2nd XI Vs North Devon A

Minehead A: 3

North Devon A: 3

Minehead A travelled to Barnstaple to face North Devon A, a team struggling in the league this year, with Minehead currently mid-table.

Minehead made a strong start to the game, dominating the first 10 – 15 minutes, with attack after attack. It was inevitable when John Clegg managed to put the away side into the lead following up a Mark Bolton shot that was saved by the North Devon Keeper.

Strangely, this goal didn’t provide the foundations for Minehead and they took their foot off the gas for a period of time. North Devon against the run of play found their way into the Minehead D and a short corner was awarded. Dom Bowden, ever present on the near post managed to clear the ball off the line to prevent the goal, unfortunately the ball rebounded off his boot on the way to the side-line and much to the away team and many of the home team’s bemusement, a penalty flick was awarded. The flick was put away, not convincingly but enough to bring the scores level.

Off the back of this, North Devon pushed on once more, and some more misfortune would soon unfold, when Ian Jeanes deflected a shot from the home side past his own keeper, any other day this could easily have been a fantastic save by Jeanes.

North Devon continued on their run of form and managed to secure a 3-1 lead going into half time, following another break.

Minehead following an inspirational half time team talk, changed their formation slightly bringing Dom Bowden into the midfield and set out to get what they could from the game. Dom added strength and communication in droves to the midfield and his solid display would later earn him man of the match.

As the game progressed it was clear both teams were tiring and the game ended up being a bit scrappy. A Minehead break lead to numerous attempts on goal and Mark Bolton managed to find the space to slot home to bring the scores to 3-2.

Unfortunately after this moment of class, Mark found himself in the sin bin following a wonderful football tackle on the home team’s defender. It was a bad day for the Mark’s, as Mark Swallow joined Bolton in the sinbin. The Minehead keeper attempting to protect a young forward who had tumbled in front of him was then mysteriously penalised for his sportsmanship. Swallow would play no further part in the game.  

The Minehead defensive line of Paul Jones, Ian Jeanes, Simon Strong and Tom Panton played out of their skin to prevent the waves of attacks from reaping any reward, and in the dying moments a break left Jos Bennett free at the top of the home D, his shot blocked by the keeper and yet again Bolton was there to clear up the mess.

In what felt like a victory, Minehead returned to West Somerset with a single point, but in great spirits following a truly gritty performance.

Man of the Match: Dom Bowden

Minehead: Mark Swallow, Simon Strong, Paul Jones, Dom Bowden, Ian Jeanes, Mark Bolton, Kieran Jones, Jos Bennett, Tom Panton, John Clegg, Mark Collins, Darren Meacham