AFTER a week off for Christmas, domestic league football returned on Saturday. Here's a round-up of the action in the first division clashes.

High-flying Merlins Bridge remain nine points clear at the top of the summit. The magical Wizards travelled to Neyland and came away with a comfortable 3-0 victory.

The title hopefuls led by a solitary strike by Ade Smith at the interval. In the second period Smith added his second and gritty midfielder Carl Mason also hit the back of the Nomads' net.

Second spot Gary Dawes' Hakin United title chasers keep the pressure on the Wizards, picking up a hard fought 2-1 win at third in the table St Ishmaels. Paul Jones gave the Vikings a slender one goal cushion at half-time.

Michael Symons replied for Tish, but Ashley Bevans struck the all-important winner.

Sixth place Monkton Swifts got an excellent 3-0 victory over fourth place Narberth at Jesse Road. Skipper Jamie Callan's sweetly struck free kick gave the visitors the edge at the interval. In the second period goals by Ben Goldsmith and Michael Canton put a pleasing smile on the face of manager Benno Jones.

Fifth place Goodwick United gained an impressive 4-0 victory over second from bottom Prendergast Villa. Striker Ricky Bowen cracked in a thoroughly deserved hat trick and Steve Evans also added his name to the Phoenix lads' score sheet.

Haverfordwest County's impressive form continued as they picked-up their fourth straight win which lifts them to 10th spot.

Matthew Ellis scored twice and a fine Bobby Briers strike gave the chirpy Bluebirds a deserved 3-1 home victory over Solva, who slip down to seventh place.

Ninth placed Pennar Robins picked up their fourth victory of the campaign, winning 3-1 at struggling 12th place Carew.

Paul Lowe struck from the penalty spot, plus Lee Brockway and Phil Thompson netted for the rocking Robins as James Buckle scored a consolation effort for the hosts.