MINEHEAD, playing their fourth successive away match, gained a fine 2-2 draw against Sporting Weston in the Somerset Under 18 Football League.

The West Somerset lads equipped themselves well against a side several positions ahead of them in the table. 

With only 12 players available due to illness, injuries and unavailability, Minehead travelled for what was going to be a tough game. However, after the initial five minutes, they got on top on a small pitch and it became apparent early that the long ball from keeper Lewis Breillat, who was outstanding all afternoon, was going to cause Sporting trouble with Ashton Jackson causing particular problems in the air and with his bustling style.

Minehead’s midfield of Lewis Goodrum, Lyam Scheepers, Tom Kennett and Harvey Henderson gave Sporting no time to relax on the ball and on their odd foray forward the defence of skipper Lewis Norman, Ashton Bruford, Myles Campbell-Farmer and Jonah Hopkins, supported by Leo Ahern kept them to long range shot from outside of the box.

The first goal from Minehead came after 22 minutes when a cross from Hopkins was headed on by Jackson and back across by Goodrum to Kennett who ran towards goal and slotted the ball past the keeper to finish in style.

Minehead were on top although Sporting were always in the game. Fresh legs were introduced by way of Lennon Sowden whose pin point free kick found the head of Jackson whose header soared over the advancing keeper to make it 2-0 at the break. 

The first ten minutes of the second half continued in the same vein but gradually Minehead’s legs tired and despite rotating the one substitute, Sportings 15 players began to wear them down as the game went on.

The next goal was always going to be crucial and after 62 minutes it went to Sporting. A second came 13 minutes later and there now looked to be only one winner.

However, the Blues had other ideas with a goal line clearance by Hopkins and players throwing their bodies in the way. Breillat made a series of great saves and Norman led by example with his performance and leadership skills. 

The final whistle went to the relief of the Minehead management and players. In the end this was a very decent point away from home against good opposition. They have a week off now before hosting the same opposition at the Rec on 24th November. Man of the match: Lewis Norman.

Minehead Under 18s: Lewis Breillat, Myles Campbell- Farmer, Jonah Hopkins, Lewis Norman, Ashton Bruford, Leo Asher, Lyam Scheepers, Harvey Henderson, Lewis Goodrum, Tom Kennett, Ashton Jackson. Sub: Lennon Sowden (used)