MINEHEAD Girls welcomed Wessex for their first game of the season as an U13 side in the Somerset League, fully aware that this would be a testing fixture against last season’s runners up. And they rose to the occasion to secure a 4-0 victory.

The visitors started strongly, quickly taking control of possession and forcing Minehead onto the back foot as the home side struggled to find their rhythm. Despite the early pressure, it was Minehead who struck first. A well hit shot was parried by the Wessex goalkeeper, but the rebound fell kindly to a Minehead attacker at the back post who calmly tapped the ball in to open the scoring.

The goal lifted Minehead’s confidence and they began to play some impressive football of their own. Wessex continued to show their quality, keeping Minehead’s defence alert and forcing the goalkeeper into action. The Minehead keeper was outstanding, commanding her area with confidence and sweeping up any danger. And just before the break Minehead doubled their advantage. A quick break saw both sides competing for the ball, but it was the home side who reacted first, poking the ball under the onrushing goalkeeper to make it 2-0 at the interval.

Wessex came out after the half time break with a change of approach, but Minehead rose to the challenge. Their third goal was the pick of the bunch, a superb curling effort from just inside the box that flew into the top corner. The home side sealed the victory with a fourth goal, this time from a well delivered corner which was guided home with precision.

The final whistle confirmed a 4-0 win for Minehead, securing three points and a clean sheet to start to their Division One Somerset Girls League campaign in style.

Next up, Minehead make the short away trip to Bishops Lydeard on Saturday, September 13..