MINEHEAD tumbled out of the Somerset Senior Cup last Saturday at Ilminster where they went down 3-1.

After an even start, as the first half moved on the hosts appeared to be getting on top and though Minehead’s effective one touch passing was frequently evident, it was Ilminster who looked after the ball more carefully with Minehead’s possession becoming patchy.

Two good chances were spurned midway through the first period. Firstly Keiran Manley should have headed Ilminster ahead from an inch perfect cross but missed the goal when well placed. Almost straight afterwards, a centre from George Sinnott found Guy Burns in a good position, but the inform goal-scorer uncharacteristically missed the opportunity.

Soon afterwards, however, returning Minehead goalkeeper Kyran Wilkins came out of his penalty area to clear an innocuous through pass and having reached the ball before the opposing striker his attempt to setup an attack resulted in him kicking deeply into the turf and damaging knee ligaments, with Keiran Manley having the simple task of putting the ball into the unguarded net. Wilkins was unable to take any further part in the match.

Full-back Martyn Phillips took the gloves with youngster Alfie Lyons coming on as substitute, and just before the break Burns’ shot was parried by Ilminster keeper Jack Rutter.

Early in the second half a hefty challenge on deputising keeper Phillips, saw him badly injured and though he managed to struggle on for a further 20 minutes, he was then substituted by Bertie Harvey-Larmar with George Sinnott taking the gloves, as Minehead’s nightmare season for injuries to custodians continued.

Midway through an even second half Ilminster doubled their advantage when a perfect strike by Joe Allen from 25 yards flew into the top corner with Phillips having no chance of saving.

Soon afterwards Minehead deservedly found their way back into contention when a cutting move started by Hubi Wejnerowski followed by further slick passing between Luciano Alves and Alfie Lyons who centred for Burns to shoot confidently passed Rutter with his right foot, recording his ninth goal of the season in this his seventh game.

With the game still evenly balanced, an Ilminster centre was cleared by the Minehead defence and fell temptingly for Joe Allen, who ferociously struck a 30-yard volley which whistled into the top corner off the underside of the crossbar for what will surely be the best goal either side will witness this season.

The game was therefore won by the hosts 3-1, with two superb goals ultimately being the defining difference between the two sides.

Minehead: Kyran Wilkins, Martyn Phillips, Rob Vickers, Hubi Wejnerowski, Ryan Wilkins, Benn Bartlett, Sam Heath, Luciano Alves, Guy Burns, Matt Trump, George Sinnott

Subs: Bertie Harvey-Larmar, Alfie Lyons, Tiago Alipio (all used). Man of the Match: Benn Bartlett.