MINEHEAD hope to be back in action in the first division of the Uhlsport Somerset County Football League when they play at home to struggling Bishop Sutton on Saturday, February 14 (3p.m.).

The seasiders have played only once this year - when they suffered a 3-1 defeat away to Sporting Weston in the middle of last month.

“It is very difficult to keep the players fit and interested when you are not playing,” said Minehead boss Lee Todd this week.

Bishop Sutton are lying second from bottom in the table, having won only three of their 20 league games.

Despite their inactivity, Minehead are mid-table but have played more games than teams around them.

Fixtures in the first division for Saturday include: Ashcott v Combe St Nicholas, Burnham United v Clutton, Imperial v Winscombe, Westfield v Sporting Weston, Keynsham Town Reserves v Portishead Town Reserves, Minehead v Bishop Sutton.

Meanwhile, Minehead’s talented midfielder Josh Elston has joined Jewson Western League strugglers Cheddar.

It is a blow for Minehead, and Todd said: “It came as a bit of a surprise. Obviously, it is a good opportunity for him to play at a higher standard of football.

“But I would have liked for him to have stayed with us until at least the end of the season, and then perhaps move on. If things don’t work out for him we’ll welcome him back. He goes with our blessing.

“Josh gave up playing in the middle of last season and returned to Minehead when I took charge. He took a break from football.”

Cheddar play in the first division of the Jewson League where they are near the bottom. However, they are through to the quarter-finals of the Les Phillips Cup where they play at home to Wellington.