MINEHEAD AFC Youth Under 14s are still in contention for the Division Two title of the Under 14 section in the Taunton Youth League after completing the double over Wembdon.

Minehead started energetically and created chances early on, but were unable to score.

As the half progressed, Wembdon became a growing threat but despite this Minehead regained their composure and continued to attack down both wings.Their persistence paid off when Sam Taylor Pitkin delivered a perfect corner, curling the ball directly into the net to put Minehead 1-0 ahead which is how it remained at half time.

After the break Wembdon began strongly, creating immediate danger and soon found their equaliser when a long ball over the top deflected off a Minehead defender, landing kindly for Wembdon’s forward bringing the score to 1-1.

Minehead responded positively and played attractive one-touch football, frequently switching play with long cross-field balls to their wide players.

Jacob Fouracre, Sam Taylor Pitkin, and Casey Paxton all had efforts on goal during this period, with Casey forcing saves from the goalkeeper and narrowly missing a header.

With just five minutes remaining, however Minehead secured victory with an excellent team goal that ended when Aaron Parker expertly controlled the ball before firing powerfully into the roof of the net beyond the outstretched hands of the Wembdon goalkeeper.

In the game’s closing stages, Minehead’s defence proved decisive. Oli Pravato provided crucial defensive cover on Minehead’s right, as Wembdon’s full-back, pushed forward aggressively. Meanwhile, the defence of Theo Arkell, Alex Jones and Harry Stone commanded the area superbly, making several key clearances that frustrated Wembdon’s attempts to equalise.

The Man of the Match went to Sam Taylor Pitkin who produced an exceptional all-round midfield performance.

Their next match is against top of the table Tone Youth at Allerford on Sunday.