DESPITE being without seven regulars, Minehead Reserves gained a 1-1 against higher placed Racehorse in the Premier Division of the Taunton Saturday Football League.

With 17 year old Sam Landon making his debut at this level and his brother Fin also stepping up from the Colts it was a good opportunity to look at some ‘new players’.

Racehorse started the stronger for the first 20 minutes while the Minehead players grew into the game. During that period striker Riley Pope pulled a hamstring and was replaced by veteran Jani Jasielczuk and not long afterwards the reliable Oli Jones incurred the same injury seeing Fin Landon also had an early introduction.

On 24 minutes a decent move by Racehorse saw their striker drift into the box and a firm hand from keeper Tomasz Kubaczewski wasn’t quite enough to keep the shot out. However from this point on Minehead were the stronger team with the defensive unit of Landon, Andy Gubb, Haydn Phippen and Josh Bruford outstanding supported by Torren Eldridge just in front of them.

After 38 minutes a corner was well headed home by an under pressure Gubb. Luke Badcock, playing in an unaccustomed midfield role, was through one-on-one with the keeper but his effort was straight at the keeper.

The second half saw more pressure from Minehead and young Sam Landon, playing alongside the experienced Dan Vickers, did what was hoped he could and helped drive the Blues forward. Three more very good opportunities came and went from Eldridge, Gubb and Vickers and as the final whistle blew it was Racehorse who would be the more relieved. Man of the match - Sam Landon. Minehead: Tomasz Kubaczewski, Oli Jones, Andy Gubb, Haydn Phippen, Josh Bruford, Torren Eldridge, Luke Badcock, Dan Vickers, Sam Landon, Riley Pope, Haiden Griffiths. Subs: Jani Jasielczuk, Fin Landon. (used), Alfie Cotterell, Jake Wyre (not used)