MINEHEAD travelled to top of the table Portishead on Tuesday evening and suffered a 3-0 defeat.

Although the Blues had beaten the Division One West leaders on their own ground in a cup match last month, on this occasion the bigger home players were too good for a weakened Minehead side and comfortably preserved their 100 per cent league record.

Minehead started brightly enough, with quick feet and crisp passing on a good playing surface, but after a fairly even first 20 minutes Portishead scored two quick goals which put them in control.

Defender James Clarke nipped through in a well-populated penalty area to beat Sam Tarr to the ball and stab home from six yards, then a flick-on from a corner four minutes later gave Dan Elson the opportunity to head home powerfully, again from six yards out.

Minehead came back strongly with a 30-yarder from Aaron Ireton which went just wide then a powerful left-footed drive from Harry Scatchard which the keeper did well to keep out, and towards the end of the first half the busier of the two keepers George Shanks Boon tipped over a goalbound curler from Mike Mullen.

The second period again started evenly, but just before the hour mark Elson struck again, scoring from a central position to put the game out of Minehead’s reach.

Further chances were created at both ends, and Mike Graddon, after a fine run, saw a fierce drive hit the woodwork with Boon well beaten.

Minehead: Sam Tarr, Matty Ronan, Andy Gubb, Mike Mullen, Chris Newbold, Luke Howells, Harry Scatchard, Aaron Ireton, Robert Vickers, Mike Graddon, Callum Barnfield, subs Andrew Land, Brad Martin (both used).