MINEHEAD lost their ninth match on the trot on Saturday when they were beaten 3-2 by Torrington and slumped to third from bottom of Division One in the Screwfix Direct Western League.

The Blues were boosted by the return of midfielders Craig Carr and Luke Taylor, who had been unavailable for several weeks, together with keeper Gareth Evans, back after a broken hand suffered in mid October.

They found themselves 2-0 down at half-time and then 3-0 after 55 minutes before a remarkable recovery almost brought them a share of the points.

Evans was soon called upon to show his goalkeeping talents with two timely saves, the second being a neat tip over the bar, as Torrington threatened to claim an early goal.

Gradually Minehead began to produce their own attractive short passing game but Torrington remained on top and when a counter-attack caught Minehead off balance, only Evans' save with his outstretched leg kept them out.

Minehead were being pinned in their own half and the home side's lively play resulted in several corners being won.

A delightful solo break by Trevor Haslet took him past several Minehead challenges but was spoiled when, having laid the ball off, Lee Langmead's shot was well wide of the target.

Ten minutes from half-time Minehead finally conceded the first goal when a corner from the left by Karl Madge was headed home by Jeff Parish.

The Blues' defence did well to keep out further dangerous raids but just before the break they were breached again.

A well-struck shot by Langmead found the goal frame and spun along the goal-line to find the other upright without crossing the line, but in the melee which followed, Stuart Dymond forced the ball in to give the home team a 2-0 lead.

The visitors started the second half with some attractive raids, and two attempts forced fine saves from Torrington's Key Fey, while Brian Hall saw his speedy run spoiled by a home defender who block his goal-bound effort.

Ten minutes into the half Minehead's rally was halted when Langmead produced a solo run to put Torrington 3-0 ahead.

Minehead responded immediately and staked their claim for a share of the spoils.

After forcing a corner on the left, Lee Nunn had a goal-bound shot blocked for another corner from which Taylor slammed the ball against the bar and Will Giblett netted the rebound.

Lee Todd then hit the side netting, while at the other end Adrian Giblett produced a timely header to avert another goal for the Devon side.

Within a minute of this vital save, Minehead scored again to make it 3-2.

Good work by Taylor on the right flank had Torrington wrong footed and his low cross was gratefully tucked into the home net by Hall.

Minehead were enjoying their best phase of the match and, with 25 minutes remaining, had every chance to get on level terms. They raised their game another notch and had torrington scampering about to keep them out, but their efforts did not bring the rewards they deserved.

The closest they got to scoring was five minutes from the end, when Dave Burr beat the keeper with a grounder but it hit the Torrington post.

Minehead: G Evans, W Giblett, D Burr, A Giblett, L Nunn, M Heywood, A Dyer, L Taylor, B Hall, C Carr, L Todd, sub A Hodgson (used).

l Minehead face a crucial "six-pointer" tomorrow (Saturday) when they visit fellow relegation candidates Warminster Town.

Their hosts have a dismal record this season and are still looking for their first home win, although they have managed two away successes.

Blues manager Andy Hodgson expects to have a full squad to choose from for a match which offers a real chance of ending their nine-match losing run.