MINEHEAD’S opening friendly of the season saw them host Bridgwater’s second string at Irnham Road last Saturday, and an experimental lineup came back from a goal down to beat their higher ranked visitors 2-1.

An early blunder by home custodian Sam Tarr resulted in an own goal being chalked up against defender Chris Newbold, whose soft back pass caught the advancing keeper off balance.

The youthful visitors kept the home side at bay until the hour mark, when last season’s top scorer Guy Burns equalised with a header from ten yards out.

And after the visitors had a goal chalked off, it was Burns who provided the winner with a ferocious left-foot drive from just inside the box which gave the keeper little chance.

A perfect hat-trick was just a step too far as, in the final move of the match, Burns’ right foot cross-shot was kept out by the Bridgy keeper.

After yesterday (Thursday) evening’s home match against Staplegrove, Tuesday evening sees promoted champions Middlezoy Rovers provide further higher league opposition.

Next Saturday’s visit of Taunton 1610, who this season ply their trade at one level below Minehead, will bring the pre-season friendlies to a close.

Somerset County League announced their fixtures this week, with the Blues at home for the first two Saturdays, against promoted Uphill Castle on August 13 then a week later against Street Reserves.