MINEHEAD notched up two wins from two friendlies, both by 2-1 scorelines.

Last Thursday they took the game to their opponents Staplegrove from the kick-off, with the pace of Damion Redman and Guy Burns causing the burly defenders problems.

Redman, however, came off worst in a collision with the keeper midway through the half and played no further part after hobbling to the sidelines.

His replacement Harry Scatchard almost opened the scoring within a few minutes of coming on when his dipping volley needed close attention from the keeper.

Stefan Phillips, who has been missing from action for a lengthy period due to injury, was the second to be substituted due to injury, his replacement being Adam Langdon.

Three minutes before the break the Blues deservedly took the lead through a perfectly-placed Guy Burns free-kick.

With Tom Edworthy replacing another injured player, Aaron Ireton, after the break, Minehead continued to stay in relative control, and Burns doubled the score just after the hour mark when he shot home from outside the box having comfortably beaten three defenders in a run from near the half-way line.

Tom Edward scored a consolation goal for Staplegrove a few minutes from time.

l The Blues continued their positive pre-season with another 2-1 victory over last season’s undefeated league champions Middlezoy Rovers on Tuesday.

Against their strongest opposition up to date, they looked comfortable from the start and their higher-ranked opponents were soon under pressure.

Stefan Phillips’ free-kick, after a foul on Harry Scatchard, went close to opening the account, then from another free-kick Guy Burns stole in on the blind side but guided his volley just wide.

On 20 minutes the Blues deservedly took the lead when, having played centre forward Max Smith into a dangerous position, Phillips received a perfect return pass from the striker and side-footed home.

The goal sparked the visitors into action and for the next 15 minutes they enjoyed their best spell, but the defence stood firm with makeshift keeper Andrew Land making some useful saves.

However, after the lively Jed Williams had been pulled back by Luke Bloys while bearing down on the goal, the striker picked himself up and beat land with his spot-kick.

Mike Mullen made a timely last-ditch tackle as the last man when another striker looked to be breaking through, and Land was called into action again, this time tipping a shot from Williams over the bar.

Just before the break, Max Smith latched onto a poor pass across the back of the visiting defence and slammed the ball past the keeper from ten yards to put Minehead back in front.

They had a few opportunities to extend their lead in a second half which saw them make several substitutions, but they finished the game looking the most likely to score.

l Tomorrow (Saturday) sees a visit by Taunton 1610, who this season will ply their trade at one level below Minehead, bringing the pre-season friendlies to a close.

The league season starts next week when promoted Uphill Castle visit the Rec for the first time in their history.