MINEHEAD remain 100 per cent leaders of Division Three South in the Somerset Women’s Football League after gaining a 3-1 away win over Combe St Nicholas.

Blues were aiming to build on their excellent campaign so far and pursue an 11th consecutive league win. As the game kicked off with fog looming large, it quickly became clear that if Minehead were to emerge with all three points, they would have to work incredibly hard.

Early chances came and went as a series of lacklustre efforts were dealt with comfortably by the Combe keeper, who was proving difficult to beat. The first quarter of the game flew by with Combe largely penned in, but Minehead unable to take advantage. That was until live-wire Emeral Haran burst through and clinically whipped the ball high over the onrushing keeper.

It was a sigh of relief for The Blues, who deserved their 1–0 lead, albeit not yet at their brilliant best.

The rest of the first half followed a similar pattern, with Corbett, Waddams, Walsh and the returning Ford-Hill keeping things tight at the back, leaving keeper Wightman with very little to do. The half-time whistle sent both teams into the break with hope that they could still take something from the game.

The second half began with Combe attacking down the hefty slope, which allowed them more success in getting out of their own half. This began to concern Minehead, as midfielders Baker, Wright and skipper Erin Strong had to double their efforts. As the minutes ticked by, there was a growing sense that the next goal would be vital as the hosts grew in confidence.

Then Haran, who at times was almost single-handedly driving The Blues forward, ran onto a through ball from Wright and calmly looped the ball over the keeper to give Minehead a 2–0 lead.

The goal proved crucial as Combe kept fighting and were soon rewarded after an uncharacteristic mistake at the back from Minehead allowed them to pull one back.

Game on. The final 20 minutes became a real test of this young Minehead team’s resolve. Green, Haran, Ash and Middleton worked tirelessly to stop Combe sending long balls down the hill. With the game finely balanced, Minehead suddenly found another gear. Adapting to the pitch had been tricky throughout the match, but a moment of brilliance — with fine combination play from Middleton and Strong — led to the latter unleashing a thunderous strike to give her side a 3–1 lead and effectively seal the three points.

The closing stages passed relatively event-free, although Haran was unfortunate not to complete her hat-trick late on after striking the post. The final whistle confirmed Minehead’s 11th win from 11 league games, securing a top-two finish. After playing just three matches in the previous 17 weeks, the team were delighted to finally be back on the pitch and add another three points to their tally.

Minehead now have eyes set on finishing strongly with everything to play for at the top. You can join the team in their final stretch as they welcome Highburn and Pen Mill to The Rec in the coming weeks.

Squad: Erin Strong (C), Maddison Wightman, Darcy Walsh, Alana Ford-Hill, Kianna Corbett, Bonita Waddams, Courtney Wright, Jaz Ash, Lilly Baker, Evie Middleton, Mabel Green, Emeral Haran.Players of the match - Emeral, Alana and Kianna.