Minehead 2-0 Saltford

WITH Saltford starting the game brightly and going forward positively, it took an timely defensive header from Ryan Wilkins to avert danger early on but Minehead soon began to gain the upper hand, writes Brian Walder.

With fifteen minutes played Zac Ryder controlled a high ball expertly, easing passed his defender in the same movement, enabling a shot on goal from a central position on the edge of the box from where he gave Saltford keeper Joe Stevens little chance and opened the scoring for the hosts.

With both sides looking to play football the game flowed well but with the visitors not gaining any advantage in the final third it was little surprise when Minehead doubled their advantage five minutes before half time when Rob Vickers’ shot from a wide position deceived Stevens and nestled in the far corner.

With the second half being much the same as the first it was Minehead who looked likely to add to their lead and after Matt Cracknell had replaced the hobbling Callum Barnfield, Ryder was unlucky not to add to his tally when his dipping volley from 25 yards rattled the crossbar.

Kamil Wilk replaced the effective Benn Bartlett as Minehead continued to generally boss the game, looking the more fluent of the two sides and whilst Saltford enjoyed some possession Kyran Wilkins had a quiet game in the Minehead goal.

Guy Burns’ shot brought a good save from Stevens as Minehead continued going forward but soon afterwards the striker had to leave the pitch after taking a knock and was replaced by Tiago Alipio.

Towards the end Stevens kept the score at 2-0 when he kept out a goalbound shot from Rob Vickers.