Uhlsport Somerset County League Division 1

Bridgwater Town Res 2, Minehead AFC 4

BRIDGWATER Town Reserves lost further ground in the Division 1 title race after losing out to Minehead, who themselves are still not out of the promotion hunt.

On a windy afternoon at Fairfax Park, the West Somerset visitors struck first when Harry Scatchard fired an effort from 25 yards which found the back of the net via the inside of both posts.

Minehead goalkeeper Kyran Wilkins was then called into action to deny Harry Horton before George Sinnott came close at the other end.

The Blues took a 1-0 lead into half-time but it was soon level after the break when Josh Champion fired home.

Back came Minehead and Sinnott, who had fired narrowly wide not long beforehand, restored their advantage with a neat finish from just inside the box.

Guy Burns was twice frustrated by the woodwork as Minehead looked to stretch the lead, as the post kept out his clever chip before a thunderous drive came back off the bar.

It was 3-1 when Sinnott blasted home his second against his former club, but a grand finale was set up when Callum Ham halved the deficit from the penalty spot on 81 minutes.

Town’s chances received a blow when they were reduced to 10 men as Harry Horton received a second yellow card, and Minehead consequently sealed the points when Matty Harvey found the net late on.

The result completed a league double for Minehead over Town’s second string, who are now eight points off leaders Mendip Broadwalk and a point outside the top two having played a game more than second-placed Keynsham Town Reserves.

Bridgwater Town Res: Freeman, Champion (Birch), White, Sage (Stewart), Gracie, Hembery, Duffy, Horton, Hamblin, Jones, Moss (Ham)

The previous Wednesday evening, Town’s reserves played out a goalless draw at home to local rivals Burnham United.

This Saturday, Town travel to fifth-placed Saltford (ko 3pm) looking for their first league win since January 26.