MINEHEAD Blues gained a nail-biting 2-1 home success against top of the table Staplegrove in Division Two of the Under 12 section in the HO Soccer Taunton & District Youth Football League.

Minehead started well but were equally matched by a good Staplegrove side until the 6th minute when midfielder Finley managed to break away to score Minehead’s first. A well placed pass enabled Finley to break through the Staplegrove defensive line, before slotting the ball past the goalie for 1-0.

But Staplegrove responded shortly after a similar move at the other end of the field with their striker breaking through the Minehead defence to bring the score back to 1 all. Just prior to the half time whistle Minehead had further opportunities, with hard running and chasing of the ball by forward Henry and a shot by midfielder Leon which the Staplegrove keeper saved.

Going into the second half both sides continued to battle toe to toe, with a further opportunity coming for Minehead forward Henry but this time with his head, and another on target strike from midfielder Leon. At the opposite end Minehead’s keeper Lou had to make a number of quality saves to keep Minehead’s hopes alive.

Minehead’s crucial second goal came half way through the second half and was a stunner. A corner by Leon perfectly placed and coming into the box at pace, with Henry connectly brilliantly with his head. The Staplegrove keeper had no chance.

In the closing minutes Staplegrove threw everything they had at Minehead, which saw further excellent saves by Minehead keeper Lou, one of which was tipped over the bar. But Minehead held off the onslaught for their first win of the season at 2 goals to 1. Final score: Minehead 2 – 1 Staplegrove.

Parents player of the match: Lou. Coaches player of the match: Henry.