MINEHEAD gave a good account of themselves as they narrowly lost 2-1 away to Bideford on Saturday.

After the incidents and result of last Wednesday's cup game at Wellington a strengthened side took the field, with Alex Crooke newly signed from Barnstaple and Gareth Morgan back from Bridgwater.

Immediately from the kick-off, Bideford's tall, fast forwards were on the attack, and for 15 minutes Minehead withstood a barrage of shots from all angles.

Keeper Lee Ayres brought off a sensational save from a powerful close shot by Hector Christie, sustaining a slight injury in the process.

Minehead broke away on several occasions but without success, and Bideford continued their relentless attack, Adam Shearer shooting just past the post, Carl Armstrong over the bar and Christie past the post.

In the 25th minute, Minehead made a superb break involving Woon, Crooke and Morgan, which looked threatening. The tall Bideford centre half Armstrong tackled Morgan, bringing him down just inside the box, and Woon put Minehead ahead from the ensuing penalty.

Constantly playing the long ball forward, Bideford resumed their attack, Christie shooting over the bar, Hadley hitting the bar and Shearer, with only Ayres to beat, shooting wide.

Ayres again rose to the occasion to frustrate a fine effort by Polhill.

In the 44th minute, Andy Reader was booked for a foul on Lee Tucker, and Woon was immediately booked for standing too close to the ball when the free kick was taken, the subsequent shot flying over the bar.

The second half started much as the first, with Bideford's long ball tactic frustrating the Minehead attacks.

Armstrong shadowed Morgan constantly and was able to contain his efforts, while Crooke was also well marked.

After 17 minutes Ayres advanced on Christie, who was in a shooting position, and he passed left to Shearer who was able to shoot into the open goal for the equaliser.

Five minutes later a Bideford free kick found the head of Christie who steered the ball over the keeper and into the net.

Minehead fought hard to get the draw and the last ten minutes were all theirs.

A spirited series of attacks saw Knowling frustrated with a header just over the bar, and both Crooke and Woon had shots saved.

From a Giblett free kick, Knowling's header scraped past the post.

Despite the result, Minehead showed great spirit with an improving team which augers well for the future.

Minehead: Lee Ayres, David Burr, Andy Reader, Steve Nichols, Darren Knowling, Lee Porter, Gareth Morgan, Adrian Giblett, Nick Woon, Alex Crooke, Shane Porter, sub Nick Wyborn.