MINEHEAD Hockey Club’s Men’s first XI made the trip to Yeovil hoping to continue their impressive run of form. Despite the potential of a postponement due to water main issues, the game went ahead, and even having travelled with a sightly depleted team due to injuries and Christmas shopping duties, Minehead got down to business by focussing on a direct approach.

Early pressure saw a short corner inside the first ten minutes with skipper James Weetch pouncing on a failed clearance to beat Yeovil’s towering goalkeeper. The lead was doubled five minutes later as Rob Speed slotted home from another short corner leaving their opponents stunned.

Yeovil came out stronger in the second half testing Minehead’s defence, and also Adria Bagg in goal. Jack Richards was harshly adjudged to have cleared the ball off the goal line using his body, rather than his stick, but justice was done as the resulting penalty flick flew wide of the target.

Minehead’s attacking trio of Bennett, Hooper and Bolton kept the pressure on; their tireless pressing creating frequent opportunities. Speed took advantage again, dribbling along the back line to calmly slot his second. The last ten minutes saw Yeovil grab a consolation goal, much to Bagg’s annoyance, but a comfortable 3-1 win was more than satisfactory for the Seasiders.

Minehead Second XI hosted ECV Hornets looking for their third win in a row, and the loyal onlookers were not disappointed as goals from Max and Will Reed, John Clegg, and skipper Joe Bolton saw a comfortable half time lead.

Coach Andrew Speed was on hand to offer clear and vocal advice and criticism in equal amounts, and kept the team focussed on the disciplined style of play drilled into them at training. More possession saw goals flood in with Lawrence Taylor, both Reeds and Bolton adding to the tally. Luke Barker somehow missed a penalty flick, but by then another for Taylor saw a comfortable and potentially crucial 9-0 victory.

Mnehead Third XI went to Gordano School to play North Somerset 2s. After consecutive wins Briggsy’s army were confident of more glory. Late arrivals meant that only nine took to the field to start, and Russell Cowling took up the goalie pads.

The few held firm until near the end of the half, by which time it was 11 vs 11, and a lucky goal saw the hosts edge ahead. The hosts kept their shape in the second half, resulting in a converted short corner to double their lead. Minehead responded with Ben Moody generously giving Jack Pettit a chance to score. A later direct shot from a penalty corner was saved, and as Minehead’s energy and discipline dwindled it was the hosts who ran in three more goals to win 5-1.