MINEHEAD U16s stretched their winning run to nine matches with a 5-2 victory over Weston Mendip in the Somerset Girls Football League at Dunster.

The game set off at a fast pace with both sides having early chances. The returning Leah in goal was brought into action early, which settled the goalkeeper. Minehead were finding out early this would be a physical encounter. Initially, Minehead struggled to adapt. However, in true fashion, Minehead did what they do best and that’s score!

Notching 71 goals already this season, Minehead added to their tally in an unusual but brilliant goal. Jaz lingering in her territory on the edge of the area, this time on the left. She took a shot that had everything but the accuracy; the ball looked certain to just miss the goal, then out of nowhere, winger Evie arrived to volley home.

Minehead’s tails were now up, and the introduction of Emily into proceedings led to a better balance in the attacking area. She played a big part in the next goal as Minehead doubled their lead. Emily made an awkward-looking pass to Jaz look easy as the midfielder was totally unmarked. Jaz played a defence-splitting pass to Erin, who calmly made it 2-0.

Mendip, not deterred after their positive start, kept attacking, forcing Minehead to play safe in dangerous areas. A looping through ball by Mendip resulted in a corner for the visitors. The delivery caused havoc in the box, and Minehead failed to clear. The ball was poked goal-wards as Bonita seemingly did enough to keep the ball out. However, the referee had a better view and deemed the ball went over the line.

Heading into half-time, Mendip tried to keep the gap to one goal, but a foul on Erin gifted the last person they’d want on a free-kick 30 yards out in Jaz. Placing the ball down, supporters were expecting a trademark looping shot from Jaz; however, this time, a well-placed low-shot into the corner gave Minehead back their two-goal cushion.

Packing the midfield with Lilly, Charlotte, Emily, Ruby, and Erin, the Blues took control of proceedings early in the second half, limiting Mendip to very little. With Erin now in a more central role, the forward had the freedom of Dunster. She certainly exploited this luxury as the captain took the sword to Mendip.

First, a long-range effort after good build-up play from Mabel resulted in a fantastic goal for 4-1. Not content with her brace and her brilliant second, Erin wowed everyone in attendance. Bringing the ball down from high, she went a trademark mazy run. She cut back inside on the left and curled a shot into the far right top corner.

Suddenly, a tight game turned into an emphatic lead for Minehead as they went 5-1 up. With this unassailable lead, Minehead were in cruise control. Bonita, Lucy, Izzy, and Alana tightened things up in the defence. The game was now petering out as Mendip won a free-kick in a dangerous area. The Mendip player who displayed her set-piece qualities throughout sent in another dangerous delivery. Another scramble despite Leah’s heroics and a goal-line clearance from Erin, the ball once again was deemed over the line.

Minehead did have chances to score more with Mabel hitting the post and Ruby shooting from range, but the game ended 5-2 to Minehead.