SENIOR Cup holders Hakin United made hard work of their narrow victory at division two Pendine.

Paul Jones scored a header in the first minute that gave the Vikings the lead, but it was short lived with Cai Edwards scoring to level matters.

James Stanmore struck a vicious shot that flew in the top corner to give the Vikings a 2-1 cushion at the break.

After the interval, substitute Michael Cooper came on and made an immediate impact by scoring his side’s third. At that point it looked a comfortable passage for the Vikings. But Pendine mounted a terrific fightback with Robbie Waters scoring a quick-fire brace to square things, and at that stage an upset was on the cards.

But five minutes from full time up popped Cooper to score his second of the tie and ensure that the Vikings reached the quarter final by the skin of their teeth.

Vikings manager Gary Dawes said: “We were awful this afternoon. Our defending was non existent play like that next week and Merlins Bridge will give us a hiding.”

Hakin United: Matthew Broome, Steve Allen, Kristan Bennett, Ewan Findlay, James Stanmore, Andrew Kingston, Jonathan Bennett, Steve Mathias, Ashley Bevan, Justin Harding, Paul Jones. Subs: Michael Cooper, Jamie Harding, Gary Dawes.

Referee: Adrian Wilson