MINEHEAD Reserves drew 2-2 at home against Weston super Mare League side Highburn Athetic in a hastily arranged friendly.

With a fairly strong side Minehead were slow to start, while they sussed out the strength of their opposition.

However after 15 minutes the play was much more balanced and the visitors knew they were in for a good challenge. The experienced Nat Leader was in goal protected by a strong back four of Oli Jones, Cullen Bruford, Andy Gubb and Haydn Phippen but their only mistake of the half saw Highburn break though the middle and give Leader no chance, to take the lead.

Within three minutes one of Minehead’s breaks saw young Haiden Griffiths out pace the visitors defence to score another fine goal. By this stage the midfield of Torren Eldridge, Dan Vickers, Josh Bruford and Josh Heath were taking control and a fine move involving Vickers and Josh Bruford saw Griffiths finish with aplomb for his fifth goal in two matches.

Bruford was soon injured and replaced by the returning Scott Kivell as the Blues went in half time 2-1 ahead.

The second half became a somewhat feisty proposition, albeit even and competitive. Four more changes were made during the second half with the introduction of Alfie Cotterell, Luke Batts, Lyam Scheepers and Jake Wyre and whilst these had no impact on the result Highburn levelled at 2-2 with 10 minutes to go following a melee in the goal mouth and the ball eventually crossing the line following the Blues best efforts.

This was another excellent workout for the Reserves. Man of the match: Oli Jones.

Minehead Reserves: Nat Leader, Cullen Bruford, Oli Jones, Andy Gubb, Haydn Phippen, Torren Eldridge, Josh Bruford, Dan Vickers, Josh Heath, Riley Pope, Haiden Griffiths, Subs:- Scott Kivell, Luke Batts, Alfie Cotterell, Jake Wyre, Lyam Scheepers, (all used) .

Mark Vickers