AN understrength Minehead Reserves’ side went down to a 1-0 home defeat against title favourites Racehorse Rovers in Division One of the Taunton & District Saturday League at Irnahm Road at the weekend.

This was a a game Minehead always knew would be difficult - and in the end it was a close-run affair.

The game was fairly tight throughout the first half with territory shared and both defences equal to the challenge. Minehead’s defence consisted of Harvey Lovell, Andy Gubb, Myles Campbell Farmer and Oli Jones who were solid all game with the only time looking under threat was from the bigger Taunton lads largely from set pieces.

It was from one such corner that Racehorse centre back Gibbs rose to give Kubaczewski no chance.

Following half chances falling to Haiden Griffiths and Riley Pope, a Racehorse attack was abruptly halted when a mistimed challenge by Kubaczewski brought down a forward but he got up to complete the save from the resulting penalty.

One-nil to Racehorse at half time and the game remained even with the Minehead youngsters staying with their task. However midway through the half Kubaczewski missed judged an attack and mid way in his own half saw red for a deliberate hand ball.

However with 10 men and substitute Lewis Norman taking the gloves they gained another lease of life and the midfield of Oli Reaney, Lyam Scheepers, Fun Landon and Sam Jackson pressed forward with everything they had.

However it wasn’t quite enough and Racehorse would have travelled back to Taunton happy but relieved. Man of the Match:- Harvey Lovell.

Minehead Reserves: Tomasz Kubaczewski, Myles Campbell-Farmer, Andy Gubb, Harvey Lovell, Zoloft Jones, Lyam Scheepers, Fin Landon, Haiden Griffiths, Sam Jackson, Oli Reaney, Riley Pope. Substitutes :- Lewis Norman, Tommy Robinson (both used) Mark Vickers.