MINEHEAD Youth U12 Blues welcomed Spaxton JFC, serving up an exciting and action-packed encounter which ended in a deserved 3–1 home victory.

Forward Oaklen drove purposefully at the Spaxton defence early on, but the move came to nothing while midfielder Finley saw his effort drift just wide. The early pressure paid off in the 4th minute when midfielder Riley struck from just outside the box to put Minehead 1–0 up.

The lead was short-lived. Spaxton responded instantly through their quick number 9, who surged forward to level the score at 1–1.

Minehead refused to sit back. Riley and George linked up well in midfield, delivering attacking balls over and through the Spaxton defence. Oaklen and Leon both found themselves with opportunities, but the Spaxton goalkeeper proved to be in inspired form.

Leon tested the keeper again from distance, while Oaklen battled his way into the box twice in quick succession — one effort crashing against the crossbar. Leon later struck the post, while further chances from George and Finley went narrowly wide.

A Minehead corner came to nothing, and despite additional late strikes from both Finley and Oaklen — both well saved — the teams went into half-time level.

Just six minutes into the second half, Minehead’s persistence was finally rewarded. Oaklen found the breakthrough, finishing confidently to restore the lead at 2–1. Minehead continued to press. Leon unleashed a powerful effort destined for the top corner, only for the Spaxton keeper to produce another outstanding save.

Defender Henry also ventured forward for a strike, but his effort sailed over the bar. The decisive moment came after a well-worked move. Oaklen delivered a perfectly placed cross where Karter slotted home his first goal for Minehead — a memorable moment and a reward for the team’s attacking dominance.

Parents players of the match: Oaklen; Coaches player of the match: Ben & Karter