Zamaretto League Division 1 South and West: AFC Hayes 1, Taunton Town 5.

TAUNTON travelled to West London Tuesday night, and came back with the three points which mathematically secure their Zamaretto League place for next season, writes James Wright.

They took the lead on 14 minutes. Darren Rice fired in a low centre from the left which Craig Veal dummied.

The ball fell to Luke Cole at the far post, and although keeper Simon Grant saved well, the ball broke to Rodney Marsh who really could not miss.

Alexis Piper, restored to the starting line-up in place of Dan Short, was denied by a superb last ditch challenge as he looked set to double Town’s advantage, and Cole had a strong claim for penalty turned down.

However, AFC Hayes always carried a threat and Grant Fisher did well to parry a stinging drive from Lawrence Rispoli as the interval approached.

A third game in four days – they had lost a local derby with Uxbridge the previous night – started to take its toll on the home side after break, and the second goal arrived on 56 minutes when Kevin Wynter, under pressure from Piper, turned a long John Harris throw into his own net.

Piper gambled on a long clearance which Grant was always favourite to win after 74 minutes, and was rewarded with a walk-in goal when the keeper inexplicably spilled the ball.

Veal was then granted an almost identical gift seven minutes later.

Piper headed home a Rice corner after 87 minutes to complete the rout, but AFC Hayes grabbed a late consolation through a Gareth Long penalty after Rice tripped Mark Blackburne.

AFC Hayes still have an outside chance of escaping the drop zone, but Taunton are spared the nerve-wracking finale of last season, securing their future with three games to go.

Taunton: Grant Fisher, Luke Cole (James Clough 71), Alexis Piper, Chris McGrath, Danny Lane, Tim Legg, Andy Butler, John Harris (captain), Craig Veal (Dan Short 86), Rodney Marsh (Shaun Anthony 46), Darren Rice. Att: 61.