MINEHEAD, the newly-crowned champions of the Under 16 section in the Somerset Girls Football League, have ended the season unbeaten after beating Ilminster 5-3 away in their last match.

In total, Minehead played 14 league games, winning 13 and drawing the other, and finished eight points clear of their nearest rivals Purnell Sports,

However, Minehead did not make the best of starts against Ilminster, going a goal down after only two minutes, and finding themselves behind for only the second time this season.

Minehead’s response was switch. Skipper Erin got a quick-fire equaliser after great work from Jaz and the midfield, following this, Evie burst her way through two defenders using her strength and pace to strike past the keeper to give Minehead a 2-1 lead. However, the Blues levelled the scores again from a set-piece.

Evie yet again found herself through 1v1. This time, it was a little different as the keeper initially saved Evie’s effort, but the persevering forward powered through and beat the defenders to the loose ball to tap home for a 3-2 lead for Minehead in this enthralling encounter.

There was yet to be more drama as the half-time whistle approached, as yet another corner was scored by Ilminster, making it 3-3.

After half time, Erin unleashed a thunderous shot looping the Ilminster goalkeeper to give Minehead a 4-3 lead. And Erin was on target again for the visitors, when finding acres of space on the right. The mercurial forward beat two defenders and yet again unleashed a wonderful strike into the top of the net giving the keeper absolutely no chance to complete her hat trick.

Minehead manager Dan Haran said: “Words cannot describe how proud I am with the girls and the work they’ve put in over the last six years. This season’s success is testament to this remarkable group of girls.”