PORLOCK First XI and Staplegrove FC Reserves were involved in a 10 goal thriller when they met in the Premier Division of the West Country Drainage Services Taunton and District League match at the Porlock Recreation Ground on Saturday afternoon.

The Robins endured a nightmare opening 35 minutes and despite them controlling much of that period they conceded four goals through quick counterattacks from Staplegrove, combined with defensive lapses, leaving themselves with a mountain to climb.

After Finley Priddle suffered an injury early on in the game the Robins had to make a substitution which saw Daniel Crooks enter the field of play. The winger’s impact on the Porlock side was immediate as he injected extra pace and energy down the flank, something the visitors found hard to adapt to.

Some quick build-up play involving Priddle resulted in the award of a penalty opportunity which was converted by Jari High to pull one back and make it 4-1 to the visitors. Minutes later, Crooks was in the midst of things again as he beat his man and delivered a pinpoint cross which Ollie Morris sent flying into the back of the net, reducing the deficit to 4-2 by the halftime whistle.

However, Porlock’s habit of starting slowly cost them again. They conceded almost immediately after the restart to fall 5-2 behind. Despite this setback the Robins remained unshaken; they stuck together and dug deep to fight back. Lewis Goodrum’s surging run into the box saw the award of another penalty for Porlock, and Jari High made no mistake, converting his second spot-kick to make it 5-3.

Momentum then swung firmly in Porlock’s favour as they continued to press to further reduce the arrears. A long throw from Chris James found striker Chris Barrett, whose audacious backheel finish in mid-air left the Staplegrove keeper stranded and brought the score to 5-4.

In the final few minutes, Staplegrove sought to run down the clock, but Porlock’s determination paid off. Jari High muscled past two defenders to win possession, feeding Jack Evans on the wing. Evans cut inside and squared to Barrett, who calmly slotted home his second of the game to secure the draw.

Porlock could have snatched a dramatic victory, with missed chances in the dying moments, but the team’s resilience and character stood out as they overturned a four-goal deficit.

For the West Somerset side there were standout performances from Jari High, Chris Barrett, and Daniel Crooks who won the Man of the Match Award.

,Porlock Football Club would like to take the opportunity to thank First XI sponsors CJ Lynch and Jewsons Minehead whose support is very much appreciated.