Minehead AFC were defeated by runaway league leaders Congresbury at The Recreation Ground on Saturday, March 22.
The victory completed a league double over Minehead for Congresbury, and they are now guaranteed a promotion place if they win just one of their remaining seven matches.
Despite the loss, Minehead put up a strong fight, creating several early goalscoring opportunities.
The first came in the fourth minute when Toby Waghorn ran onto a pass from Sam Jackson which split the defence open, but his effort was thwarted by visiting goalkeeper Freddie Butchers.
The opening 30 minutes saw a relatively even contest, but Congresbury edged ahead in the 32nd minute with a goal from Charlie Gates.
They nearly doubled their lead soon after, but debutant goalkeeper Michael Parker managed to tip the attempt onto the crossbar, where it was cleared to safety.
Minehead's efforts continued, with Jackson's 15-yard shot narrowly missing the post.
The second half saw Minehead taking the game to Congresbury, with Waghorn's efforts blocked by Butchers and Josh Elston's header thwarted by another fine save from the keeper.
At the turn of the hour, Congresbury increased their lead with a goal from Joe Swift, giving the league leaders some breathing space.
Despite Minehead's continued efforts, including a header from Scott Kivell that hit the crossbar, they were unable to equalise.
Congresbury comfortably saw out the game in the final ten minutes.
While Minehead had more goalscoring opportunities throughout the match, Congresbury's ruthlessness in front of goal proved to be the difference between the two sides.
Debutant Parker, who won man of the match, was praised for his performance in goal, with one exceptional and several other good saves.
Minehead now face Keynsham Town Reserves at The Rec on Saturday, March 29 in a 3pm kick-off.
Having slipped to a mid-table position, manager Craig Carr will be hoping for an improvement in their results for the final six games of the season, with all but one of the teams they still have to face currently being below them.
Minehead: Michael Parker, Harvey Henderson, Bertie Harvey-Larmar, Louis Burge, George Painter, Will Singleton-Voss, Sam Jackson, Josh Elston, Toby Waghorn, Guy Burns, Ollie Hall Subs: Scott Kivell, James Knight, Charlie Disney, Miles Campbell-Farmer (All Used)
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