MINEHEAD Hockey Club men’s team began the second-half of their season in Parrett Division One level on points at the top with two other sides.

A win would help Minehead go clear at the top as they faced high flyers Tiverton White Eagles. The game began with all the ferocity you'd expect of such a clash, and Minehead soon began to be penalised for their physicality against youthful opposition, with key players serving spells in the sin bin.

Despite this, Lawrence Taylor found the net quickly, deflecting a crash ball from James Weetch well to give Minehead the lead. Cards continued to stack up against Minehead, however, and it wasn't long before a questionable tackle on centre back Shane Heale gave Tiverton an equaliser.

Tiverton scored again before the break, leaving the seasiders trailing at the half. Into the second half Minehead continued to play well, despite often having just 10 men on the pitch, and in the closing minutes Mark Bolton was able to put the ball over the line.

To Minehead's dismay the umpire indicated that he'd blown his whistle for a previous infraction by a Tiverton player and the goal wouldn't stand. Despite their best efforts, Tiverton held on to their 2-1 lead.

Meanwhile, Minehead 2nd XI hosted Isca and enjoyed the luxury of substitutes due the postponement of the third team’s game.

However, Isca’s young players proved to be a handful for Minehead’s midfield as they mounted attack after attack.

Amazingly, such pressure did not produce goals and as the half progressed Man of the Match Morris Burrough got his running legs on and became a menace to the visitors, snapping up two goals. But Isca managed to pull a goal back from a short corner just before the interval.

And just when it looked like Minehead might win the game, Isca scored a late equaliser.