Division 1: Hakin United 3-1 Merlins Bridge

This was billed as the game of the day in the top flight as Hakin United came out on top against arch rivals Merlins Bridge at The Obs.

Goals from Justin Harding, Adam John and Shane Walsh sealed a first win against the Bridge for new Vikings boss Scott Davies.

“It was an excellent result,” said Davies shortly after the final whistle.

“Skinny scored early and then the Bridge equalised and put us under pressure. We didn’t crack and found our feet and went on to win comfortably.”

In the sixth minute Leon Luby’s free kick was flicked on by Nicky Woodrow who in turn found Harding, who scored with a close-range volley.

On the 15-minute mark Adam Hawkins equalised for The Wizards, the striker dribbled into the box and finished clinically past former team mate Martin Langdon.

On the stroke of half time Adam John headed home Woodrow’s cross at the far post to give his side a slender 2-1 cushion.

Ten minutes after the break The Vikings scored an important third goal, once again Woodrow the architect, as his cross was powerfully headed home by Shane Walsh.

It could have been four but Luby had a late penalty saved by James Dickson - and afterwards Davies reserved praise for 18-year-old centre back Jay Power who had an outstanding game in the Vikings’ defence.

Hakin United squad: Martin Langdon, Jay Power, Ewan Findlay, Camron Thomas, Leon Luby, Adam John, Ryan Wilson, Craig Nicholson, Shane Walsh, Nicky Woodrow, Justin Harding, Ashley Bevan, Garin Gardner, Tom Evans.

Merlins Bridge: James Dickson, Andrew John, Chris Ormond, Jordan Thomas, Matthew D’Ivry, Ashley Beck, David Davies, Jordan Williams, Will Haworth, Adam Hawkins, Nathan Greene. Subs: Lee Hudgell, Peter Thomas, Luke Hayward.