Uhlsport Somerset Division One: Minehead 1-0 Westfield

THE visit of Westfield to The Recreation Ground on Saturday, was expected to be a tight game with the 10th playing 11th in the league table, writes Brian Walder.

After twelve minutes Minehead had their first opportunity of the game when captain Stefan Phillips made as strong from inside his own half, driving passed several challenges until he bore down on the penalty area in a central position.

From here he played in top scorer Guy Burns, who wriggled his way past the two final defenders but with only the keeper to beat he shot just wide of the post with his right foot.

Good pressure from Minehead continued and it took a fine save by visiting keeper Billy Barter who blocked another effort from Burns, with the ball then being cleared off the line.

Just after the half hour mark it was Burns through on goal again after his perseverance saw him latch onto an under hit back-pass from a defender, and he calmly slotted home past Barter to open the hosts’ account.

The visitors, who looked the better side for much of the match, then went close with two efforts of their own, which Chris McKee, deputising for Adam Jones in the Minehead goal, competently kept out.

A Guy Burns volley almost double his side’s advantage after good interplay again between the striker and Stefan Phillips.

After the break Sam Heath replaced Hubi Wejnerowski in Minehead’s midfield as they worked hard to stay in the lead, and midway through the half a hobbling Guy Burns was replaced by Olly Prescott.

Eighteen minutes from time Minehead were fortunate to stay in front after a dangerous header which had McKee beaten in the home goal, came back off the crossbar and too their credit Westfield attacked hard until the end of the ninety minutes, but The Blues, aided well by goalkeeper McKee, managed to keep them out and cling onto all three points, having almost doubled their lead towards the end of the game when Rob Vickers went close.

Minehead: Chris McKee, Martyn Phillips, Toby Morris, Charlie Purvis, Luke Badcock, Benn Bartlett, Hubi Wejnerowski, Guy Burns, Rob Vickers, Rob Vickers, Alfie Lyons
Subs: Sam Heath, Ollie Prescott, Bertie Harvey-Larmar (All Used)

Man of the Match: Chris McKee

Minehead will need to show the same resolve next Saturday when they a strong third placed Burnham team at The Recreation Ground, in a three o’clock kick off.