Taunton Town lost 1-0 at home to Cinderford Town on Saturday despite the returns of influential recent absentees Rodney Marsh, Chris McGrath and Jon Vance, writes James Wright.

This was Taunton's fourth consecutive defeat however they did show a marked improvement on the desperately poor performances of late.

They dominated the opening exchanges, and only a great tip-over save from Cinderford keeper Ben John denied Raith Plant the opener.

The visitors had their first chance on the half hour when Chris Astley got down well to pouch a Josh Egan shot. The keeper was equally agile in tipping over a smart Dan Harrison effort two minutes later.

The Gloucestershire side took the lead after 36 minutes. Former Taunton striker Nick McCootie hit a post with a low shot, and fellow forward Egan was on hand to bundle home the rebound.

Taunton almost equalised immediately when James Blake got behind Cinderford’s defence, but pulled his shot just wide.

That proved to be the last chance of note for the home team until Marsh had a shot on the turn saved in the last minute. Even a complete change of front line - Luke Redrup and Ross MacNab replacing Plant and Blake just after the hour mark – failed to have any impact.

The hard-working McCootie twice went close to adding a second in the closing stages, but one goal ultimately proved sufficient for his side to record a third win in their last four visits to Wordsworth Drive.

Taunton: Chris Astley, Luke Cole (Jamie Short 75), Alex Rigley, Chris McGrath, Owen Irish, Jon Vance, Simon Ingram, Raith Plant (Luke Redrup 64), James Blake (Ross MacNab 64), Rodney Marsh, Darren Rice (captain). Unused subs: Andy Butler, Tim Legg.

Cinderford: Ben John, Warren Archer, Matt Smith, Dan Harrison, Greg Lewis, Mick Hancock, Ashley Malcolm, Dale Evans (captain), Nick McCootie, Josh Egan (Mike Whittington 77), Dean Lee. Unused subs: Brad Andrews, Connor Kingdon, Richard Williams, Alex Harris.

Referee: Tony Cloak (Barnstaple).

Assistants: Ioan Ignat (Exeter), Graeme Martin (Exeter).

Match Sponsor: Vickery & Wyatt Ltd.

Matchball Sponsor: Steve Raybould Construction.

Attendance: 170.