MINEHEAD began their new season in the Screwfix League Premier Division on Saturday with a 4-1 defeat away to Bristol Manor Farm, the scoreline flattering the home side.

Facing a daunting fixture list which sees Minehead at home only once in the opening nine matches, the Blues' new-look line-up included six players making their debut.

Both teams provided some lively attractive football and Minehead led 1-0 at the interval, only to collapse in the closing five minutes when the Bristol side netted three goals.

Minehead's new keeper Adrian Cheek had a busy time and showed command of the goal area, while in midfield Craig Carr often caught the eye with his ball skills which set up Minehead's more promising attacks.

A fierce drive from the boot of Mark Cherry almost brought an early goal for the home side but the ball cleared the bar.

After ten minutes Manor Farm forced a corner and from the flag kick Minehead's keeper dealt confidently with a teasing high cross.

Four minutes later Alec Stocker burst clear for the home side but his parting shot was well blocked by the diving body of Cheek and soon after a brilliant save by the keeper denied Tony Beacham getting onto the scoresheet.

Minehead's best chance to open the scoring fell to Will Giblett in the 25th minute. He cleverly outpaced the home defence to burst clear and with only keeper Paul Baker to beat, he tried a delicate chip which outwitted Baker but also cleared the unattended goal. This chance coming after 23 minutes.

Within a minute Baker produced a fine save to keep out a well-aimed 3 yard shot.

Manor Farm's Jeff Headington was then shown a yellow card after he deliberately handled the ball to stop it reaching an unmarked Minehead player who would have had a clear run on goal.

On the half-hour, Minehead did well to survive a goal line melee which eventually saw the ball scooped away from danger by Dave Burr.

Towards the interval, Minehead forced a string of corners which had the home side scampering about to keep their goal intact.

Their reward came after 44 minutes when, showing a good turn of speed, Neil Gage scored with a delightful shot which the home keeper had no chance of saving.

Although Minehead deserved to take the lead, they did not enjoy the success for long — within three minutes of the restart the home side were on level terms, Adie Boucher at the far post getting up well to head the ball home.

This goal signalled some exciting play as both teams looked to take the lead, with Carr being heavily involved as the play maker.

After two quick corners had been cleared from the Minehead goalmouth, Alex Stocker went close for the home side, then Manor Farm mounted a prolonged attack, but Minehead stood firm and still managed an occasional raid themselves, and Craig Carr's lob just cleared the home bar.

After 71 minutes, Minehead should have regained the lead. A Minehead forward saw his shot blocked on the line, and from the rebound another forward slammed the ball against the diving body of the home keeper and the chance was lost.

As the match reached its latter stages Manor Farm took over in the heat of the sun and Minehead wilted in the last five minutes, conceding three goals.

A brilliant header by Stocker from a deep cross from the right saw the home side break the deadlock, three minutes later Minehead conceded a penalty which Mike Airs slotted home, then in injury time James Edwards made it 4-1 after a timely solo run from the halfway line.

Minehead: A Cheek, D Burr, A Reader, R Baker, A Giblett, L Nunn, S Perkins, W Giblett, N Gage, C Craig, N Wyburn, Sub A Hodgson (not used).

Minehead crashed 9-1 away to Yeovil Town Reserves on Wednesday evening.