Taunton C.S A vs Minehead A

“On any given Sunday you’re gonna win or you’re gonna lose. The point is can you win or lose like a man”

(Tony D’Amato – Any Given Sunday 1999)

Sunday 17th February saw a visit from the league leaders, Minehead A to Fortress Heathfield, where TCSH had not lost since the 13th October 2012. However it appeared that the sixth game in three weeks had taken its toll on the team with a number of players absent through injury and through alternative commitments. This, however, provided the opportunity Pete Wintrip to make is senior debut and for Vince Kearney to return to the side to add some much needed experience!

The early stages of the game saw both teams controlling the ball and creating chances. The Taunton defence cutting out the final balls from the Minehead forwards and the Minehead keeper was at his best to keep out a number of Taunton chances. With Minehead starting to take control it was Taunton that was prevented with the first clear scoring opportunity. The ball was stopped on the line by the foot of a Minehead defender and Taunton were duly awarded a penalty flick. Ben Witt, the flick hero of the week before stepped forward however saw is shot saved. Minehead were able to capitalise and a few minutes after were able to take the lead despite a diving effort from Dan Adams to defect the ball out of the goal mouth. Taunton heads did not drop and they enjoyed a number of short corners which were well saved by the Minehead keeper. Unfortunately one of the resulting short corners allowed Minehead to break quickly and Minehead took advantage of the four on two overlap and swept the ball into the back of the net at the back post. 0-2 Minehead. Again Taunton were not phased and Simon Jones skilfully converted a short corner before half time to halve the deficit to 2 -1 at half time.

Very much in the game Taunton started the second half as they finished the first, taking the game to Minehead. With chances coming at either end it was only a matter of time before one team scored another goal. Unfortunately Minehead were able to pounce on a number of Taunton errors late on and added a further three goals in the last 10 minutes. Final score 5 -1 to Minehead. With the exception of a few lapses of concentration Taunton can be pleased with their performance and should the style of play continue it will be possible to pick up points over the remaining four games of the season. Man of the match was awarded to Olly Burt for a fine performance in the middle of the park, a bullying performance against a much bigger opposition.