IN BRUTALLY cold, windy and rainy conditions, Minehead produced a brilliant all round performance to secure a well deserved 5-1 victory over Bishops Lydeard in Division One of the Under 13 section in the Somerset Girls Football League.

Despite the tough weather, the team showed composure, resilience and real quality across the pitch.

Lydeard started strongly and applied early pressure. However, it was Minehead who struck first with a goal in the fourth minute. From there, the wide play became a real highlight, with both wingers on fire, causing constant problems with their pace, energy and defensive work rate.

In midfield, players linked play intelligently, threading through balls, assisting chances and battling hard to keep the team driving forward. Up front, Minehead’s centre forward was composed, holding the ball up well, creating chances and finishing confidently with two well taken goals to extend the lead to 3-0 at the break.

In the second half playing into the cold wind Minehead dug deep to maintain their intensity which was rewarded with a fourth goal.

Lydeard, however continued to push and deservedly got themselves on the scoresheet.

Minehead responded superbly once again, with a midfielder firing home from the edge of the box, a superb strike that sealed the team’s 5-1 victory.

Defensively, the Minehead keeper read the game brilliantly, clearing danger calmly. A true highlight of the game came from the centre back, when the ball was cleared from in front of the goal over in to the next field! The back three worked tirelessly until the final whistle and were crucial in repeatedly shutting down attacks.

The full time whistle blew and Minehead celebrated the three points and an excellent team performance. They have a one-point lead at the top over second-placed Wellington Wildcats - and also have a crucial game in hand.