Somerset Division One West

Burnham United 1 Minehead 2

ONCE again, the Blues had to dig very deep against another already relegated side in order to claim three points which could turn out to be the most important win of the season.

Burnham took the lead in this well contested match, when a perfect through ball enabled their striker to finish expertly with a lob over the advancing Sam Tarr.

Mike Mullen fizzed a 40-yard free-kick just over the bar, but the first half, though not devoid of action, finished with Burnham’s noses still in front.

As the second half progressed, the game started to open up with both sides gradually increasing the intensity and midway through the half, the referee pointed to the spot after seeing a shove on Minehead’s Chris Newbold, and Harry Scatchard brought made the scores level.

Intensity now went up a few more notches with Minehead needing to gain all three points, but Burnham too had plenty of passion and desire to win the game.

Sam Tarr made two fine saves to keep out one attack, firstly with his left foot and then diving full length to push a shot around the post for a corner.

With play at a frenetic level, going from end to end, Tarr made two more match winning saves, and at the other end Felix Ndiomo’s shot from close range went the wrong side of the upright.

Then with the light fading, and with almost the last kick of the game, Max Smith used all of his agility to hook a semi clearance back over the keepers’ head in a crowded goalmouth to put the Blues in front.

Still Burnham refused to give up, but the Blues held firm for the final minute, having given their all for the badge.

Credit also very much due for Burnham’s performance and attitude which helped to create a highly entertaining climax to the game.

So having somehow managed to get back on points with the second placed team, Minehead now have to rely on a seemingly resurgent Burnham United beating Wells City Reserves at Wells this Saturday by two clear goals.

This would put Minehead and Wells on an identical goal difference, but Minehead would be promoted having scored more goals, currently being 12 ahead.

However with Wells’ first XI having now finished their Western League fixtures, Minehead’s fate is out of their hands.

Minehead: Sam Tarr, Matty Ronan, Matt Cracknell, Stephen Lynch, Mike Mullen (cap), Chris Newbold, Andy Gubb, Luke Bloys, Max Smith, Harry Scatchard, Max Smith

Man of the Match: Sam Tarr