Zamaretto League Division One (S&W): Taunton Town 1, AFC Hayes 1.

TAUNTON Town fans could have been forgiven for thinking it was May 1994 and they were back at Wembley.

On that occasion, East Anglian referee Kelvin Morton infamously added on 12 minutes of injury time. At the close of Saturday’s first half against AFC Hayes, Plymouth official Adam Bromley emulated this feat, but this time the Peacocks capitalised, snatching a vital goal in the additional minutes.

The lengthy delays resulted from injuries to two visiting defenders in the opening half hour. Captain Rory Smith limped off after just 13 minutes, and his exit was followed by that of full-back Ross Howard – stretchered off just before the half-hour mark.

Three minutes into stoppage time, Taunton took the lead, Alexis Piper turning the ball over the line after James Clough had headed on a Darren Rice corner.

However a further nine minutes were played before the players could enjoy their half-time cuppa, such were the length of the earlier delays.

AFC Hayes equalised on the hour when lively front-runner Danilson Vicente chased down a long, bouncing through-ball and held off defender Dave Anthony to beat Lloyd Irish with a low shot.

The pace of Vicente had troubled Taunton all afternoon, and the visitors enjoyed a purple patch after their goal and looked the likelier winners.

However, Taunton finished the game strongest and were millimetres away from snatching all three points right at the death. Substitute Leon Simpson latched on to a deep free-kick from the left, and his effort on the stretch was agonisingly tipped on to the woodwork by AFC Hayes keeper John Peacock.

A draw was a fair result, and Taunton were happy to end a three-game losing sequence and prevent September from proving to be a pointless month.

Taunton: Lloyd Irish, Kristian Miller, Dave Anthony, Danny Lane (Shaun Anthony 79), Neil Bailey, James Clough, Alexis Piper (Leroy Swaby 55), John Harris (captain), Lewis Irish, Nick McCootie (Leon Simpson 85), Darren Rice. Unused subs: Tom Moody, Simon Cooper.

Match Sponsor: Reviva UK. Matchball sponsor: Reviva UK. Taunton man of the match: Kristian Miller. Att: 133