MINEHEAD Reserves were unfortunate to lose 2-1 at home to Staplegrove Reserves in the Taunton Saturday Football League’s Premier Division.

The game proved to be well balanced with some good football from both sides. Minehead’s solid defence of Oli Jones, Andy Gubb, Haydn Phippen and Charlie Disney started well but full back Disney soon had to leave the field injured to be replaced by Myles Campbell-Farmer.

Torren Eldridge imposed himself in front of the back four for the second week running and the midfield trio of Dan Vickers, Scott Kivell and the industrious Josh Heath worked well together to gradually get on top of Grove.

Forward Luke Batts was rested after 25 minutes with Fin Haran coming on and giving his opponent a difficult time before the break. Chances were few and far between but the best save was from Tomasz Kubaczewski in the Minehead goal when the Grove forward should have scored.

The second half was much as the first with the play fairly balanced albeit marginally in favour of the Blues. It was a break by young Haiden Griffiths that broke the deadlock when he slotted past the advancing Grove keeper for his fourth of the season.

He had a chance of doubling the lead when one of his trademark lobs fell short of its intended target. The game continued as before but with Grove trying to press for the equaliser.. However with 8 minutes added time and only 90 seconds of that remaining, Grove equalised through a Blues error and tears were brought to the home sides eyes when another mistake saw Grove score a last-gasp winner. Man of the Match: Haiden Griffiths.

Minehead: Tomasz Kubaczewski, Oli Jones, Charlie Disney, Andy Gubb, Haydn Phippen, Torren Eldridge, Scott Kivell, Dan Vickers, Josh Heath, Haiden Griffiths, Luke Batts. Subs: Myles Campbell-Farmer, Fin Haran, Josh Bruford (all used).

Mark Vickers