Taunton CS v Sidmouth and Ottery B

After a disappointing end to the game the week before Taunton CS were keen to set matters straight and get back on the winning track against Sidmouth and Ottery B.

The game could not have started any better as within the opening two minutes Ben Witt found himself with a shooting opportunity and drilled a shot from just inside the D towards the goal. The ball sailed past defenders and attackers before hitting the back board to give the home side an early lead. Taunton continued to control the game and it was not long before they capitalised further with Simon Jones converting a short corner midway through the first half. Sidmouth and Ottery struggled to get into the game as Taunton continued to push and Toron Everett, on a foray up from left back, was able to extend the lead to three by a crisp finish from outside the left post. With a healthy lead Taunton should have been able to close out the half though with memories of the last few minutes of the Minehead game still fresh the home team allowed Sidmouth and Ottery right back in the game by conceding two goals before the half time whistle.

The half time break allowed Taunton to re-group and it showed as within two minutes from the re-start Harry Elsmore picked out Jim Smith of on the edge of Sidmouth D who immediately drilled the ball into the far corner to extend Taunton's lead to two goals. Both sides created a number of opportunities with the opposition winning a number of penalty corners and attacking opportunities. Miles Cave made a number of saves in the Taunton goal and the defence were to keep the away team at bay but a times only just. Meanwhile, at the other end a number of chances were squandered however there was still time for Taunton to extend their lead further. Ben Witt picked up the ball just inside his own half and ran down the left wing beating several challenges before cutting along the base line and delivering the ball to the far post where Mark Sawyer was able to strike the ball on the volley for the final goal of the game.

The home side will be relived that they were able to get back to winning however will still feel that there is room for improvement. Man of the Match was awarded to Harry Elsmore and D.O.D to Fin Porter for his leg wear.

The team was as follows; Miles Cave, Harry Elsmore, Toron Everett (1), Ben Caile, Ali Johnston (c), Jim Smith (1), Simon Jones (1), Ben Witt (1), Jesse Mooney, Mark Sawyer (1), Lee Slade, James Coles and Fin Porter.