1st XI Vs Westbury and UB B

Minehead: 4

Westbury & UB B: 1

After a very strong first half of the season, Minehead 1’s only dropping 5 points and going into the break as 1st place in the league on goal difference with an impressive 44 goal difference, the first game of 2020 saw them travel to Bristol to play Westbury & UB B at their home pitch. Earlier in the season this game was won 12-0 by Minehead.

Perhaps due to the previous performance, Minehead started the game with an air of complacency. Although attacking regularly and dominating much of the possession, Minehead found it difficult to score. Each time the defensive side turned the ball over they found it easy to relieve the pressure due to gaps in the Minehead formation.

At half time with the scores still level at 0-0, a half time team talk was required to sharpen up the away side. Unfortunately, early in the 2nd half a rare breakaway from Westbury saw them beat the Minehead defence and take the lead. Ryan Jones making his 1st team debut unable to keep the ball out, despite his best efforts.

Minehead, desperate to make amends pushed harder towards the Westbury goal and a series of short corners followed. The previously unsuccessful routines of the first half were forgotten and perhaps a slightly unorthodox routine saw the ball played back to Nick Hill to open his account for the day, slotting home from close range.

At 1-1 Minehead still sought a goal to take the lead. This came from Nick Bennett, now club joint top scorer, who deflected a well worked move home.

Minehead feeling slightly relieved of pressure continued to press and a number of short corners were awarded. Nick Hill stepping up to the plate managing to put two of these away to complete his hat-trick.

A tough game to start the New Year, but a win non the less. Special mention to Ryan who stepped up despite only playing in goal a couple of months, the future looks bright for this young lad. Also to Rob Speed whose tempo and control of the game from midfield really assisted Minehead to cross the line as winners.

Minehead & District Social Club Man of the Match: Rob Speed

Minehead: Ryan Jones, Taylor Buller, Nev Weir, Ian Jeanes, Angus Marsh, Rob Speed, Nick Jones, Nick Hill, Nick Bennett, Jos Bennett, Chris Weetch, James Weetch, Luke Barker