Table Toppers

A combination of factors saw Taunton CS finally hit the top of the table largely down to the assistance of Jim Smith aka “The Enforcer” and Bridgwater only being able to draw with Chard.

Taunton headed into the game with East Devon B conscious of the hard fought games in previous seasons. Those thoughts were quickly put to the back of the mind as Taunton hit the ground running immediately searching out scoring opportunities in the East Devon “D”. It was during one of these opening exchanges that Jim Smith struck for the first time. An East Devon defender, outstretched on the ground attempting to clear the ball found himself on the wrong end of Jim’s stick resulting in a split chin. With blood flowing the umpire’s despatched the player to A and E. A lack of East Devon substitutes meant Taunton were facing 10 men. Again fortunes fell in favour of the home side when a further East Devon player was the recipient of a yellow card and five minute rest as a result of a poorly timed “slide tackle”. Taunton were able to capitalise on their numerical advantage grabbing two goals in quick succession and threatened to run away with the game. East Devon were able to briefly peg Taunton back as a rear foray in to the Taunton “D” gained a short corner which was subsequently stopped on the goal line by a Taunton (skipper Ali Johnston’s) foot. Mike Whitman was unable to save the resulting flick as East Devon pulled it back to 2-1.

At half time emphasis was given on capitalising on the numbers and remaining patient. Further goals came as again Taunton were assisted by a East Devon’s centre forward tangling sticks with non other than Jim Smith resulting in one turned ankle and one East Devon centre forward hobbling off the pitch. Taunton were again playing against 9 men. Towards the end of the game Taunton found themselves in a strong position 7-1 up. Perhaps it was the lack of concentration or over confidence as the Taunton defence allowed the ball to find its way to the hobbling East Devon forward who was criminally allowed by keeper Mike Whitman to score the final goal of the game as the score finished 7-2.

Those getting themselves on the score sheet were Lee Slade (2) and Jim Smith (1) both with their first goals for the club. Also increasing their tallies for the season were Simon Jones (1), Mark Sawyer (1) and Ben Witt (2). Assists came from Andy Carter (4) and Ben Witt (1). Jim Smith was voted Man of the Match for the terrorising threat he posed to the opposition.

Members of the club were anxiously awaiting the posting of the results of the league website and were not disappointed. The news filtered through that Bridgwater only drew with Chard meaning Taunton CS were two points clear at the top of the table after the first five games. Taunton will seek to maintain top spot next week against a Teign team that have only managed one victory so far this season however the memories of Dan Adams being carted off to hospital in the corresponding fixture last year will focus the teams mind on maintaining this rich vein of form.