Evo-Stik Division One South & West

Slimbridge 0, Taunton Town 7

TAUNTON Town moved up to third in the Evo-Stik Southern League Division 1 South & West after thumping Slimbridge 7-0 on Saturday afternoon.

Having been held to a goalless draw in the reverse fixture earlier in the season Taunton were expecting a similarly tough encounter, but it turned out to be a one-sided affair.

Goals from the ever-reliable striking pair of Jordan Rogers and Matt Wright - the latter netting his 25th of the season - had the visitors 2-0 up after just 21 minutes, and an own goal trebled the lead before half-time.

Ed Palmer's long throws were proving to be a productive tactic in the opening 45 minutes, with the defender setting up his side's second and third goals.

There was no let up from Town in the second half and another own goal made it four just after the hour mark.

Then came controversy as Shane White was given a second yellow card for taking a free-kick too quickly and Taunton were forced to play the last 18 minutes a man light.

Just six minutes later, however, the hosts were also reduced to ten men after a foul in the box and Palmer converted the resultant penalty to make it five.

Late goals from Matt Buse and Craig Veal added further gloss to the scoreline and saw the Peacocks leapfrog Evesham United into third.

Taunton Town: L Irish, Mitchell (Searle), Staley, O Irish, E Palmer, Hoyle, Chamberlain, White, Wright, Rogers (Veal), Buse.