Minehead AFC Youth Under 14s hosted top of the table Tone Youth in what turned out to be a fiercely contested league encounter.

Both sides competed intensely and despite Minehead’s midfield dominance early on, it was Tone Youth who took the lead.

The visitors doubled their lead just two minutes later when despite an excellent save by Minehead goalkeeper Harry Milton the ball hit the crossbar and fell kindly to Tone’s number 19, who hooked the ball into the far side of the net.

Minehead quickly regrouped, and responded positively. Sam Taylor-Pitkin delivered a superb long ball to Jacob Fouracre who slid the ball past the goalkeeper into the bottom corner, making it 1-2.

The hosts continued to press for the equaliser but were unable to break through the Tone defence as the score remained the same at the break.

The second half continued with the same intensity as both teams continued to create chances.

Minehead’s defensive unit, featuring Theo Arkell, the excellent Alex Jones, Harry Stone, Ethan Coburn, and Mackenzie Wrightson, performed impressively throughout.

Eventually Minehead’s perseverance was rewarded and they found their equaliser from an unfortunate own goal following a period of pressure resulted in a misplaced back.

In the closing stages, both teams pushed hard for a winner. Sam Taylor-Pitkin came close twice, first with a powerful free kick that narrowly cleared the crossbar and later firing just wide after the ball broke to him after a header out from the defence.

As the end of the game drew nearer there was a frantic and intense finish, but neither side could find the decisive goal as the match ended Minehead AFC Youth 2-2 Tone Youth.

The Minehead man of the match was Alex Jones for his outstanding defensive display, providing strength and composure throughout.