Burnham United 5-1 Minehead AFC

IN a game which was far from one-sided, Minehead’s second performance without a recognised goalkeeper saw them suffer a 5-1 defeat against a Burnham side still with an outside chance of promotion.

After an even start the hosts took the lead in the 26th minute when Curtis Bradshaw broke through the centre of Minehead’s defence and with only stand in keeper Martyn Phillips to beat passed sideways to Leo James who competently slotted home. 

Just after the half hour mark, playing against a strong swirling wind, the defence was once more breached and  exposed Phillips was once more exposed and James was able to round him and shoot into the empty net.

The Blues, who had been well in the game, but the quieter of the two teams as an attacking force, continued to probe, and before half time reduced the deficit when a superb one-two between Guy Burns and Tiago, was finished by the latter with a crisp drive into the bottom corner which gave Tom Edwards little chance.

With there a growing belief that with the wind, rain and slope in their favour during the second half, that Minehead could overturn the deficit and that a point or even three could be gained, and early in the second half Guy Burns beat the last defender but his shot was inches wide.

After sixty minutes, with the game flowing from end to end, a worldy strike from central midfielder Mike Stevens, which would likely have beaten top quality pro keepers let alone a stand-in defender, flew into the top corner and put the hosts into a commanding 3-1 lead.

Rob Vickers was the next to hit the post for Minehead, and Guy Burns’ shot went over the bar. Matt Harris then brought on the only available substitute in sixteen-year-old Lewis Goodrum for his first involvement in senior football, and he showed he is very capable and useful addition to the squad.

Two late goals, firstly from Jaymie Whitehouse, then a fifth from substitute Benny Windrum gave Burnham a thoroughly deserved victory but by a flattering margin.

Minehead return to The Rec for their penultimate home appearance of the 22/23 season this Saturday, when they host Saltford. Minehead were 1-0 victors at Saltford three games ago and will be looking to record their second league double of the season.
Kick-off is at 3pm.