MINEHEAD Ladies and a host of supporters travelled to Burnham for a hotly anticipated top-of-the-table clash which the visitors won 4-2 on Saturday (March 2)

Both teams started strongly, wanting to take control of the game early on.

In the closest match of the year, end-to-end hockey ensued with the hosts and visitors exchanging attacks and subsequent turnovers in the midfield.

Minehead broke the deadlock with a flurry of quick passes around the circle finding Lauren Plant in enough space to drill the ball past the Burnham keeper.

The hosts soon took advantage of their experience with the bobbling home pitch, turning Minehead inside out and managing to score two goals in quick succession to take the lead.

This re-ignited Minehead’s determination to win and with supporters on the sideline getting louder the game increased in tempo and competitiveness.

A drive and cross into the circle from Amy Tisshaw found Morgan Cooper on the far post for a tap in. 2-2.

With five minutes to go before half-time, a 1-2 between Hannah Sparks and Tisshaw allowed Tisshaw to get the rebound from the keeper and slot the ball into the goal. 3-2 at half-time.

A determined Minehead started the second half with the same energy as they had going into half-time and caught Burnham off-guard.

Frequent Minehead attacks saw many missed opportunities in front of the Burnham goal.

The rare Burnham break was quickly dealt with by Minehead’s solid defence and counter attacks were quickly relaunched.

After a nail-biting 25 minutes, Denise Lancaster found her usual form and squeezed the ball between the keeper and her post from a ridiculously tight angle, accompanied by huge celebrations from the sidelines. 4-2.

A flurry of last minute short corners saw Minehead unable to improve the scoreline but finished the game at the top of the league table with a fantastic team effort. Woodwork Machinery Services Player of the Match went to Amy Tisshaw.

Minehead Ladies would like to say a massive thank you to all those who travelled to Burnham to support the team, to Carol Matravers for kindly driving the minibus and to Sarah Hill for umpiring the away game.

Next weekend Minehead face Winscombe 4’s in the last home game of the season with a 10.30am push back. As always, all support is welcome and greatly appreciated.

Minehead Ladies: Jan Weetch, Sue Garwood, Tracey Bailey, Hannah Cornish, Charlotte Hirons, Gemma Chilcott, Sarah Hayes, Lauren Plant, Amy Tisshaw, Jess Koppa, Kate Lancaster, Hannah Sparks, Denise Lancaster, Morgan Cooper