MINEHEAD beat top scorers Portishead Ladies 4-3 at home in an epic match in the second division of the Somerset Women’s Football League.

The game started in end-to-end fashion, with both teams forging early chances, one of which ‘keeper Hannah saved low down to her right.

This save kick-started the Minehead attack, and they were now playing some fine combinations, particularly finding Jaz out on the left frequently. This outlet finally resulted in tangible reward as the ball was fired into the six-yard box where a Portishead defender put the ball into her own net.

The Blues’ lead was then doubled just minutes later; once again Jaz was involved from the corner, swinging the ball in, striking Emeral, as the striker watched her unorthodox touch loop over the goalkeeper to give Minehead a 2-0 lead.

As the clock ticked towards half time Portishead struck back with a goal as the teams went in at the break with the score at 2-1.

The second half kicked off with Portishead hungry for the equaliser which despite the continued resilient defending from Alana, Bonita and Kianna, came on the hour, making it 2-2.

Then with 15 minutes left to play, the visitors went ahead, which provided a stern test of everything this young Minehead side has been working on - togetherness, positivity and determination to never give up.

Despite this setback the talented Minehead side still had belief, and it was skipper Erin who suddenly found herself in on goal as she powered the ball in from a tight angle to make it 3-3!

As this classic contest headed into the final five minutes the supporters became captivated and their cheers even louder motivating the players.

The visitors were shaken by this Minehead equaliser, and it was The Blues who strung the next meaningful attack together. Mabel went down the right flank, then onto Emeral and Erin, as the ball was delivered into the box. Time almost seemed to stand still as the ball landed at Jaz’s feet, just 12 yards out, no defenders, with just the keeper to beat, she remained cool and calmly struck the ball into the back of the net to put Minehead 4-3 ahead.

There was jubilation and celebration as the game had swung on its head once more! It was a deserved turnaround for Minehead who had been brilliant all game.

Now for the final few minutes, and Minehead were emphatic in their attempt to run down the clock like a seasoned women’s team.

But football will always provide one more moment in the dying embers, this one belonging to the visitors who saw their shot go past the fully stretched Hannah and shaving the post.

Relief for The Blues as they were nearly there! Added time seemed to have added time as calls for the final whistle were in vain, running down the clock as Minehead won throw after throw before the referee had finally seen enough.

What a game, what an advert for women’s football! A memorable encounter with both teams contributing brilliantly.

This young Minehead team with all outfield players aged just 17-19 doing themselves and each other proud! This was a brilliant win that’ll give them more confidence and momentum going into the rest of the season.

Players of the match - Erin Strong & Hannah Delbridge