Evo-Stik South West

Taunton Town 1, Cinderford Town 0

TAUNTON Town moved 13 points clear at the top of Evo-Stik South West after edging past Cinderford Town at the Viridor Stadium.

In far from a vintage display by the hosts, Matt Wright's early goal proved decisive before Lloyd Irish produced a string of fine saves to keep the visitors at bay.

The hosts could hardly have asked for a better start and took the lead with their first attack, as Ollie Chamberlain's cross was parried out to Wright and the captain converted from close range.

The goal was timed at 30 seconds, but the visitors grew into the game and did their best to get the ball down and play despite the persistent drizzle.

Matt McDonald should have done better from a presentable opportunity but succeeded only in rolling a tame effort straight at Irish before Taunton could have doubled their lead when Dan Sullivan saw a goalbound effort well blocked.

As the half wore on only one side looked like scoring, however, and Lloyd Irish was called into action to deny Craig Norman, Robbie Atkinson and Sammie Hicks as the interval arrived with Taunton's lead looking precarious.

The Peacocks were inches away from easing any nerves shortly after the restart, only for Sullivan to fire his left-footed effort against the base of the post from just inside the area.

The Taunton number 10 then had a 20-yard effort comfortably saved as both sides struggled to create clear-cut chances, though Cinderford continued to carry a threat and Sammie Hicks dragged a shot wide from an angle midway through the second period.

The visitors should have equalised on 79 minutes, as Robbie Atkinson was played clean through only to send his shot wide of the right hand post when it looked easier to score.

Cinderford's frontman missed another presentable opportunity moments later, blasting well over from just inside the area as Taunton continued to drop deeper in defence of their slender advantage.

The hosts were able to survive a late onslaught of corners and long throws to see out a somewhat fortuitous three points, with Irish deservedly named as man of the match for his series of saves in the first half and solid presence under the high ball throughout.

Taunton are now 13 points clear ahead of a break from league action on Saturday - they host Bognor Regis in the FA Trophy and will have to improve on tonight's performance if they are to progress.

Taunton Town: Lloyd Irish, Pierce Mitchell, Ben Palmer, Shane White, Chris McGrath, Ben Adelsbury, Ollie Chamberlain (Ross Staley), Brett Trowbridge, Matt Wright (Omar Simpson), Dan Sullivan, Matt Buse.