2nd XI Vs East Devon A

In the opening match of the 2019/20 season, Minehead A fell short of the mark against a well drilled East Devon A side who ran out 4-2 winners.

Both fielding talented and energetic sides, there was little to separate the teams during the opening exchanges with both squandering opportunities to take the lead. It was midway through the fairly scrappy first half that East Devon took the lead courtesy of a penalty flick conceded by goalkeeper Brandon Rawle; his gung-ho tackling proving to be his downfall.

This sparked a flurry of goals at the end of the first half, as Dom Bowden’s misplaced pass and Claude Mahlich’s dribbling prowess momentarily deserted him to take East Devon into the break 3-0 up.

Minehead started the second half in a much more positive fashion, with the creative midfield duo of Will Pring and Mahlich creating numerous opportunities that the forwards failed to seize on. After several good bursts of pace and provision of scoring opportunities, Alex Covey’s goal ward shot was stabbed home by Darren Meecham to ignite Minehead’s hopes of a stunning comeback.

This dream was soon quashed as East Devon cut them apart on the counter attack to take them to an unassailable 4-1 lead. Through robust defending from vice-captain Simon Strong and Duracell Bunny-like energy from Robin Fieldhouse (other batteries are available), Minehead grabbed a late consolation as Alex Covey, ever present in attack, slotted home with a fine finish into the bottom corner from an acute angle.

Minehead entertain Sidmouth and Ottery A in their next fixture, knowing that they will need to be more clinical in front of goal and improve their defensive organisation if they are to get off the mark this season.