MINEHEAD squandered the chance of a home league win on Saturday when they dominated their game against Cadbury Heath but threw it all away in the last quarter.

Having taken the lead after 19 minutes and wasted several chances to add further goals before half-time, they played as if the second half would be a formality but Cadbury Heath hit them with three goals to celebrate victory on their first-ever visit to the Recreation Ground.

A calf strain sustained in the game at Larkhall had ruled out veteran Adrian Giblett, possibly for four weeks.

An early long-range free-kick from the halfway line saw the ball gather pace as it skipped across the Minehead goalmouth but Cadbury couldn't get the vital touch, then at the other end Tony Hills, who had a commendable afternoon in his dual role in attack and defence, saw his shot deflected for a fruitless corner.

A minute later Damon McGee, who enjoyed some lively runs on the wing, had a shot saved, then Minehead 's Richard Gannon made an important save to stop a long-range effort from the boot of Ian Day.

After 14 minutes Minehead's David Sowden was booked for a careless tackle.

Minehead opened their account in the 19th minute when a swinging crossfield pass by Craig Carr was collected in his stride by Steve Perkins, who beat Cadbury keeper Chris Joseph with a neat lob into the unguarded net.

A few seconds later, with Minehead running rampant through the Cadbury defence, the tireless Brian Hall headed over the bar from a good position. Minehead were piling on the pressure but Cadbury managed to keep them out, and too often the Minehead raids fizzled out at the edge of the penalty area.

The Blues started the second half with Lee Todd on for Luke Taylor, who had suffered an earlier injury, and they continued their dominance of the second half with Sowden, Hall and Todd producing some memorable moments.

At the other end, Gary Bennett looking at home in the heart of the defence and saved the day with an astute header from a corner.

After 12 minutes of the half, Cadbury's Lloyd was booked for a nasty tackle on Sowden, who wasn't able to continue, Will Giblett replacing him.

Minehead appeared to have the match in the bug despite squandering several clear-cut chances, but the 74th minute saw the match take an unexpected turn.

Minehead's McGee was adjusted to have fouled Andy Paraskera inside the penalty area and from the spot, substitute Gary Thomas tucked home the equaliser.

Within a minute Minehead contributed further to their downfall when a complete mix-up in the home defence allowed Cadbury's top scorer Nick Dyer to sneak an unlikely goal.

The visitors were 2-1 ahead, and with the seasiders visibly rocked, two minutes later Cadbury found the home upright from a corner and Minehead were fortunate to keep out the resulting flag kick.

Frustration saw skipper Dave Burr booked before yet another defensive error led to Kevin Rawlings claiming the visitors' third goal of the day in the 80th minute and they should have scored again when Joe Mogg missed from close range.

Minehead's final blow came near the end when Craig Carr was shown a red card in a case of mistaken identity.

Minehead: R Gannon, T hills, D Burr, M Heywood, G Bennett, D Sowden, B Hall, C Carr, D McGee, subs A Hodgson, W Giblett, L Todd (all used).