Merlins Bridge 2
Haverfordwest County 1

Merlins Bridge player manager Matthew Price struck a wonder-goal to win a feisty hard fought top of the table derby clash against ten-man Haverfordwest County.

This derby was heading for a draw — that was until Price’s 30-yard wonder strike earned victory, which puts the Wizards two-points clear at the top and three games in hand.

Derek Roberts’ Bluebirds slip down from second to fourth, but they can take heart from their gritty performance that could have earned them a point — but come the final whistle, they were cruelly left with nothing to show for their efforts.

The visitors had defender Gethin Roberts sent-off early when his two-footed tackle earned him a straight red-card, issued by referee Bernie Coyle. The decision looked a little harsh, but by the letter of the law the referee made the right decision.

On 31 minutes, the visitors took the lead. Bobby Briers’ long-range free kick bounced in the box and deceived goalkeeper Ian Kerrison as the ball nestled in the bottom corner. Five minutes before the break and Wizards’ player/manager Price was bundled over in the box by defender Morgan Whittaker. Peter Thomas made no mistake from the resulting penalty to square matters at 1-1 at the break.

The Wizards got on top in the second period as Bluebirds’ keeper James Phillips pulled off some outstanding stops.

However, six minutes from full-time and Price led by example to score a superb winner and ensure the Wizards are firm favourites to win this season’s title.

Merlins Bridge: Ian Kerrison, Hadyn Ralph, Simon Thomas, Chris Ormond, Paul Thomas, Peter Thomas, Nathan Thomas, Marcus Taylor, Matthew Price, Stephen McNabney, Lee Hudgell. Subs: Matthew D’Ivry, Ashley Prior.

Haverfordwest County: James Phillips, Gethin Roberts, Morgan Whittaker, Bobby Briers, Brett Evans, Jonathan Clark, Lloyd Wilson, Dai Davies, Craig George, Paul Michael, Harry Allen. Subs: Luke Robinson, Rob Morgan.

Referee: Bernie Coyle.