters with a stunning run past three defenders which saw him plant a low drive past a helpless James Manson in the Hakin goal.

In a desperate goalmouth scramble the visitors had three close-range chances for Nicky Woodrow and Justin Harding (2) but the home side somehow scrambled the ball clear – but were unable to stop the Hakin attack as Ashley Bevan set up the chance and Ben Aldred unselfishly slipped the scoring pass for Woodrow to net with ease.

In some end to end play Rob Morgans smashed a free kick against the upright and watched his free kick headed against the crossbar by Wayne O’Sullivan for Goodwick - and Harding shot just wide for Hakin.

But then Broome was despatched for hand-ball at a set-piece and although O’Sullivan fired home the whistle had already gone and it was left to Morgans to level matters from the spot-kick.

The second half was no less competitive but the Vikings inevitably found it tough with a man short and Goodwick took the lead for the first time with another excellent goal, this time when Horgan broke down the right and curled a left-footed shot over Manson and into the far corner.

Worse was to follow for the Vikings as Jonty Bennett was carried off with a neck/jaw injury that took some time to treat and saw the arrival of an ambulance – but Bennett was back by the finish, after Goodwick made the game safe when Kieran O’Brien lobbed the ball into the danger area and Morgans was allowed a free header from close range.

Goodwick United: Dean Hopkins, Steffan Hayes, Wayne O’Sullivan, Scott Delaney, Darren Devonald, Carl Hedley, Lewis Banks, Kieran O’Brien, Rob Morgans, Johnny Horgan, Rhys Dalling. Subs: Jordan Griffiths, Nigel Delaney, Ryan Howells.

Hakin United: James Manson, Matthew Broome, Scott Reynish, Michael Cooper, Alex Greenish, Justin Harding, Micky Woodrow, Ashley Bevan, Steve Mathias, Ben Aldred. Subs: Paul Jones, Lewis Thompson.

Referee: Dave Badger.