TWO goals in each half saw a physically stronger and more robust Middlezoy Rovers Reserves’ team leave Minehead with a 4-0 result which would imply that the game was an absolute rout.

But Minehead’s players will be wondering how the game ended up so far out of their reach. The opening sixty seconds nearly produced a goal at each end, with Blues keeper Kyran Wilkins needing to make a low save with his feet after Zoy’s second string had carved through the home defence.

However, Minehead’s response was instant with Toby Waghorn going just as close, again with only the keeper to beat.

The visitors edged ahead after ten minutes when their captain Adam Long, who also proved himself to be their dangerman, worked his way through on the right flank and his fierce shot from 10 yards came back off the foot of the post to hit the keeper on the back and fly into the empty net.

Minehead stuck to their guns and were edging both the possession and goal-mouth opportunities for good periods of an entertaining first half, with both Waghorn’s and Leon Lofts’ pace causing the Middlezoy’s defence plenty of concern, but soon after Lofts’ left footed snap shot was well saved by Jason Hurd, a moment of indecision in the Blues defence allowed Will Andrews to run through make it 2-0.

Hubi Wejnerorwski was introduced by The Blues at the start of the second half, with Minehead continuing to look capable of getting back into the game and from a perfect long pass from his captain Stefan Phillips, Waghorn went close again with a well struck volley.

Josh Elston then saw his effort beat Hurd but cleared off the line, and with The Blues still pressing hard Lofts’ shot hit Hurd and went over the bar.

With manager Carr implementing more changes to try to get his side back into the game Martyn Phillips and Scott Kivell were brought on, but soon afterwards Harrison Hambly put the game out of The Blues’ reach, side-footing home from the edge of the box.

Minehead continued to participate actively and saw Waghorn’s chip come back off the crossbar, but the salt was rubbed further into their open wounds in the 90th minute when Lee Graham converted another loose ball in the Minehead box.

There was no real doubt that the better team had won, and that Minehead did not defend well at times, but good fortune on the day certainly did not go Minehead’s way.

Minehead: Kyran Wilkins, Rob Vickers, Ollie Hall, Michael Nields, George Painter, Toby Morris, Stefan Phillips, Josh Elston, Toby Waghorn, Leon Lofts, Sam Jackson, Subs: Hubi Wejnerowski, Martyn Phillips, Janus Jasielczuk, Scott Kivell (all used). Man of the Match: Toby Waghorn.

BRIAN WALDER