Hakin United got their Pembrokeshire Division One campaign off to the perfect start, with a thumping 5-0 victory over Merlins Bridge on the opening evening of fixtures.
The Observatory crowd was full of confident spectators, excited by the return of manager Scott Davies who had already shown in pre-season that he was working hard to get his side into shape for a title challenge, with some dazzling displays including an emphatic Joe Lennon victory over Milford United.
The Hakin team sheetsaw two new signings, with the talented duo of midfielder Jordan Kilby joining from title winning Monkton Swifts 2nds and 16 years old Leo Power joining from Neyland. Garin Gardner also returned to the side, after not playing at all in the previous season.
The visiting Bridge side saw no new signings in the starting XI, but a league debut handed to youngster Daniel Isaac, with Oscar Willington also coming off the bench to make his first league appearance. With a crop of talented youngsters stepping up to play in both senior teams, we anticipate that this is likely to be a "transitional" season for the Bridge as they look to the future.
The Vikings opened the scoring in the 28th minute when experienced midfielder Mark Jones scored after being setup by Leon Luby.
Luby then got in on the action himself just five minutes later, with an assist from ex-Wizard Alfie Stottor.
With the score 2-0 at the interval, Hakin made it three in the 70th minute through Shane Walsh, with Stottor registering another assist - continuing his scintillating pre-season form.
Stottor then bagged a goal just two minutes later, thanks to an assist from Captain Ryan Wilson.
Soon later, Hakin completed the scoring with a goal for 17 years old substitute Mason Dolling, with Stottor completing a hat-trick of assists.
The victory will see the Viking fans excited for the season ahead with plenty of talent and good football on display. It's clear already that midfield talisman Alfie Stottor will be instrumental in Hakin's potential success going forward. From a neutral perspective, I hope that the Vikings can push on and give us an exciting title battle with rivals Goodwick United at the top.
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