MINEHEAD Falcons gained a 2-1 away victory over Bishops Lydeard to go top of Division One in the Under 12 section of the Taunton & District Youth Football League.

Despite tough going and the weather conditions Minehead started brightly and as the game settled they began to dominate possession.

Barney Langdon and Charlie Ely ran tirelessly throughout the match and  won the majority of the duels in the centre of the park which enabled the Falcons to dictate the flow of the game. 

However, despite the pressure that the visitors were creating Lydeard managed to break out and scored a goal, giving them an unexpected lead. 

This  clearly knocked the Falcons’ confidence and led to Lydeard having another chance shortly after, which thankfully keeper Jack Lomax made a smart save to keep his side very much in the game. 

Towards the end of the first half Minehead Falcons had won eight corners and had seven clear attempts on goal but without finding the back of the net.

However, just before the interval some smart thinking from Frankie Cox saw him put a nicely timed pass through to Seb Matcham who coolly slotted it home to grab the much deserved equaliser.

The second half began as a repeat of the first one, with defenders Oscar Cox, George Gardener and Jake Ely all standing strong and making some great tackles to ensure the Falcons were well placed and just waiting for another clear opportunity to go their way. 

Some lovely football moves between Jack Sewell, and Arthur Hill led to a breakaway down the left and a strike, but the Lydeard goalkeeper made yet another outstanding save. 

By now Falcons chances were into double figures but the score remained 1-1 until Frankie Cox made a break into the Lydeard box but was fouled which resulted in a penalty being awarded. Frankie smartly stepped up and dispatched it hard and low to the left of the keeper to put his side into the lead.

In the remaining few minutes despite all of the pressure that Lydeard put them under the Falcons defence and midfield worked well together prevent any further scoring opportunities before the final whistle.

Minehead Falcons Under 12s remain unbeaten so far this season and sit proudly at the top of the table, after another good result away from home.

Player of the match could have gone to several players for their hardworking and tenacious attitude. However it was George Gardener who rightly gained the trophy due to his wonderful man marking and tackling throughout the match.

This coming weekend Minehead Falcons Under 12s are in cup action when they host Bridgwater Wolves.