MINEHEAD Ladies put up a spirited fight before losing 6-2 at home to North Devon in a hockey match, their opponents scoring all their goals in the second half.

Minehead started strongly playing in the teeth of a savage rain storm that persisted throughout the entire match, putting their opponents under sustained pressure and dominating much of the opening half.

The early pressure paid off after just 10 minutes. Following some excellent build-up play through the middle from Lancaster, Cooper & Tisshaw, the ball was worked well through to Cape at the top of the D. With a slick cut inside and space to shoot, Cape struck cleanly past the keeper to give Minehead a deserved 1–0 lead.

Minehead continued to control the game, with Chilcott influential through the centre of the pitch, and the defensive four calmly working the ball out from hit-outs. The second goal came at the twenty-minute mark after a strong run down the right from Tisshaw, who fed the ball into the D for Cape to meet on the run and sweep confidently past the keeper.

At half time, Minehead held a well-earned 2–0 advantage.

The second half saw a shift in momentum, with North Devon growing into the game and asserting more control. Weetch in goal had a busy second half denying many opportunities with some epic saves. Despite Minehead’s efforts, the visitors capitalised on their chances, scoring six second-half goals to turn the match around and secure a 6–2 win by the final whistle.

Although the result did not reflect Minehead’s excellent first-half performance, there were plenty of positives to take from the match, particularly the strong start, attacking intent, and teamwork shown in the opening stages and the whole team’s grit and determination despite the appalling weather conditions.

Somerset Clean Water Co. Player of the match went to Gemma Chilcott.