MINEHEAD Ladies visited an unexpectedly sunny Sidmouth on Saturday, looking to better the hockey result from earlier in the season when they lost 5-4 at home.

Minehead started the game well and had several attempts on goal but the Sidmouth defence and their goalkeeper in particular thwarted everything coming their way.

After 25 minutes Minehead eventually got their reward; a short corner came out to Sarah Hayes who quickly passed the ball to her left and Amy Tisshaw swept the ball into the net.

Sidmouth were beginning to play more attacking hockey but the Minehead defence of Liz Darby, Jess Koppa, Carol Matravers and Charlotte Hirons held strong and Jan Weetch was only occasionally called into action in the first half.

The second half continued in a similar pattern. The Minehead midfield trio of Amy Tisshaw, Kate Lancaster and Sarah Hayes worked their socks off, helping out in defence and supporting the forwards – Hannah Sparks, Saphie Haddon, Morgan Cooper and Zoey Cape - but Minehead couldn’t convert any further chances and Sidmouth were posing increasing problems on the break.

In the last ten minutes of the game Sidmouth went close a couple of times but Jan Weetch was on form in goal, leaping like a salmon, to keep a clean sheet.

Minehead should have won this game more comfortably but were pleased to come away with all three points, which lifts them from seventh to fourth in the league table, displacing Sidmouth into fifth.

This was a great team performance but Minehead’s Cost Builders player of the match was Kate Lancaster for her midfield heroics.

Minehead team: Janice Weetch, Liz Darby, Jess Koppa, Carol Matravers, Charlotte Hirons, Kate Lancaster, Sarah Hayes, Amy Tisshaw, Hannah Sparks, Saphie Haddon, Morgan Cooper, Zoey Cape

This Saturday, March 7, Minehead will be in league action at home to Bridgwater (10.30 am)