1st XI Vs North Wilts

Minehead: 4

West Wilts A: 3

Minehead travelled to Swindon for their last game of 2019, hoping for a strong performance to ensure they finished top of the table before the break.

Minehead travelled with 12 men for the tie with a couple feeling the effects of early season Christmas parties. Minehead started strong and a couple of poor challenges from the West Wilts side set their tone for the game, No 6 in particular taking out Nick Bennett with no real challenge for the ball, somehow getting away without even a free hit.

It wasn’t long before Minehead broke through for the first goal with Taylor Buller laying an immaculate ball through to James Weetch, who appears to be in good touch, slotting past the keeper to open his tally for the day.

James Weetch would follow his first goal with a clinical finish off the underside of the crossbar, as the ball broke loose to the back of the D. This would be the end of James Weetch’s goals for the day, possible put off slightly after having to take evasive action to avoid Jos Bennett’s stick which came loose during an attempt on goal.

Minehead dominated the game during the first half, although a few West Wilts breaks meant the defensive line of Jeanes, Bowden, Hill, and Weir were kept in the action. Goalkeeper Freddie Wilson making a few key saves to keep the home side scoreless at half time.

Nick Hill not long before half time put away a decent drag flick from a short corner to ensure Minehead were three goals clear at the break.

James Weetch pointed out at half time that the West Wilts team were very much in the game and that the next goal would be instrumental in the result of the game. It wasn’t until the end of the game we realised just how accurate this statement was.

Jos Bennett returning to the 1sts following injury, contributing with a deflection at the back post from a wide Nick Hill short corner. A training pitch routine finally coming good for the side.

Minehead sat back on their laurels after this and started to lose control of the game. Instead of slowing it down the team rushed the game and it wasn’t long before West Wilts capitalised, putting three goals past the away side during the half.

Fortunately, Minehead managed to hold them at bay until the final whistle and secure all 3 points.

Minehead & District Social Club Man of the Match: James Weetch

Minehead: Freddie Wilson, Nick Hill, Taylor Buller, Dom Bowden, Mark Bolton, Nev Weir, Nick Jones, Nick Bennett, Alex Covey, James Weetch, Jos Bennett, Ian Jeanes