Hakin beat Milford Athletic in Joe Lennon Cup final

It is now eight consecutive Joe Lennon Cup wins for Hakin United as Nicky Woodrow’s six goal haul underlined their dominance against Milford Athletic.

The Division Three side were always going to be up against it, and even more so with a depleted side as The Vikings showed no mercy to run out 12-1 winners.

It was Woodrow who got things going early on when he tapped home from Leon Luby’s cross – but Athletic responded and after Callum Stannett curled a free kick over, they equalised when Thomas Parker’s long range effort curled over Hakin keeper Adrian Devonald and into the net.

But right back Luby, who already looks like a strong addition to Hakin, then whipped in a free kick to set up Woodrow’s second goal and the latter soon sealed a hat trick with a low right foot finish from a tight angle.

Adam ‘Titch’ John made it 4-1 when he adjusted well to divert a low cross over the line with his knee, and Woodrow struck again before the break with a clinical finish from eight yards.

Athetic keeper Jonathan Pawlett made two smart saves early in the second half but the home side were soon adding to their tally when Woodrow beat the offside trap and slotted home – and then duly got his double hat trick by volleying home from Shane Walsh’s knock down.

It was Luby who then set up Walsh himself to score the eighth and before John’s deflected shot left the unlucky Pawlett wrong footed for number nine.

A John cross was then fired in at the back post by Ryan Wilson as The Vikings hit double figures and then with time running out, Scott Reid pounced on a loose ball in the area and side footed home – before Camron Thomas went clean through and rounded Pawlett to score.

Hakin boss Scott Davies wouldn’t have learnt a great deal about his side over such a one sided 90 minutes but he would have been satisfied with a clinical display - while Athletic manager Paul Howard can at least take heart from that semi final win over Herbie and the displays of several youngsters, including goal scorer Parker.

Most importantly, a decent crowd again turned out to honour the memory of Lennon, who was renowned for his immense work with the junior players at The Obs, and it was Hakin committee member Lance Rutherford who presented the trophy to winning skipper Ewan Findlay.

Luby picked up the man of the match award.

Rutherford also spoke about the memories of Lennon, and tournament organiser Jonny ‘Bap’ Lewis thanked everyone involved in the tournament, namely the four teams, referees Damian Haworth and Karl Davies, the Hakin committee and all spectators who supported the three games.

Hakin United: Adrian Devonald, Leon Luby, Ewan Findlay, Jay Power, Camron Thomas, Andrew Kingston, Ryan Wilson, Adam John, Shane Walsh, Nicky Woodrow. Subs (rolling): Scott Reid, Justin Harding, Bradley Barrett, Garin Gardner.

Milford Athletic: Jonathan Pawlett, John Lydon, Ashley Bevans, Chris Dullaghan, Jason Hiscocks, Nick Griffiths, Callum Stannett, Dan Picton, Adam Watlin, Thoma Parker, Sam Edwards. Subs: Nathan Lewis, Adam Parsley, Matthew Mantripp.

Referee: Karl Davies.