ILMINSTER Town took a huge step towards survival with a 2-1 victory at home to high-flying Minehead in the Somerset county league on Saturday.

Chris Nezianya scored twice in quick succession to fire the Blues into a first half lead – and Darren Manley’s side held out for the win to drag them to just one point from safety.

Manley was delighted with his side’s display and believes their fate is now well and truly in their own hands.

He said: “We turned up again on Saturday, which we didn’t do against Odd Down the week before. We scored two good goals and we’ve got a nice squad coming together.

“The turnaround this season has been from changing formation, to one that suits our players – and by having players that want to play for the first team, it makes a huge difference.

“I think sometimes it’s more important to take points off the big boys than the sides around you, because there’s never a guarantee that you’ll win the games you’re supposed to.

“The sides above us are now being dragged into it and we have got games in hand – as well as having to play those sides, it’s up to us now.”

Ilminster, who were away to Odd Down reserves last night (Tuesday), return to action on Satuarday with a tough fixture at league leaders Clutton (3pm).