MINEHEAD and West Somerset Hockey Club’s men’s and first and second teams were both in action on Saturday and produced excellent results in the West Hockey League.

The first team headed down to tackle Isca Fifths on Saturday with a bare 11 to face a well-drilled home side who were determined to make a dent in Minehead’s pursuit of the Parrett Division One crown.

The visitors looked rattled to begin with, a 3-4-3 formation leaving them being overrun in defence. However, against the run of play, Joe Notaro-Livingstone and man-of-the-match Kyle Wheaton were able to link up on a counter and put the Somerset side, perhaps somewhat fortunately, in front.

A change back to four in defence left the travelling team looking more settled, and their hard work paid off once again, with Nick Jones capitalising on a short corner to put themselves 2-0 to the good.

Come half-time spirits were high, the Seasiders had worked hard as a team but the second half would be the true test with tired legs and the feeling was the next goal would be crucial.

However, Minehead continued to defend well and frustrate Isca, eventually finding their elusive third goal through Chris Weetch with 20 minutes to go.

They then proceeded to knuckle down for the remainder of the game and worked hard to keep the clean sheet and secured a hard-earned 3-0 win in tough conditions, that could prove to be season defining coming into the final three fixtures of the season which start with a trip to Sidmouth and Ottery Seconds on Saturday (midday) at the Ottery St Mary Sports Centre.

The seconds welcomed table-toppers Bristol & West Fourths in Concorde Division Two and ran out 4-1 winners to go to the summit with three games remaining.

The hosts knew that staying cool and playing as a team was crucial, and in the first 15 minutes they had the upper hand with play generally in the Bristol & West half, and eventually saw their pressure tell as Sam Cobb opened the scoring.

Minehead continued to be slightly the better side, but B&W were starting to make chances as they searched for a leveller in what was turning out to be an intense contest.

However, the Seasiders finished the half on top, earning several short corners, one of which led to them doubling their lead just before the break.

Knowing they needed to keep their discipline in the second half, the hosts were determined to keep Bristol & West quiet as the Gloucestershire outfit looked to find a way back into the crucial contest.

But the next goal went the way of the Seasiders as Dom Bowden managed to find himself in a great position to score his first of the season for 3-0.

The sun and intensity of the game coupled with using a sub meant that keeping shape wasn’t as easy as tiredness crept in as well as several players having to change position.

The visitors pulled one back, but couldn’t find a second as goalkeeper Steve Clapp excelled.

His saves were then rewarded even more when Lawrence Taylor added a fourth for a 4-1 success which saw Simon Strong named as man-of-the-match.

A team spokesperson said: “It was a great performance by the team and dominant victory that keeps us in contention for the league title.”