The team made the journey to Minehead on the back of 3 wins in the league and confident following an 8-1 victory the previous week. Minehead B came to the game having won one and lost one in the league but having already tasted defeat to TCS A in a preseason friendly 2 months prior.

The game started in a cagey, tight fashion with neither side giving away too many chances. The back 3 of TCS stayed resolute through the early exchanges giving keeper Bob Sneddon very little to worry about. As the half went on TCS started to gain a foothold in the game and following a couple of excellent chances in front of the keeper from Mark Sawyer deflections, the deadlock was eventually broken from some dogged attacking play from Josh Hickling-Boutavant. Some slick work down the left had side and a fine attacking move ensured that TCS doubled their lead and took a two goal cushion into the half time break.

The team bolstered the midfield at half time as the top heavy formation was causing too much congestion as TCS tried to secure what they had. This however was put to the test early in the half and a break down the Minehead left exploited gaps in the TCS midfield and a speculative ball into the D was deflected past Bob Sneddon to close the gap to a single goal. TCS rallied, firmed up their lines and quickly restored their two goal lead and from there the team didn’t look back as the goals started to pour in from (I think, lost track) Mark Sawyer, Toron Everett, Jack Daly and Jason Harris.

TCS never looked under pressure through the second half as, although the Minehead forwards saw enough of the ball to mount a challenge the back three of Julian Brown, Ali Johnston and Mark Leadley formed a wall letting very little past and on the two occasions the line was breached Bob Sneddon was there to snuff out any danger with a fine charge and a sprawling save with his face.

Despite at one point being down to nine players, the TCS threat continued with excellent stewarding of the midfield from Dave Hoaen, Toron Everett, Jason Harris and Josh Hickling-Boutavant in various rotations. There was also an exceptional display of attacking play from Vincent Yates on the right, troubling the majority of players on the Minehead left and consistently extinguishing any opportunities that arose for Minehead to break. The final score was 8-1 to TCS who ensured a dominating second half performance yielded the goals they deserved with some clinical finishing.

The team were pleased to welcome back Mark Leadley following a period of injury, who had a fine first game of the season and Andy Hayden-Briffet who picked up a green card but provided great attacking threat and defensive cover on the left wing. My final mention goes to Mark Sawyer and Jack Daly whose movement and threat through the second half ensured there was no let-up for the Minehead defence causing the pressure that lead to so many chances and fine goals.

Into the winter break top of the table and 4 wins from 4, thank you gents, have a great Christmas and stay safe.