BGB League Division One South and West.

Taunton Town 1, Uxbridge 0.

TAUNTON moved out of the relegation zone with a nail-biting win at Wordsworth Drive last Wednesday.

The visitors came in on the back of a 5-2 win over title favourites Truro City and seemed to be basking in that glory in a first half dominated by Taunton.

Leon Simpson had a shot deflected over and Danny Lane fired a powerful drive just wide shortly after.

The tireless midfielder was not to be denied for long, rounding goalkeeper Paul McCarthy after 24 minutes to tuck away his third goal in five games.

With Alex Pounde and Scott Thomas suspended after their dismissals at Winchester, Leon Taswell returned to the frontline while Lee Hawkings was granted a home debut playing in left midfield.

The changes did not prevent Taunton turning in one of their best halves of the season.

Only a superbly-timed tackled by Ryan Wharton on Simpson and a brave smother by McCarthy at the feet of Taswell prevented Town extending the lead.

The second half could not have been more different, with Uxbridge attacking almost incessantly.

Mark Dennison headed over when well placed and then hit a post with a shot that Simon Cooper, otherwise flawless, believed was passing behind.

Kevin Warner fired just wide and on the hour Mark Nicholls pulled his effort past the far post.

Taunton had their chances on the break, with Lane denied twice in a minute by good saves.

In injury time Simon Stone missed a glorious opportunity to cap his debut with a goal.

Nicholls, who made over 30 top-flight appearances for Chelsea, was a constant threat down the left for Uxbridge and his battle with his opposing captain Jamie Price was the highlight of an enthralling game.

It was disappointing then that at the final whistle such an experienced ex-pro felt unable to shake hands with opponents justly celebrating a vital win.

Taunton team: Simon Cooper, Ben Newby, Charlie Welch, Jamie Price (captain), Lee Bridson, Sam Jones, Danny Lane, John Harris, Leon Simpson, Leon Taswell (Dave Anthony 78), Lee Hawkings (Simon Stone 89). Unused sub: Ian Jones. Attendance: 116.