A MINEHEAD side weakened by absentees crashed out of the Somerset Senior Cup at the first hurdle on Saturday when they lost 2-0 at home to Pensford.

The visitors, from the division below the Blues, came to the Rec looking to wield the giant-killing axe against a side they had never before met and who could only field six of the previous week’s starting XI.

Fuelled by two opening victories in the league and having scored five times in their last match, Pensford controlled play from the off.

Scrappy play by the Blues led to the first goal from James Phillips, and soon after the visitors doubled the advantage when a corner by Aaron Vine was met by an unstoppable volley from centre half Ricky Gingell.

Minehead responded with a strong shot from Aaron Ireton which was well held by Pensford custodian Lee Jenkins, but home keeper Sam Tarr was then called into action twice, making good saves in quick succession to keep his side in the game.

An Ireton cross was inches away from being met by Guy Burns and, continuing his good form from the previous home game, the youngster then had a free-kick punched over the bar by Jenkins.

With Minehead gaining some momentum, both Burns and defender Andy Gubb had efforts that cleared the bar, but before the break it was Tarr who again came to the rescue, this time blocking well with his feet.

After half-time Matt Ronan replaced the injured Connor Jones and Gubb bravely blocked a firm shot as Pensford looked to kill off the game.

But Minehead grew into the second half, with Ali Harrison showing up well in midfield and Dave Sowden, who replaced Grant Hodgson, soon in the action with a free-kick which went just wide.

A jinking run from Felix Ndiomo ended with a clever turn and shot which was competently saved by Jenkins, but there was no way back for the Blues and in the final moments Tarr again produced an excellent save.

The Gerry Hatrick man of the match was Aaron Ireton.

Minehead: S Tarr, G Hodgson, A Gubb, D Wilson, S Lynch, D Green, A Harrison, A Ireton, C Jones, F Ndiomo, G Burns, subs M Ronan, D Sowden (both used).

l Tomorrow (Saturday) sees Minehead return to league action with a trip to Middlezoy Rovers, another club playing their first-ever competitive game against Minehead’s first team.

Having climbed up the pyramid in recent seasons, the former Taunton Saturday League side will be looking to add to their maximum points tally this season, having won four out of four games and scored 17 goals.