PORLOCK secured a hard-fought 2-1 home victory over Minehead Reserves in a competitive encounter in the first division of the Taunton Saturday League, with a strong second-half performance proving decisive.

It meant, of course, that Minehead were still left looking for first victory of the season.

The match began as an even contest, with both sides making promising forays into the final third. However, Porlock struggled to take advantage of their opportunities, with some wayward finishing denying them an early breakthrough.

At the other end of the pitch Minehead Reserves defied their lowly league position meanwhile to take the lead in fortuitous fashion. A dangerous cross from the wing deflected off Zac Brown and found its way into the net, putting the visitors 1-0 up, which is how it remained until half time.

After the break, Porlock gradually found their rhythm, improving their link-up play and exerting more control over possession. Their persistence paid off when they equalised through Harry Scatchard, who steered the ball home following some good build-up play.

The turning point in the game came when Andy Hall and Lewis Goodrum were introduced, replacing Jack Evans and Cody Truscott, both of who had performed very well and adapted impressively to a change in positions throughout the match. The fresh legs injected energy into Porlock’s attack, helping shift the momentum in their favour.

The decisive goal arrived courtesy of excellent work down the right from Zac Brown, who delivered a pinpoint cross onto the head of Chris Barrett who made no mistake, directing a powerful header into the bottom corner to put Porlock into the lead for the first time in the game.

Despite some promising passages of play from Minehead Reserves, they struggled to carve out clear-cut chances in the final third, ultimately falling short in their search for an equaliser.Joint Man of the Match was awarded to Ryan Parsons and Zac Brown.

Parsons put in a commanding performance at centre-back, keeping the defence sturdy and ensuring Minehead Reserves had little joy in front of goal.

Meanwhile, Brown was a constant threat down the right flank, playing a key role in the winning goal. Porlock’s clinical finishing once again proved to be the difference, continuing their positive run in the league and earning themselves the double over Minehead Reserves this season.

The Robins are now in fourth place in the league table with two games in hand over Bridgwater Wolves who have the same number of points as them and three games in hand over second placed North Petherton who have three more points.

Porlock will look to carry their momentum into their fixture away against Wembdon, who are sixth in the league, on Saturday.