Taunton TOWN 1 HUNGERFORD TOWN 1 Taunton recovered from the previous midweek’s disappointing home reverse, coming from behind to earn a battling point against visiting Hungerford Town on Saturday.

Paul West made two changes from the Cinderford defeat. Jon Vance was handed a first start in place of Chris McGrath – absent at a family function in Manchester – whilst James Clough was relegated to the bench, replaced in right midfield by Alexis Piper.

Taunton were first to threaten when Kieron Drake saved well from a scuffed shot by Darren Rice. However, Hungerford took the lead on the quarter hour. Andy Butler lost the ball on the edge of his box, and Ryan Cockford clipped a shot into Chris Astley's right-hand corner. The ball bounced on a divot right in front of the diving keeper giving him little chance.

However, Taunton's luck changed completely within five minutes. Rice whipped in a trade mark left foot corner from the right that eluded everyone and nestled into the far corner to put the Peacocks back on terms.

With Ben McCready and Richard Bland making dangerous runs at the home defence, Hungerford enjoyed a purple patch at the start of the second period. Astley produced a superb save to keep out Adam Wallace’s header – from a Jamie Leacock cross – as the visitors piled on the pressure.

Town's best chance came on 67 minutes when Piper got on the end of a Rice free-kick. But last season's top scorer directed his header too close to Drake, and the match petered out out into something of a stalemate with both sides seemingly happy to accept a point.

Taunton: Chris Astley, George Painter, Phil Veal, Jon Vance, Danny Lane, Alexis Piper, Andy Butler (captin), Corey Lewis (James Clough 78), Craig Veal (Ross McNab 61), Rodney Marsh, Darren Rice. Unused subs: Tim Legg, Luke Cole Match Sponsor: Oakleaf Carpentry & Building Taunton Man of the Match: George Painter