MINEHEAD Hockey Club’s Men’s 2s were the only home fixture last weekend as the Third team’s match was cancelled due to an unwillingness to travel on the part of their Old Bristolian opponents.

Luckily this meant that there were several players available to bolster the 2s as they faced the always-strong Yeovil 2s at West Somerset College.

Yeovil’s high placing in the middle of the League showed as it wasn’t long before their strong centre forward had capitalised on two quick passing moves to cut round the back of the defence and slot his first, taking advantage of Minehead’s usual sleepy start. Yet more well worked ball movement and selfless running off the ball saw the lead quickly extend to two, then three as a mis-hit top-spun over keeper Matthews’ pad, and it looked like it was going to be another painful afternoon for the Seasiders.

The hosts finally found some rhythm after about twenty minutes with a midfield pairing of Paul Jones and John Clegg finally gaining some traction and winning possession. Try though they might, there was scarce pickings up front, and Yeovil’s defence were solid in picking off any attacks.

The second half started in much the same way, with Yeovil camped on the D winning corner after corner, which were again capitalised on with conversions from direct strikes, and slips to the right. Keeper James Matthews was imperious in goal; his efforts denying Yeovil and even higher margin, and deservedly earning his Man of the Match accolade.

Minehead worked their way in to the last quarter of the match; Pete Cole found space at the top-right, with Scott Fewings creating right wing space to feed the ball to him, resulting in a tap-in for Cole, and then quickly followed by a second for Clegg as he pushed further up the field. Ali Prescott grew into his role as the game progressed, holding and laying the ball off well to the oncoming support players, and Albert Vickery had a good afternoon in the less-familiar defensive end of the pitch and with a tough winger to try and control.

With the score finishing at 8-2, Minehead were definitely second-best across every area of the match, but it had been played in a great spirit, with all players showing respect for each other and the officials, and although beaten Minehead were happy as they walked off the pitch.

This weekend the 2s play under floodlights at Taunton Vale, hoping a win will bring them just one point behind their hosts. The 1s are at home at 2pm to ECV Hornets, and the 3’s travel to Mid-Somerset.

Training continues under the watchful eye of coach Andrew Speed at 7.30 pm every Wednesday; all players are reminded to attend.