MINEHEAD Hockey Club Men’s First XI enjoy a ‘free win’ last weekend as opponents Bristol Uni were unable to field a side. With third in the league Chard to face away in the final fixture of the season it would need a miracle for the 1s to stay up, but hope hangs on by a thread. 

The 2s made the long trip to Yeovil in another mid-table clash, and bolstered with a couple of 1st team players things were looking good as the Seasiders went to a quick 2-0 lead through an opener for goal machine John Clegg and his new understudy Lawrence Taylor. The luxury of substitutes saw frequent midfield changes as the game progressed, and Yeovil ended up pulling two back before the break via their non-stop centre forward.

The second half saw another for Yeovil to take an unlikely lead, pinned back yet again by a Taylor score with 15 minutes to go. Possibly already mentally settled for a draw, and lacking an injured Bowden on the left flank, Yeovil produced wave after wave of attacks, eventually slotting their fourth, and the winner, with five minutes to go. 

The 3rds travelled to Chard for their final match of the campaign. Evergreen John Boniface stepped in to the attack in place of Richard Darlington, and Claude Mahlich guested in midfield to bring some control. Minehead were slow to find any form, and went in to the break 3 goals down despite spells of possession and passing, and a Mahlich shot deflecting off the Chard post.

The second half saw a rally, and Fewings landed one to close the deficit. Chard retaliated, and were foiled frequently by club president Mark Collins in defence. Moody made a great goal line line save after keeper James Matthews had committed at the top of the D. Stevie Thompson took on some late season aerial passing experimentation, but it was too late to make any difference, and the final whistle came all too soon. 

The 1s’ travel to Chard for a must-win clash this weekend, and the 2s host Chard for their end of season match. 

All are welcome to watch the matches, and the club will be holding its end of Season AGM at the Britannia Inn, Alcombe  on the 17th April at 730pm for all wishing to attend.