MINEHEAD, chasing a league and cup double in the Under 13 section of the Taunton & District Youth Football League, beat Ashcott 2-1 in the League Cup final on Taunton Town’s ground.

Despite goalkeeper Jack Lomax marshalling the goal and his defenders really well he couldn't prevent Ashcott taking the lead 1-0 early in the first half.

Ashcott proved a real handful as they attacked with their forwards displaying real pace and trickery, However, excellent defensive performances from Arthur Hill, Jake Ely, Oscar Cox, George Gardner and Oakley Murch more than matched their threat. Not only putting in some solid tackles, but their link up play with the midfield enabled Minehead to settle more and grow into the game.

The midfield partnership of Barney Langdon and Olly Hill then began to control the game and displayed some wonderful passes towards wingers Charlie Ely and Frankie Cox. Their work soon led to its reward when Frankie Cox's measured cross was fired home by Luke Bennett bringing Minehead back onto level terms 1-1 by half time.

With their confidence growing, the second half was a very different affair with Minehead taking charge and dominating the game. Some flowing link up play and clever runs from forwards Seb Matcham, Roman Davis and Raphael Manu led to several chances which didn't quite cross the line but it seemingly became a case of when rather than if Minehead were to take the lead.

Jake Ely hit the crossbar with a thunderous strike, and Olly Hill's smart finish was ruled out through being offside. However, some great work down the left hand side between Barney Langdon and Charlie Ely led to Frankie Cox's cross-come-shot coming down off the crossbar and going over the line to give Minehead a well deserved 2-1 lead - and victory. Man of the match went to captain Oscar Cox.