MINEHEAD gained a splendid 3-2 away victory over Taunton Town in Division Three South of the Somerset Women’s Football League.

The game kicked off in frantic fashion with both sides showing their qualities early on. The young Minehead side quickly grew in confidence, resulting in multiple early chances.

And, thanks to the blistering pace of Emeral, who found herself one-on-one with the oncoming goalkeeper, Minehead went ahead as she slotted home a fine opener.

After this, it continued to be all Minehead with chance after chance coming and going; there was growing sense that Minehead had to double their lead to feel more confident of getting a positive result. Then, after the ball was ricocheting in and around the box, it fell to the skipper Erin, who put Minehead 2-0 up going into the break.

Taunton quickly pulled one back early into the second half. For a spell, Minehead were penned in with the ball coming into the box at every occasion, skipping along the wet surface, but in tough conditions, keeper Maddison‘s hands were glue-like. However Minehead’s missed chances came back to haunt them as Taunton delivered the hammer blow and equalised.

The young Blues were now really going to be tested as the game entered the final quarter. Seemingly, Taunton’s efforts to get back into the game also galvanised Minehead as they went into another gear and created a flurry of quick-fire chances! Time after time though they hit the woodwork, excellent goalkeeper saves, and narrowly missing wide. This renewed domination was being given to them by Courtney in the middle of the park alongside Jaz and the fantastic work rate of both Mabel and Kianna on the wings.

What was evident now, given their efforts to get back in the game, was the Taunton Town back line tiring against the relentless pace of Evie and Emeral who, in particular was having a stella game as gaps started to appear. Utilising these gaps, the jinking Mabel found an opening and burst through only to be clipped by the dangling leg of the Taunton defender, and with no hesitation, the referee pointed to the spot.

At 2-2, the pressure was suddenly on this one-spot kick. As the whistle blew, a sense of anticipation grew around the ground, both in favour of the inform keeper and the prolific Jaz. In the mist of the storm, the ground fell silent, and on this occasion it was Jaz who came out on top, firing the ball into the back of the net to give Minehead a 3-2 to lead with less than 15 minutes to play.

In these final minutes, Minehead adopted a new shape to give themselves greater depth in defensive areas, while still having a threat in behind with their pacy forwards. The young team managed the final 15 minutes incredibly well.

The referee took one final look at his watch and blew the whistle, resulting in real elation, genuine passion, and sense of accomplishment from Minehead who had secured a fantastic victory in only their second game of senior football.

This win makes it two from two for The Blues, and they look forward to welcoming Combe St Nicholas to The Rec this Sunday (2p.m.).

Minehead: Erin, Maddison, Mabel, Jaz, Alana, Kianna, Emeral, Evie, Izzy, Honey, Bonita, Courtney.Player of the match - Emeral Haran.