MINEHEAD staged a remarkable comeback to almost snatch a point at home to Barnstaple on Tuesday evening.

With only ten minutes to go, Barnstaple Town were leading 3-0 and coasting to a comfortable away win, but then the young Minehead side pulled the score back to 3-2 and and the visitors looking a very worried team.

Looking the more composed side, Barnstaple should have taken the lead after 15 minutes but Simon Ovey headed over the bar from close range, then shortly after Andy Stevens saw his low shot flash just wide of the far upright.

Minehead were again lucky when, during a melee in their six yard box, several attempts on goal were blocked by defenders.

However, the 40th minute saw Barnstaple take a deserved lead when a fine run by Steve Burton set up Craig Dann to score.

Three minutes later a brilliant save by Adrian Cheek, who had an outstanding game, prevented Shaun Watts from increasing the lead, and the first half ended with Lee Nunn being booked.

After the interval Barnstaple continued to dominate and when in the 58th minute Dave Burr put Sean Kenny clear only to see his shot blocked by Dave Penberthy, this was the first time the visitors' keeper had been tested.

In the 65th minute Minehead found themselves 2-0 down when Leeroy Cockrane swept the ball into the net from close range, and then minutes later it was 3-0 when, after a brilliant solo dribble, Russell Jee, scored with a powerful shot.

Barnstaple must have thought the three points were secure, but they reckoned without a great comeback by the Blues.

In the 80th minute Shane Porter followed up a rare home attack to reduce the deficit, and although Adrian Giblett picked up a rare yellow card, Minehead bravely tried to retrieve a lost cause and in the 90th minute Brian Hall brought the home crowd to their feet when he scored with a great drive from outside the penalty box.

Unfortunately it was a case of too little too late, and on the evening Barnstaple were deserved winners.

Minehead: A Cheek, A Giblett, S Porter, M Heywood, L Nunn, D Burr, S Perkins, N Wyborn, S Kenny, B Hall, D Sowden, subs W Giblett (used), C Carr, G Bennett (not used).

l Tomorrow (Saturday) Minehead are at home again, playing Bristol Manor Farm (ko 3 p.m.).