Toolstation League Division 1: Minehead 2, Clevedon Utd 1.

MINEHEAD boosted their bid to avoid relegation with their first victory in 24 matches.

Their last win came way back on October 9 when they defeated relegation rivals Weston St Johns 3-1.

It was a massive boost for the young Blues but they remain bottom of the table and trail St Johns by one point having played a game more.

Minehead's player-manager Steve Perkins said the win was a huge relief.

"I felt like it was never going to come," he said.

"It was a strange feeling at the end. I think we have forgotten how to celebrate winning.

"But it was just reward for all the effort the boys have put in lately.

"Clevedon are a big, physical side and we knew we had to play on the floor if we were to have any joy.

"And that's exactly what we did. We managed to get our quicker players in behind them and caused lots of problems."

Perkins singled out the performance of former Torquay Utd midfielder Simon Lyons who has helped transform the club since returning to action.

"Simon was awesome," said Perkins.

"He pulled the strings in midfield from start to finish and was a class apart.

"In the three games he has played since returning we have drawn and won so you can see what an impact he has.

"He and Luke Taylor linked up really well in midfield and worked really hard."

Minehead were on top in the early stages and almost went in front when Perkins beat the Clevedon keeper to a through ball but the stopper was able to deflect the ball wide with his legs.

Youngster Mickey Burns went even closer soon after when his shot came back off the post after a jinking run. Despite their dominance, Minehead keeper Chris Meredith had to be alert to tip a Ross Gregory shot over.

But the hosts took the lead midway through the half when Guy Burns was brought down after an excellent run and Steffan Phillips scored from the penalty spot.

The Blues were denied another penalty soon after when Perkins appeared to have been felled but the ref said no and booked Minehead's boss for diving.

The hosts continued to have the better of the play after the break but failed to put the game to bed. And they were punished with 12 minutes left when Gregory's powerful shot beat Meredith.

But, just three minutes later, the winner arrived when Brian Hall's shot from the edge of the area was not gathered by the keeper and Hall followed up to force the ball home.

Minhead: Chris Meredith, Andrew Gubb, Steffan Phillips, Kevin Ackland, Ollie Feltham, Mickey Burns, Guy Burns, Simon Lyons, Luke taylor, Steve Perkins, Brian Hall. Subs: Paul Long, Andrew Hall (both used), Craig Carr (not used).

Top Form Concrete man-of-the-match: Simon Lyons.