Minehead U15G 3

Weston Mendip U15G 1

Minehead welcomed Weston Mendip to Irnham Road for a much anticipated league cup semi-final. Mendip came with confidence and intention of ending the host’s unbeaten run.

From the first whistle it was Minehead who had the best of the early chances. Mendip adopted a defensive shape trying to limit opportunities. This worked well initially with every through ball being dealt with calmly. From the two previous meetings Minehead knew the Mendip goalkeeper was tough to beat. This evidenced when Izzy broke through on the left the and struck a fine shot that was saved brilliantly. The first 20 minutes flew by and the Minehead pressure was growing. The deadlock then on the 20th minute was broken. This time a perfectly weighted through ball from Emeral allowed Kayleigh to chase. A great physical battle commenced with the centre back and it seemed Kayleigh had lost the ball but she burst through two defenders to go one on one. With the clinical striker in this position it was inevitable what the outcome would be. Minehead 1-0 up thanks to Kayleigh’s fine strike low to the keeper’s right.

The remainder of first half belonged to Minehead. The midfield of Erin, Charlotte and Lilly were in control linking well with attacking players Megan, Jess, Izzy and Kianna as Minehead looked for a second before half-time. The closest they came was a shot from captain Erin which went narrowly wide.

The second half started with Mendip showing a more attacking threat. This though leaving more gaps for Minehead to exploit. Initially it was the visitors who got the better of the second half as they played more in Minehead areas. However they met a defence led by Darcy at centre back who was providing a masterclass in defensive qualities. Darcy read and nullified every situation and forced Mendip to take snap shots with keeper Maddison gratefully collecting down low. After this phase of play what happened next proved to be a crucial moment in the match as a tale of two counter attacks played out. First Mendip caused disruption in the Minehead box after they won possession back in a key area. Lucy, Alana and Lilia along with midfield dealt with what become a frantic situation. The ball was eventually cleared and Minehead broke. Minehead suddenly in the opposition area in a matter moments. Unfortunately for Mendip it was Kayleigh who found herself just 12 yards from goal. A last ditch block from a defender stopped her initial attempt as the ball fell back kindly to the striker who showed excellent composure with her second attempt to fire home and give Minehead a 2-0 lead.

This flattened Mendip momentarily and Minehead took full advantage and pinned their opponents into their own half. With 7 attacking players in a tight space Lilly took lead and asked for the ball on the edge of the area. Her shot blocked in a busy box however the deflection fell to Megan who showed her goal scoring qualities and struck past the goalkeeper to give Minehead a 3-0 lead on the hour mark. A jubilant team celebration prevailed as the girls knew this was vital goal in the contest having only conceded 5 goals at home all season. Something special from Mendip would be needed.

As the game approached the last quarter Mendip continued to push for a way into the game. This was given to them as they were awarded a penalty after a tangle of legs in the box. The penalty was scored as keeper Maddison had little chance as the bottom corner was found. A small rally cry from the Mendip bench gave their girls hope but Minehead showed their game management qualities led by Darcy in defence as the last 10 minutes fell flat to the advantage of the home side.

The final whistle arrived and Minehead had completed their task. A 3-1 victory at home with their families & friends in attendance. An occasion to remember. A cup final to look forward to alongside winning the league this group of girls are truly writing themselves into the history books for local football and the female game.

The final will take place at Street FC (4pm KO) vs Isle of Wedmore on Saturday 20th May. The girls and their families welcome all support.