MINEHEAD and Street fought out a 1-1 draw at Irnham Road Recreation Ground in the Somerset County Under U18 Football League.

It was their first league match of the season, and their new look under 18s impressed as manager Mark Vickers was heard to say: “We have some very good young players at this club and our 18s look like a bigger and stronger squad than last year and my hopes and expectations are that we will finish higher in the league than we did last year.

“Some of the lads are already playing senior football and my job is to continue to prepare them for it at whatever level they have aspirations to achieve. Mostly I want them to enjoy it. It’s a great age group to be involved with.” Minehead started very slowly and at times they looked as if they didn’t know each other. They will need to sort this for the future and after 20 minutes were lucky to be only 1-0 down from a good Street opener.

However they then settled well and with a good defensive line managed by skipper Lewis Norman, caught the Street forwards offside on numerous occasions. With other defenders Ashton Bruford, Harvey Henderson and Myles Campbell-Farmer they kept Street at bay. Alfie Lyons in  Mineheads midfield always looked a threat and with Jayden Payton working hard supported by Leo Ahern and Lyam Scheepers Minehead started to become the stronger side and looking more likely to score and go on to win a well-contested game between two talented outfits.  Still 1-0 down at half time Minehead continued to press through Caleb Laney and Riley Pope and it was after 25 minutes that a great free kick by substitute Lennon Sowden arrived in the box and was met by a strong header by Scheepers that gave the excellent Street keeper no chance.

There was only then going to be one winner with Minehead continuing to press but were thwarted time and time again by the keeper the best from a one on one with Pope. Street would have been the more relieved at the final whistle but both sides would probably have taken a point before kick off. 

Certainly the future looks encouraging for Minehead, particularly if they can continue to produce some good youngsters capable of eventually playing in the first team. Although they did not win this game, they looked a very useful outfit indeed. Man of the match:- Jayden Payton  Team:- Lewis Breillat, Myles Campbell-Farmer, Harvey Henderson, Ashton Bruford, Lewis Norman, Leo Ahern, Alfie Lyons, Lyam Scheepers, Jayden Payton, Riley Pope, Caleb Laney, Subs:-Lennon Sowden, Haiden Griffiths, Sam Landon.