Jed Legion 1

Wright Cup final

John Slorance reports from Bridgend Park

STUART Harker scored his first goal for Jed Legion on Saturday, and what a memorable goal it turned out to be, for the big centre back's second-half strike not only earned Legion a win, but the Wright Cup as well.

Harker, who was also outstanding in the Jed defence, told TheSouthern: "I have played for the Legion for four seasons and have never scored a goal until today. It's great to have got a goal at last, and it's unbelievable that it was a winning one in a cup final, as this is something that you just dream about".

Adding with a big smile, Harker said: "I have saved myself some money by scoring as well, for I had been asking my father what he was wanting for his Christmas. He said a goal from me in the cup final would do him just fine.

"I have managed to do this, so I don't need to buy him a present now."

With a big crowd in attendance the final got off to a brisk start, and Jed were first to look like scoring when Jamie Swales tested United keeper John Paul Drysdale with a low drive.

United then showed what they had to offer with a well-worked move that saw Scott Storrie break clear. Legion keeper Steven Henderson anticipated the danger, coming quickly off his line to save.

After Drysdale had got down well to hold a Barrie Melrose effort, the woodwork denied United an opener. On being fed by a Paul Cooper pass, Storrie took on a man before firing in a shot that cannoned off the upright.

Legion came bouncing back and Terry Marshall broke clear through the middle and rattled in a shot that was parried by Drysdale. The ball then broke to the feet of Craig Jack who hit the rebound goalwards, but Drysdale again saved.

With four minutes of the second half gone, Jed sailed into the lead. A well-flighted Brian Hall corner kick was headed on by Melrose, and Harker finished matters off to perfection by blasting a shot past the helpless Drysdale.

Minutes later Melrose came near to adding to Legion's tally following another Hall corner. At the other end Paul Cooper was inches away from getting an equaliser, shaving the post with an angled drive.

United were pushing forward now, but Legion were giving away nothing at the back.