N4 Financial Solutions Men’s League, Premier 1: Taunton Vale 1st XI 3, Firebrands 1.

TAUNTON Vale continued their fine run of form with victory at home to Bristol-side Firebrands in an exciting match.

A highly competitive first-half ended goalless, however this was not a reflection of the level of hockey being played with both sides having chances to break the deadlock. At the interval Taunton re-organised and came out with a more attacking formation.

However, Firebrands opened the scoring early in the second-half from a penalty corner strike which deflected off the Vale keeper and into the net.

Taunton refused to let their heads drop and Dave Gibson scored from a well-earned corner to equalise.

This spurred on the home side, who created lots of opportunity and soon took the lead when Paul Hawkins found himself lurking on the far post for a tap-in.

The victory was secured when Alex Lumby applied a sublime finish after the ball came back off the post. This was a superb performance to come from behind and take the three points.

TMC supplements man of the match: Paul Hawkins.

TITLE-CHASING Taunton Vale Men’s 4th XI had a crucial double header in South-East Two at the weekend. On Saturday they faced bottom side Ottery Crickets and ran out comfortable 5-2 winners with goals from James Hebditch (2), Will Hebditch (2) and Steve Ladd.

On Sunday, Vale travelled to Exeter to face title rivals Isca. Vale took the lead through Chris Morling, but midway through the half Isca levelled.

Vale went ahead again before half-time after a Marc Webb penalty corner strike and extended their lead after the break with Morling scoring his second of the match.

Capel added a fourth midway through the half and, although Isca fought back late in the game scoring twice, Vale held out to win 4-3.

Vale now lead the table by eight points over Isca with 4 games left.

West Women’s League Sedgemoor 1: Cheddar 2nds 0, Taunton Vale 3rds 8.

VALE 3rds continued their fine winning form with another solid team performance against Cheddar Vale led 2-0 at half-time with goals from Lorraine Dickson and Teresa Priest. After the break, Helena Bird seemed to find her aim and added two more, with Jill Hansford also scoring and Priest and Bird completing their hat-tricks.

Player of the match: Helen Bernard.

Minehead.

South Division 1: Ottery Crickets 7, Minehead 3.

A DEPLETED Minehead side saw their six-match unbeaten run come to an end at league leaders Ottery Crickets.

Missing five of the team that demolished Tavistock 10-0 the previous week, Minehead were left to rue a crazy 10-minute second half period in what turned out to be a pretty even game despite what the scoreline suggests.

Minehead got off to the worst possible start when a tame short corner attempt bobbled under Swallows’ kicker and into the corner of the goal. The lead was soon doubled from another short corner, which again should have been kept out – Thompson failing to keep the ball from crossing the line despite getting a strong stick to it.

With Minehead failing to click, Strong moved back into a 4-man midfield in order to try and shore up a leaky defensive effort. Minehead began to get a footing in the game and pulled a goal back as Thompson slotted in from close range after the keeper could only parry a Minehead short corner.

Minehead went close through Strong’s rasping short corner attempt although it was Ottery who increased their lead after a smart move through the middle. Minehead suffered a blow just before the break as Zorab went to casualty nursing a hand injury, Jack Chown coming on to make his first team debut for the club.

The second half resumed with Minehead eager to get back into the game. However, from the restart, a wayward pass from Watts allowed an Ottery break, resulting in another soft goal. Minehead were reduced to 10 soon after, Strong receiving a yellow card for dissent following some inconsistent umpiring decisions.

A man down, Minehead lost their shape and conceded 2 quick goals as Ottery carved open a dispirited back line. The home team scored a 7th following another short corner, and again Swallow would have been disappointed not to have done better to keep it out.

N Bennett spectacularly cleared off the line to prevent an 8th and this seemed to rejuvenate a tired Minehead side, who could have easily capitulated. Restored to their full quota of players as Strong returned from the sin bin, Minehead started to play their well drilled passing Hockey of the previous 6 weeks and put together a period of concerted attacking pressure. This was rewarded when Strong’s short corner found the corner of the net.

Minehead pulled a further goal back, Watts scoring for the second week in a row with a flick through a crowd of players which nestled into the back of the net.

Britannia Inn man of the match: J Bennett Minehead: M Swallow, B Thompson, N Hill, N Bennett, J Zorab, W Pring, R Watts, J Bennett, A Strong, J Weetch, N Jones, J Chown.

Sedgemoor 1: Minehead Ladies 1st XI 6, Mid Somerset 2.

MINEHEAD fully deserved the win as all players played very well, working hard up front and battling the opposition well from the back.

In the first half there was some great work from the forwards by Amy Winter and Denise Lancaster, with a few close calls at getting ahead, but Mid Somerset broke through with a lucky goal despite fantastic defending by Carol Matravers, Sue Garwood and Emma Higgie. But Minehead came straight back with a sneaky goal from Lancaster, of which Winter crossed. Soon after, Minehead then again scored from a Short corner with an accurate shot from Lancaster hitting the backboard.

The midfield of Townsend, Binding, Daughtrey and Denley continued to work hard, which brought on a goal from Lancaster just before half time.

Minehead came straight out after half time bringing a fantastic run by Winter who crossed it over to Lancaster again who scored within the first five minutes.

Townsend then dribbled with the ball well, allowing Binding to hit the backboard, and pull the Mid Somerset heads down.

The final goal was again another link up between Townsend and Binding, of which Binding pulled the ball back for Townsend to sweep into the goal.

Player of the Match: Amy Winter Players: Helen Davis, Carol Matravers, Sue Garwood, Emma Higgie, Emily Townsend, Elieen Denley, Hazel Binding, Lauren Daughtry, Amy Winter, Denise Lancaster, Georgia Perkins, Donna Hooper.