MINEHEAD AFC Women gained a 10-0 home win over Crewkerne Rangers in their first-ever match in Division Three South of the Somerset Women’s Football League.

The occasion attracted a big crowd with family, friends and importantly girls’ from the youth section that welcomed both teams onto the pitch with rapturous applause.

Minehead, putting a big emphasis on player pathways, boasted 11 players who’ve played at youth level for the club, who were all making their senior debuts.The game kicked off and any pre-game nerves from The Blues were quickly put to bed as skipper Erin showed all in attendance exactly what she’s about. Jinking through the heart of the Crewkerne defence, Erin found herself one-on-one and calmly slotting home, giving her team a 1-0 lead.

Shortly after, it was two after the great build-up with Courtney at the heart of things, Evie in her favoured position on the right driving into the box, firing into the far corner, doubling Minehead’s lead. After this, the goals kept flowing, with the mercurial Emeral finishing brilliantly inside the box and Jaz getting her first before Crewkerne started to get a foothold in the game briefly.

Minehead weathered the spell with Maddison tested twice in quick succession, keeping the visitors at bay. As the half was drawing to a close, Minehead scored two more emphatic goals. The first of which was a “Jaz Special,” a phrase used by supporters for her knack of scoring spectacular goals from range. This time around, it was near enough 40 yards out as Jaz struck a bouncing ball high into the air, which looped the helpless keeper.

Following this, a looping ball then left forward Mabel with the task of bringing it under control and executing a fine finish. The striker was up to the challenge and delivered brilliantly to give Minehead a 6-0 lead at the break.

The second half was much more of the same with Minehead well on top. Giving them this sense of solidity was Bonita at the heart of the backline joined by Honey, Kianna and Izzy who, as a collective, did a fantastic job.Minehead quickly found their 7th as Erin doubled her tally with more great working involving Courtney and Alana.

Following this, Minehead were awarded a penalty with Jaz stepping up and completing her hat-trick emphatically!The game was now petering out along with a momentary downpour.

The Blues ensured they kept playing their silky football in tough conditions. Not to be deterred, Emeral and Jaz linked brilliantly with Emeral delivering a fierce cross which forced an own goal from the Crewkerne defender. There was time for Minehead to seal effectively a 10/10 performance on their senior debuts with a 10th goal. The move warranted a goal, linking defence with attack brilliantly, with fine work coming from Evie, she found the maestro Bonita who was having a field day spraying balls across the park. Yet another fine ball was taken down by Erin who unselfishly sacrificed her hat-trick to tee up Mabel for her brace.

This was a fantastic start. Thank you everyone who supported the team from the sidelines or in the clubhouse. We welcome you throughout the season. “ Dan Haran - Manager.

Squad - Maddison, Erin, Lilly, Emeral, Mabel, Evie, Izzy, Alana, Courtney, Honey, Kianna, Bonita, Jaz. Player of the match - Courtney.