Minehead under-16 girls take league title with Wembdon win

This victory made it 11 wins on the bounce along with the opening-day draw, crowning unbeaten Minehead as Somerset Under-16 Girls Champions <i>(Image: Supplied)</i>
This victory made it 11 wins on the bounce along with the opening-day draw, crowning unbeaten Minehead as Somerset Under-16 Girls Champions (Image: Supplied)
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Minehead AFC's under-16 girls secured the league title after defeating Wembdon 1-0.

With three games left in the season and only two points needed for victory, the team had high hopes of taking home the trophy.

The match kicked off with a strong start from Minehead, with early attempts from Erin, Mabel, and Evie.

Skipper Erin found the back of the net after a well-rehearsed move, giving Minehead a crucial lead.

However, Wembdon, the only team to have prevented Minehead from winning earlier in the season, did not make it easy for the home side.

Their long balls on a hard surface disrupted Minehead's defence and midfield.

Bonita, the stalwart at the back, was quick to read situations and ensure no dangerous threats developed.

Minehead found themselves in advantageous positions as the first half progressed but could not double their lead.

Mabel and Evie were both close to scoring, and Jaz was unlucky with a long-range effort.

Wembdon's seemingly harmless attack just before half-time resulted in a fantastic save from Leah, concluding the half with Minehead in the ascendancy.

The second half saw both sides cancelling each other out on the big Minehead pitch.

The backline of Bonita, Izzy, and Lucy remained compact and strong, with the midfield led by Lilly, along with Alana, Jaz, Emily, Charlotte, and Ruby, working tirelessly.

As the game entered the final quarter, tension rose.

The opportunity to win the league at home in front of friends and family was getting closer, but Wembdon made Minehead work for it.

The Minehead team adopted a new shape, resulting in a more relaxed approach and fluent football as space opened up with tiring legs.

With chances few and far between, Mabel was unlucky to have her shot cleared from the goal-line, and Erin forced the Wembdon goalkeeper into a great save.

As the referee indicated three minutes of stoppage time, Minehead focused on keeping the ball in the Wembdon half and into the corners.

Erin used her strength to fend off multiple players as the clock ticked by.

As the whistle sounded, the girls from Minehead secured an emphatic league triumph.

This victory made it 11 wins on the bounce along with the opening-day draw, crowning unbeaten Minehead as Somerset Under-16 Girls Champions.

Manager Dan Haran said: "This success is all down to the hard work and dedication from the girls and their families.

"I’m absolutely delighted for them as it’s their last season in youth football.

"Ultimately, this is all about creating memories, and I know they’ll look back on this with fondness and pride.

"We’ve had such an amazing time as a youth team, and we cannot wait to see what the future holds for girls and women’s football here in Minehead.

"We have lots of exciting plans."

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