ALTHOUTH they still have one more match to play, Minehead have won the championship in Division Three South of the Somerset Women’s Football League.

They clinched the title in some style by beating Pen Mill from Yeovil 9-1 at home to maintain their 100 per cent record in their debut season in the league.

However, they did not make the most confident of starts in this game at The Rec, giving the visitors some early confidence.

Struggling to find their rhythm, Minehead were relying on the energy levels of Emeral to drive them forward and fittingly, it was the striker who put her team in front - thanks to a brave header from close range that looped over the goalkeeper.

This is exactly what was needed by the Blues because following this, there was simply no stopping the mercurial striker. A second soon followed, and a quick-fire hat-trick was secured in under 15 minutes.

Although they trailed Pen Mill didn’t let this deter their efforts, and they got a deserved goal for their early game endeavours, making it 3-1.

Following this, it was once again Emeral who was now linking well with Erin, Evie, Lilly and Mabel in attack, who took the game by the scruff of the neck. Another two goals followed for her, both in similar fashion, with her pace proving too much for the Pen Mill defence as the sides went into the break with Minehead up 5-1.

As the second half started, The Blues knew they had a comfortable lead, but an early flurry of chances for Pen Mill kept Maddison and her back line of Bonita, Kianna, and Evie-Mae on their toes. Nothing tangible for the visitors though came to fruition as Minehead kicked on.

First, Kayleigh made it six after fine, silky combination play, then the league’s leading goalscorer Mabel cleverly made it seven after a whipped finish into the top corner of the net from the left.

As The Blues headed into the final quarter with a healthy lead, well and truly putting the champagne on ice, the scoring wasn’t done with the returning Jaz getting her 16th of the season with an emphatic strike, then Courtney with a clever flick and volley, making it 9-1.

Soon afterwards the full-time whistle sounded, confirming Minehead AFC Women as League Champions along with promotion, a huge achievement for this young squad.

The Minehead Women’s team have scored 123 and only conceded six. It has been a fantastic first season that concludes next week in the return fixture with Pen Mill. Player of the match - Emeral Haran Congratulations to - Maddison Wightman, Erin Strong, Kayleigh Spiers, Emeral Haran, Lilly Baker, Alana Ford-Hill, Evie-Mae Lovell, Bonita Waddams, Courtney Wright, Evie Middleton, Jaz Ash, Mabel Green, Kianna Corbett, Darcy Walsh, Honey-Mai Potter

Team manager Dan Haran said: “ Keeping this short and sweet it’s a full circle moment. What was once a school lunchtime club back in 2019, seven years on has become a team winning a senior league title with many of the girls from our youth journey is the highest of achievements.

“They have all worked so, so hard and they are showing that it is possible to be a successful and ambitious female footballer here in Minehead. I’m so proud of them! It’s been a privilege to be involved.”