NEWLY promoted Minehead and West Somerset Hockey Club’s men’s first team looked to open their season positively on Saturday with a home fixture against Clifton Robinsons 5s.

Unfortunately, it was not to be Minehead’s day and they eventually went down to a 4-0 loss against a very useful Clifton outfit.

Fielding a strong side Minehead started well - absorbing pressure and building attacks nicely and a couple of chances fell their way, though they were unable to take advantage and pull ahead.

Clifton fielded a skilled and well drilled side, with a clear game plan and looked composed on the ball; and it wasn't long until a cruel deflection gave them the lead, before they scored another to lead 2-0 at the half.

Positive words were shared in the break for Minehead, who felt they had matched up well and stepped up a level on last season. Sadly the second half saw a tiring of legs and a slight loss of structure, again an unfortunate deflection gave Clifton their third, before they scored another goal from a short corner to round off the scoring.

Minehead played positively and have plenty to take forward from this game; a large jump in standard from their previous league. the final score was 4-0 to the visitors. Players of the match: Adrian Bagg and Will Shean.

Minehead Seconds also faced a new league and challenge for 2026/2027 following promotion at the end of last year.

A bare eleven made the trip to Wells to play Mid-Somerset’s first team. Minehead knew it was going to be a tough game, as they were fresh up to this league and they had dropped from the League above.

The game commenced and it was clear the hosts were quick and fit. The first five minutes were tough and Minehead ended conceding as they dominated the game, moving quickly and skilfully to take it past the visitors’ midfield and defence.

Minehead did their best to block attacks and create chances themselves, but Mid-Somerset were the better side all round the park. By half time it was 4-0, and potentially desperate. Minehead, however, kept their heads up in second half, knowing they just needed to get back into the flow of theirhockey after the Summer break and try to limit the damage.

Minehead kept their composure and discipline to keep them at bay with their defenders Simon Strong, Ash Tisshaw and Paul Jones put in a silent effort to block attacks. With swift movement of the ball to their midfield pushing up towards Sam Cobb in attack, who kept the ball with a fast run down the wing and riding a couple of strong challenges, with a spot-on pass into the D found his brother Ben who swept it into the back of goal - a superb piece of play by the Cobb Brothers.

The second half ended as a 1-1 draw, but not enough to rescue the earlier deficit.

Overall the result didn’t impact Minehead’s confidence and spirit - certainly in the second half they put in a stint despite no substitutes to their four and it gave Minehead a good indicator of the challenge that lies ahead this season. Minehead will undoubtedly will rise to the challenge this winter and press on!