MINEHEAD U12 Blues demonstrated dogged determination to win 1-0 at home against Ruishton Youth Raiders in Division Two of the Taunton Youth League.

During the early moments of the game both teams were level pegging, with both creating chances.

For Minehead, midfielder George was working hard on the left wing and creating chances over the heads of the Ruishton defensive line for midfielder Leon to run on to. Also an opportunity arose for midfielder Finley but unfortunately he couldn’t bring the ball under his full control in time to get weight behind his strike.

At the other end, Ruishton were equally creating opportunities, with Minehead’s central defender Henry having to put in a solid shift to protect the goal.

Ruishton proved to be dangerous on the break, with the fast legs and skill of their No. 12 applying pressure and forcing the Minehead keeper Lou to make several saves.

During the closing minutes of the first half Minehead started to dominate possession, enabling a further wide shot and also an on target shot by Finley, plus several through runs and on target strikes by Minehead forward Oaklen, all of which were saved.

The second half panned out in a similar way, with the game level pegging in the early part before in the later minutes Minehead threw everything forward to try to find that elusive goal. This saw great battling in the midfield by Finley and a shot wide by George, yet still the breakthrough didn’t materialise.

Several further skilful through runs by Leon with shots both on target and wide, before finally Leon found the space to slot the ball past the Ruishton keeper.

The Blues will be pleased with the three points from the win as they host Kingsdown Knights at home on Saturday, January 17.

Parents player of the match: Leon; Coaches player of the match: Jack.