MINEHEAD fought out a 1-1 home draw with table-topping Clevedon Town, the visitors having scored 22 goals in their opening two matches in Division Two of the Somerset Women’s Football League. Straight from the first whistle, it was clear to see this would be a tactical battle with Clevedon quickly manoeuvring their formation. Minehead stayed resolute, and early nerves were put to bed by the debuting keeper, Hannah, who rose to collect an early corner. Minehead were starting to get a foothold in the game when Clevedon put paid to any momentum with a deflected strike looping over keeper Hannah, giving the visitors a 1-0 lead. The next period of play was a real test of character for this young squad, not to be affected by last week’s quick-fire capitulation at Taunton. The young Blues stood to the test and rallied back into proceedings. Now taking the game to Clevedon, half-chances were starting to appear; then on the stroke of the half-hour mark, Jaz found Mabel with a deliciously waited ball that put the forward in on goal. The on rushing keeper made things difficult but Green cleverly looped the ball over to give her team a deserved equaliser.

Following this, it was a real end-to-end affair with both teams having chances to go ahead. First, a counter-attack from Minehead left Jaz with acres of space, swinging in a low cross Emeral controlled brilliantly. Time seemed to stand still as the striker put the ball agonisingly wide.

Clevedon then strung an attack of their own with their forward bypassing Hannah seemingly, but the Minehead keeper had other ideas with an emphatic diving save to keep the sides level 1-1 at the break. The second half saw both teams matching each other in every department. Minehead’s defensive line of Bonita, Alana and Kianna kept things together and midfield duo Courtney and Darcy provided a stern base with the later producing a faultless midfield display. It was going to take something special to win this game. Minutes ticked by, lacklustre shots were taken as both teams battled fiercely. Then with around a quarter to go, Clevedon rattled the post with the a sumptuous strike which momentarily left The Blues in a state of panic. They quickly regrouped and were determined to hold on to what they had and possibly find a winner. Late shots from Erin and Jaz were never worrying the Clevedon goalkeeper as the clock showed 90 minutes. In typical football fashion there was one last corner for the visitors. Determined to keep their year-long winning streak going a corner swung dropped into the danger area…a gasp across The Rec could be heard as Alana thankfully smashed clear, which was then followed by the full-time whistle. While The Blues always set out to win, this result meant more. It was an emphatic team effort that matched up against a well-organised women’s outfit in Clevedon who will pushing right at the top this season. Next up Division One leaders Frome in the cup. Players of the match - Darcy Walsh and Alana Ford-Hill Ross Baker from Kingspan who have kindly sponsored rain jackets for the team.