MINEHEAD & West Somerset men’s first team faced local rivals Bridgwater in a clash which could have seen them win the West Parrett Division One League.

Bridgwater sat a close second but having lost their penultimate game, only two hefty defeats would stop Minehead claiming the crown, and a point on Saturday would ensure they did.

Minehead started well, and soon had pressure on the travelling side, which amounted to a penalty stroke being awarded after the ball hit a Bridgwater defender on the line. Kyle Wheaton found the net against his old club and the hosts drew ahead.

It wasn't long, however, before Bridgwater responded, capitalising on some sloppy defending to make it 1-1 and not long after pulling ahead to make it 2-1. Minehead looked rattled but settled well in attack once more to allow Wheaton to find his second.

Minehead went out looking to be positive in the second half. However these hopes were soon dashed as Bridgwater netted once again.

The twists kept coming as Wheaton found the net for a third time with a sublime drag-flick, once again levelling the scores before Bridgwater also scored from a short corner to take the lead again.

A brilliant solo goal from James White brought it back to 4-4. Bridgwater responded in kind however and seized on a misplaced pass barely a minute later to score once more making it 5-4.

The final ten minutes saw Minehead pushing hard to find a crucial goal, winning plenty of short corners - but a resolute Bridgwater defence kept them out and the game finished 5-4 to the visitors.

Minehead are on the road this weekend for their final game, and a second shot at the league title - due to their strong scoring form throughout the season, anything better than a 9-0 loss will secure it for them.