TAUNTON Town slipped to fourth in the Southern league Division 1 (S&W) yesterday following a 4-2 home defeat by Merthyr Town.

The Peacocks went ahead early on through Shane Kingston but once the visitors had equalised with a contentious 21st minute penalty, they grabbed the initiative which they held for the remainder of the game.

Merthyr were level on 21 minutes following a controversial penalty decision. McLaggon played through Ian Traylor who looked well offside and as he advanced into the box prodded the ball the wrong side of the post after being closed down by returning keeper Lloyd Irish.

Two further goals before the break then effectively settled the contest.

The visitors made it 4-1 lead after 74 minutes before Owen Irish notched a consolation goal three minutes into stoppage time.