MINEHEAD have hauled themselves into the promotion race by following up their two Easter weekend wins with a 1-0 success at home to second-placed Wells City Reserves in Division One West of the Somerset County League.

In what was billed as the Blues’ most important game of the season so far, it was the visitors who started the brightest, and the play for the opening quarter saw Minehead largely defending.

But although they were pinned back more than they would have planned, there were few attempts on their goal and as the half evolved it was the home side who took hold of the game and looked the more likely to score.

A long cross-shot which went just over the bar was the closest Wells went to an opener in their dominant period, and the remainder of the half, although more under Minehead’s control, was devoid of any clear-cut goalmouth action.

The second half saw Minehead gradually increase their control and a goal seemed certain, but it was a long time coming.

It arrived 12 minutes from time in the form of a competent header by Max Smith from a Harry Scatchard centre, which gave Wells keeper Steve Coppell little chance.

Play then opened up measurably, and substitute Mike Graddon brought a fine save from Coppell, who was then well beaten by an audacious effort by Matt Cracknell which hit the bar.

And striker Damion Redman saw a shot whistle past the post from an acute angle.

Having lost just once in their last nine matches, the Blues’ confidence and collective belief has noticeably grown.

The win leaves them just two points behind Wells, having whittled down what appeared to be an unassailable gap over a surprisingly short period.

Minehead: Sam Tarr, Matty Ronan, Matt Cracknell, Stephen Lynch, Mike Mullen (cap), Chris Newbold, Andy Gubb, Max Smith, Damion Redman, Harry Scatchard, Guy Burns, subs Mike Graddon (used), Jack Furse, Grant Hodgson.

The Gerry Hatrick man of the match was Stephen Lynch.

l Tomorrow (Saturday) the Blues go in search of three more points at Combe St Nicholas, where revenge would be sweet after they were beaten by the South Somerset side 3-0 at Irnham Road in the opening game of the season and again a few weeks later in a cup tie.

l After another blank Saturday last weekend, Watchet begin a busy spell of nine games in three weeks when they visit Clutton tomorrow (Saturday) at 3pm.

The Red and Blacks then have two midweek derbies - away to Bishops Lydeard on Tuesday and at home to Bridgwater Town Reserves on Thursday.

Both are scheduled to kick off at 6.30pm but with a league directive to start as soon as possible.