MINEHEAD eased into the fourth round of the Somerset Senior Cup last Saturday with a comfortable 4-2 victory over Banwell, who ply their trade one level below the Blues.

Looking in relative control throughout the first half, Minehead took the lead through captain Matt Cracknell, who found space deep inside the Banwell half after an incisive one-two and shot home with his trusty left foot.

Robert Vickers doubled the advantage shortly after when his pace took him through the defence and, having cut inside from an inside left position, his clinical finish was too good for the keeper.

A third goal came from Damion Redman, making a welcome return from a three-match suspension, and again it was his pace which was too much for the visiting defence, slotting home to put the game effectively out of the visitors’ reach.

On the hour Redman spoilt his return with an act of retaliation that was missed by the majority of the crowd but not the referee, who showed him a straight red.

Minehead introduced Luke Howells and Andrew Land, both after lengthy breaks, and it was Land who made it 4-0 within minutes of his entrance, nodding home a poacher’s goal from just inside the six-yard box to open his Minehead account from Mike Graddon’s in-swinging corner.

With the game out of their reach, the visitors enjoyed their best period of the match, and left-sided striker Dylan York pulled back what looked like a consolation goal 15 minutes from time.

However, another act of retaliation saw Aaron Ireton being shown the second red card of the day, leaving the Blues with only eight outfield players.

They needed keeper Sam Tarr to stop a goalbound effort from York with his feet, and although in the final minute the youngster again found himself unmarked close to Minehead’s six yard box and reduced the arrears to just two goals, it was too little too late for the spirited visitors.

Minehead: Sam Tarr, Matty Ronan, Mike Graddon, Chris Newbold, Matt Cracknell, Callum Barnfield, Harry Scatchard, Aaron Ireton, Damion Redman, Robert Vickers, Max Smith, subs Andrew Land, Luke Howells (both used).

l Minehead, who due to suspensions, injuries and unavailability will be without four of their in-form strikers for much of the coming month, are again in cup action tomorrow (Saturday).

Having battled their way through the group stages, they now face Premier Division Middlezoy Rovers in the first round of the Somerset County League Knockout Cup.

With the visitors enjoying their first season at the higher level, having won Division One West without losing last season, the Blues will need to be at their best to progress further.

They will be encouraged by having beaten Middlezoy in a competitive pre-season friendly in August. Kick-off at Irnham Road is at the earlier time of 2pm.