Winscombe 0-2 Minehead (HT: 0-0)
Minehead AFC opened their Somerset County League First Division season with a 2-0 win against Winscombe.
The match tested Minehead against a revitalised Winscombe, who had recently secured consecutive promotions.
Winscombe made a strong start, with their striker Dylan Whittle causing early problems for Minehead.
However, Minehead soon found their rhythm, dominating possession and taking the game to their opponents in the second quarter of the first half.
Lee Smyth made Minehead's first serious attempt on goal with a well-struck shot from outside the box.
Olly Prescott also tested Winscombe's goalkeeper, Regan D’Arcy, with another effort from outside the box.
The majority of Minehead's attacking play stemmed from their influential captain, Stefan Phillips, who played a crucial role in transitioning defence into attack.
He was instrumental as Minehead began to control the match.
The game became more balanced towards the half-hour mark, with both teams trading attacks.
Prescott had the final attempt of the half, beating three defenders before seeing his fierce shot hit the bar.
The second half began with Minehead enjoying a productive period.
Olly Morris, making his County League debut for the club, had a good opportunity in front of goal.
In the 67th minute, Minehead finally broke the deadlock.
Bertie Harvey-Larmar played a perfect through ball to Toby Waghorn, who sped past the defence and slammed home to give Minehead a deserved lead.
With 12 minutes remaining, Prescott's powerful shot was parried by the keeper, but Ollie Hall was quickest to react and fired the rebound home, securing all three points for Minehead.
The Minehead starting XI consisted of Greg Turner, Harvey-Larmar, Toby Morris, Louis Burge, Phillips, Will Singleton-Voss, Smyth, Ollie Morris, Waghorn, Hall, and Prescott.
James Knight, Sam Jackson, Guy Burns, and Felix Faun were the substitutes.
Minehead's first home game of the County League season is set for Saturday, August 16, at Irnham Road, kicking off at 3pm.
The match will see them face Peasedown Miners Welfare, a club with a long-standing history against Minehead.
These two clubs first competed against each other in the final of the Somerset Charity Cup over 100 years ago.
Minehead emerged victorious in the replay of that match, defeating Peasedown 4-0.
Peasedown found retribution 12 months later when they met Minehead in the semi-final of the same competition.
The match was played at Peasedown's long-term spiritual home, Church Road, while the club was playing under the name of Peasedown St John.
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