Goodwick United 1
Merlins Bridge 3
Merlins Bridge made a huge statement in the race for title as they defeated league leaders Goodwick United at Phoenix Park.

If Goodwick had won they would have gone nine points clear at the top, but they didn’t and that lead is now cut to just three points.

Firm title favourites Merlins Bridge also have six games in hand.

The visitors could not have wished for a better start as they took a three-nil lead with barely 25 minutes on the clock.

Michael Canton’s sweet strike took a deflection for the opener. A handball decision in the box led to Peter Thomas making no mistake for the second from the penalty spot. Player/manager Matthew Price latched on to co-striker’s Stephen McNabney's cross to score a third.

Midway through the second period and Dan Williams pulled one back for the hosts. Carl Woodhouse pulled off a brilliant penalty stop to deny Peter Thomas adding a fourth.

But it didn’t make any difference to the final outcome as the Wizards held firm for the remainder and are definitely firm favourites to win the title. It will take a brave man to bet against them achieving the double this season.

Goodwick United: Carl Woodhouse, Wayne O’Sullivan, Anthony Couzens, Nigel Delaney, Darren Devonald, Johnny Horgan, Kieran O’Brien, Ryan Thomas, Thomas Jones, Danny Williams, Jay Brockway. Subs: Ricky Bowen, Stephen Lewis, Gareth O’Sullivan.

Merlins Bridge: Ian Kerrison, Matthew D’Ivry, Paul Thomas, Haden Ralph, Matthew Morrissey, Michael Canton, Paul Thomas, Marcus Taylor, Nathan Thomas, Matthew Price, Stephen McNabney. Subs: Ashley Prior, James Skudder, Ross Williams.

Referee: Phil Gale.