MINEHEAD bowed out of the Somerset County League Knockout Cup on Saturday when they lost 1-0 at home to Premier Division side Middlezoy.

The visitors put pressure on the Minehead defence from the outset and forced a number of dangerous corners.

Having kept Middlezoy at bay for 20 minutes, the Blues grew into the match and the pendulum seemed to be swinging in their favour.

But on 25 minutes, another corner from James Conway was poorly defended and a powerful header from the edge of the six-yard box by centre half Shaun Turner put Middlezoy in front.

Minehead’s Robert Vickers hit the woodwork just before half-time after a jinking run took him past three or four defenders and through the heart of the defence. Having beaten the keeper with a fierce drive, he saw the ball hit the top of the bar and go out for a goal kick.

After the break, both Luke Howells and Aaron Ireton caused the Middlezoy defence problems, and after an Ireton shot had been blocked, Luke Bloys was first to the rebound but his attempt was blocked by the keeper.

In the closing minutes Mike Mullen was pushed up to help the attack, and with almost the last kick of the game he burst through the home defence but seemed to rush his shot and it went wide of the goal frame when an equaliser looked on the cards.

Although they enjoyed more of the chances in the second period, Minehead were not able to force extra time.

Man of the match was Matt Cracknell.

Minehead: Sam Tarr, Chris Newbold, Luke Bloys, Mike Mullen Matt Cracknell, Matty Ronan, Harry Scatchard, Aaron Ireton, Robert Vickers, Mike Graddon, Luke Howells, sub Callum Barnfield (used).

l Minehead are without a game this weekend.