MINEHEAD, full of confidence on the back of a seven-match winning run, gained a splendid 2-2 draw away against leaders Congresbury in Division One of the Uhlsport Somerset County Football League.

Minehead were put on the back foot after just 30 seconds when a back-pass from the normally dependable George Painter allowed home centre forward Jordan Sole to intercept the ball but, in managing to get around the advancing keeper Kyran Wilkins, he was forced wide. His attempt from an acute angle was not quite on target and a recovering defender was on hand to clear the ball to safety.

The first of several inconsistent referrering decisions, which happened throughout the game to the benefit and frustration of both teams, saw Ryan Wilkins deemed to have fouled his opponent inside the box, with a challenge that would normally be seen as coming together of players. Congresbury’s Mike Beck took the spot kick, scoring to Ryan’s brother Kyran’s left.

With Congresbury looking for a second Beck then saw his shot from 25 yards hit the top of the bar and go out of play.

Minehead recovered well and fought their way back into contention during the remaining 25 minutes of the first half, with Josh Elston bringing a fine save out of Freddie Butchers with a well struck effort from 30 yards that oooked destined for the top bin.

Elston was in the thick of the action moments later when he jumped to connect with an in-swinging corner but was clearly punched in the head when Butchers’ attempted to clear the ball. Captain Stefan Phillips’ remonstrations earned him a caution from the referee.

Minehead’s consistent efforts to get back in the match were rewarded when Phillips scored from the spot after Sam Kackson was tripped in the box, and the half ended even at 1-1 reflecting the evenness of the play.

Early in the second half Leon Benjafield was put through on goal after a loose ball from a Blues’ defender, but his firm shot was made to look like food and drink by Wilkins, who comfortably kept it out.

With 20 minutes remaining Minehead brought on fresh legs in Scott Kivell and the game continued as a fine example of county league football. Then with 12 minutes remaining Josh Elston, who had scored a hat-trick last time out, put The Blues ahead by expertly volleying home an awkwardly bouncing ball.

Late in the game, Martyn Phillips replaced Sam Jackson and just when it looked like Minehead were going to claim the three points, the game finished disappointingly for the visiters when Congresbury grabbed an equaliser as a toe poke towards goal by the impressive Joe Swift hit Stefan Phillips and bounced in off the foot of a post.