2.30pm 13 September 2025
Pembrokeshire League, Division One
Hakin United 5 Narberth 0 (att 68)
Hakin United have been a dominant force in Pembrokeshire League for years, and a visit to their Observatory Ground was a gap om my groundhopping CV that I'd wanted to fill for a while.
The far south west of Wales is challenging for a day trip from home, but as I was in the area anyway it seemed logical to make to the most of the opportunity to head further west after my morning game.
With the exception of Haverfordwest County, and the occasional foray into the old Welsh League in years gone by, Pembrokeshire football sits apart from the Welsh football pyramid. No clubs have yet been tempted to join the West Wales Premier League.
On playing ability alone Hakin United would be obvious candidates for promotion. However, as things stand, the extent of travelling that would be necessary from their Milford Haven base is a strong disincentive.
With reigning champions Goodwick United having made an indifferent start, Hakin must be favourites to win the title this season. They had no problems seeing off Narberth, who won promotion from division two last season.
Hakin scored twice in the first half. Their second goal, with half-an-hour played, was a clearance by their goalkeeper that bounced in front of, and then over, the Narberth keeper. It was only the second time I can recall seeing a goalkeeper score in that way.
Narberth's keeper may have been embarrassed to have conceded a goal to his opposite number, but other than that he had a fine game, and played an important role in keeping the score down.
Hakin netted three in the second half, the last goal was the game's final meaningful kick. They should have won by a much bigger margin.
The Observatory Ground takes its name from an adjacent early 19th century observatory, now in ruins. The undulating pitch is enclosed and railed off, with plenty of advertising boards and a pair of dugouts. There is a small covered area in front of a clubhouse in the corner near the entrance.
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