First points dropped but still unbeaten

Having reached the top of the table the previous week Taunton traveled to Teign in a confident mood with every intention of cementing their place as league leaders. However Teign, who had only managed to notch a couple of points from their early games certainly proved they were no push over.

The opening minutes saw Taunton comfortably controlling the game. As a result it was not long before James Coles drilled the ball into the goal having picked the ball up on the angle in the “D”. This should have been the moment for Taunton to kick on and exert their dominance however Teign had other ideas. Perhaps it was the late start however Taunton’s game plan went straight out the window as Teign pushed for an equalizer which duly midway through the first half and shortly after the Taunton defence afforded the Teign centre forward too much room and from a crowd of players managed to flick the ball up and over an outstretched Mike Whitman. Taunton found themselves in unfamiliar territory for the first time this season being the wrong end of the score line. A short corner on the stroke of half time saw red shirts flood forward and man of the match, Ben Witt coolly converted the chance to bring Taunton level at half time.

The message at half time was to keep calm and for a time Taunton looked as though three points would be assured with Mark Sawyer adding a further goal to his seasons tally. However an inability to control the midfield as the game opened up finally allowed Teign to equalize with around five minutes of the game remaining. Despite Taunton’s best efforts a winner was not possible with the umpires blowing for full time with Lee Slade in mid strike. Taunton had finally dropped two points though remained unbeaten. Results elsewhere allowed the club to remain at the top of the table but Taunton will feel that this was two points dropped rather than a point gained.