MINEHEAD men’s first XI travelled to Bridgwater for last weekend’s match, continuing to fight for top spot in the Parret Division One sitting second three points behind the leaders.

A patchwork squad due to availability issues was compounded by a pre-start injury to skipper James Weetch, leaving Minehead with just 11 players.

Bridgwater’s home advantage soon became clear as their newly-laid sandy pitch slowed Minehead’s usual fast passing game, and the Seasiders struggled to settle in the first half, exacerbated by a Bridgwater goal.

Minehead came back in the second half with pressure resulting in short corners, one of which was despatched by James White to equalise.

The inevitable fatigue set in and Bridgwater slotted two late goals to seal the win and leave Minehead now six points off the promotion place with only three games remaining.

The Second XI hosted bottom of the table Yeovil 3s and ran out comfortable 6-0 winners in a mostly controlled match.

The defence of Tisshaw, Jones and Strong were rarely troubled, and Clapp in goal had hardly anything to do all afternoon.

A guest appearance in the squad for Ben Moody helped Joe Bolton and John Clegg to control the midfield all day with Fewings out wide and with Rob Speed at the top of the pattern Minehead were able to exert constant pressure on their visitors with the front line of Vickery, Burrough and Cobb.

A sweet short corner strike from Strong, and penalty flick and field goal for Morris Burrough, a brace for Speed and one for Clegg saw Minehead win yet another well played and trouble-free encounter.

This Saturday 21st March sees the 1’s host Yeovil and Sherborne 2’s in a must-win match if they are to vie for promotion, the 2nds travel to Cullompton to face Hornets, and the 3’s are at home at 12 to face North Somerset 2’s.

Minehead Ladies final home game of the season ended in a 4-1 defeat against Tiverton White Eagles.

The first half saw Minehead struggle to find their rhythm, leaving them a step behind Tiverton, who capitalized on the lack of focus and went on to score four unanswered goals in quick succession.

At half-time, Minehead regrouped, refuelled with some much-needed jelly babies, and were determined to turn things around.

The pep talk seemed to have an effect, as Minehead came out for the second half with a renewed sense of purpose.

This new energy caught Tiverton off-guard and Minehead were able to create more scoring opportunities.

One standout moment came from Amy Tisshaw, who made a crucial interception, skillfully ran with the ball, and drew out the Tiverton keeper before calmly slotting the ball into the back of the net.

This goal sparked a more positive phase of play for the team, with Minehead creating plenty of attacking opportunities.

The team worked well together, playing the ball down the wings and making some impressive passes.

Minehead’s play was more cohesive, but despite their efforts, they couldn’t find another breakthrough.

Throughout the match, Jess Koppa was the standout performer, earning the Everett Roofing Player of the Match award for her tireless work on the pitch.

Minehead: Jan Weetch, Charlotte Hirons, Tracey Bailey, Hannah Cornish, Jessica Koppa, Sue Garwood, Amy Tisshaw, Sarah Hayes, Fenella Buller, Kate Lancaster, Hannah Sparks, Zöey Cape, Morgan Cooper, Saphie Haddo