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A clinical brace from Liam Parks secured Hakin United their record-breaking thirteenth Senior Cup as they overcame local rivals Milford United at the Ogi Bridge Meadow Stadium on Saturday 12th April 2025.
In what was billed as an intriguing derby match full of subplots, the Vikings showed their class and superiority, gradually turning the screw on their neighbours after a cagey opening period. For Parks, it was a day of mixed emotions, netting twice against the club managed by his father Steve, having made the switch to Hakin earlier this season.
Despite the final 2-0 scoreline, Milford's young goalkeeper Charlie Malloy produced a strong performance, keeping the margin respectable with several impressive saves as Hakin dominated territory and possession throughout.
The opening exchanges saw an even contest, with both sides feeling their way into the match. Shane Walsh looked particularly lively for Hakin, working the channels effectively from his central striking position and causing problems down the left flank.
Malloy made a good instinctive save in the 5th minute to deny Walsh from point-blank range after a dangerous cross from the right, before the linesman flagged offside, but he wasn't to know. This would become a theme throughout the afternoon as the young keeper stood firm against mounting Viking pressure.
As the half progressed, Hakin began to assert their dominance. The game remained competitive through the first quarter-hour, with Milford showing good organisation despite limited attacking threat.
The 16th minute saw Parks demonstrate his quality with an excellent touch and run into the box before being challenged, winning a corner that continued Hakin's growing territorial advantage. The Vikings' front three showed impressive movement, with Walsh rotating positions with Liam Parks on the left while Luby provided a constant threat from the right.
Jordan Kilby delivered an excellent overlapping run in the 19th minute, his cross comfortably held by Malloy, who was growing in confidence. Milford's attempted counter attack thwarted by Hakin's high defensive line comfortably catching out Liam Davies.
The 23rd minute saw the woodwork come to Milford's rescue when Luby's effort crashed against the crossbar following excellent work down the right from Kilby. A minute later, Ryan Wilson found Walsh free in the center, but his dragged shot went wide as the offside flag was raised.
With pressure building, Hakin continued to probe. Kilby was particularly impressive, showing tenacity at both ends of the pitch, dispossessing Liam Davies before sprinting upfield after a neat one-two in the 26th minute.
The breakthrough finally came in the 38th minute. A well-flighted free kick found Jack Britton whose header was brilliantly saved by Malloy, only for Parks to react quickest and slam home the rebound, giving the Vikings a deserved 1-0 lead heading into the break.
Hakin emerged with renewed purpose after the interval. In the 50th minute, center-back Ben Aldred demonstrated his comfort on the ball, dancing past several players before unleashing a powerful 25-yard drive that required another excellent save from Malloy, diving low to his right.
The Vikings continued to dominate possession, with Milford struggling to create any meaningful opportunities. Scott Davies' men looked increasingly comfortable, controlling the tempo and territory without needing to reach top gear.
Hakin's second goal arrived in the 67th minute through excellent work down the right flank from Luby, whose excellent cross was met first-time by Parks, who rifled his finish into the roof of the net.
The goal effectively ended the contest, although Hakin continued to press. Walsh was denied by the crossbar with a header in the 68th minute as the Vikings sought to add to the scoreline.
Both managers utilised their benches extensively in the final quarter, with Scott Davies bringing on Camron Thomas, Craig Nicholson, Henry Mayhew, Mark Jones, and Jack Griffiths as the Vikings saw out the game professionally. The Viking supporters found their voice, soaking in the atmosphere as the reality of another trophy became apparent.
The game was impeccably reffed throughout by the officiating team, letting the game flow wherever possible. There were no apparent problems on or off the pitch with any decisions.
The closing stages correctly saw three yellow cards as the game became more fractious – Sam Davies (71'), Ben Lloyd (79'), and Scott Reid (83') all entered the referee's notebook. However, Hakin maintained their composure to secure a comfortable victory and lift the Senior Cup once again.
This professional performance from Hakin underlines the assured swagger they have developed since Scott Davies returned to the club this season. Their attention now turns to Thursday's massive West Wales Cup semi-final against St. Josephs as they look to complete an impressive double.
For Milford, it's been a difficult season facing relegation to Division Two, but impressive youth performances not only from Malloy in goal but the likes of Rhys Brawn, Joey Jones, Jack Dyer and others give them reason to believe they have a bright future and can bounce back. Their thirds side was also crowned champions in Division Five.
Hakin United: Gareth Fawcett, Jake Merry, Kieran King, Jay Power (67' Camron Thomas), Ben Aldred, Jack Britton, Leon Luby (81' Henry Mayhew), Jordan Kilby (74' Mark Jones), Shane Walsh, Ryan Wilson (Captain) (63' Craig Nicholson), Liam Parks (83' Jack Griffiths).
Milford United: Charlie Malloy, Wesley Hill, Sam Davies (76' Ben Lloyd), Anthony Hubbuck (73' Will Goodall), Scott Griffiths (Captain), Ieuan Rutherford, Joey Jones, Jack Dyer (66' Morgan Picton), Rhys Brawn (73' Tommy Powles), Scott Reid, Liam Davies (66' Liam Parr).
Referee: Stefan Jenkins
Assistants: Sion Jenkins & Barry Evans
Fourth Official: Neill Crawshaw
Attendance: 1,056
There was a minute's silence held prior to kick-off in memory of Manderwood Pembrokeshire Football League Secretary Brian Hawkins, also former President and Chairman of Pembrokeshire Football League, who also served as chairman of the West Wales Football Association, and Roger Wood, who was chairman of the West Wales Football Association between 2018 and 2020.
Match Photos by MW10 Sports Photography.
Photo Gallery (click to view in full)
