British Gas Business League Division 1 (S&W): Gosport Borough 4, Taunton Town 1.

TAUNTON Town’s miserable start to the season continued as they crashed 4-1 at Gosport Borough in the league last Saturday.

Manager Ian Jones promised changes after the previous weekend’s FA Cup defeat at Hamworthy, but the side produced another poor display.

And, if it had not been for another fine display from keeper Simon Cooper, the margin of defeat would have been greater.

The Peacocks included Ben Swallow, a loan signing from Bristol Rovers, in their line-up but it made little difference. The side have now lost five of their opening six league games and sit second from bottom in the table.

Jones’ men never recovered after going 2-0 down in the opening 15 minutes.

Gosport took the lead on 12 minutes when Cooper blocked Justin Bennett’s effort with his legs, but James Ford was on hand to fire home.

The lively Bennett was next on the scoresheet, scoring from close range after a fine run and cross from Mike McEnery.

Taunton were in disarray but, thanks largely to Cooper, they remained just two down at the break.

The Peacocks enjoyed their best spell of the match after the break but they failed to make the breakthrough and, on the hour mark, the match was effectively all over.

Scott Thomas brought down Bennett in the area, and he picked himself up to beat Cooper from the penalty spot.

Taunton almost pulled a goal back soon after when a corner was almost carried into his goal by Gosport keeper Nick Hutchings.

And they did find the net on 69 minutes when Alex Pounde found space on the edge of the Gosport area and guided the ball into the corner of the net for his third goal of the season.

However, the hosts were to have the final word when two minutes from time, Ford’s cross was headed in, unchallenged, by Nathan Lynch.

Taunton: Simon Cooper, Dave Anthony (James Ansell 64 mins), Charlie Welch, Jamie Price (capt), Lee Bridson, Scott Thomas, Ben Swallow, Ben Newby, Alex Pounde, Shaun Anthony (Matt Rawlins 64), Sam Jones. Subs not used: Danny Lane, Stuart Nelson, Ian Jones. Att: 178.