MINEHEAD suffered a 2-1 defeat at home to Street Reserves in Division One West of the Somerset County League on Saturday.

It was their sixth 2-1 scoreline in six games so far this season, but for the first time they were on the wrong end of the result.

Both teams were keen to play precise and attractive football in blustery conditions and plenty of quality was seen.

The home side had an early scare when Street netted after a goalmouth melee had seen the bar then a point-blank reaction save from Sam Tarr thwart them before Nick Mortimer slotted home from close range, only to fall foul of the linesman’s flag.

At the other end, the visitors’ keeper Ally Gillies was a little fortunate to stay on the pitch after deliberately handling outside of his box, and the resultant free kick was fruitless.

Both centre halves spurned good chances to head their sides in front, and Tarr again came to Minehead’s rescue saving well with his feet.

It couldn’t stay goalless much longer, and on 40 minutes Minehead took the lead after a good move from deep, when Aaron Ireton’s goal-bound shot was touched home by a visiting defender desperately trying to stop Max Smith from running the ball home from five yards out.

Soon after the second half re-start the visitors deservedly drew level during their best spell in the match, Mortimer slotting home after a cross was laid back to him.

Home sub Mike Graddon’s free-kick was expertly tipped over by Gillies and, after a clever run, a curler from Tom Edworthy beat the keeper but just cleared the bar.

Both Street full backs received yellow cards for attack-stopping offences, one which could have been seen as stopping a goal-scoring opportunity.

Then, after another fine save with his feet by Tarr, a slip from central defender Stephen Lynch allowed Mortimer to square to Sam Mullins, who netted the winner from 12 yards out.

Another useful product of Minehead’s youth set-up, Robert Vickers, became the third 16-year-old blooded this season when he came on as a sub, and Minehead pressed hard for the equaliser in the dying minutes.

Ireton went close when well placed in the dying seconds, but Street held out to take all three points home.

Minehead: Sam Tarr, Mike Mullen, Matt Cracknell, Chris Newbold, Stephen Lynch, Matty Ronan, Harry Scatchard, Aaron Ireton, Max Smith, Stefan Phillips, Luke Howells, subs Tom Edworthy, Mike Graddon, Robert Vickers (all used).

l Minehead go on their travels for the first time this season when they visit Ilminster Town tomorrow (Saturday).

Ilminster have started the season well so Minehead can expect a stern test.