TAUNTON wowed a large Bank Holiday crowd, consolidating second place in the table by coming from behind with two late goals to defeat Wimborne Town 2-1 in the New Year Day's fixture at the Viridor Stadium, writes James Wright.

Despite almost total domination, the Peacocks were unable to make the breakthrough during the first half.

They first threatened in the second minute when Jamie Price glanced a Jamie Short corner just wide.

Further chances followed with keeper Jason Harvell forced to scramble across his goal to palm out a tantalising cross-cum-shot from Graham Mercieca, then Brett Trowbridge being inexplicably incapable of converting a Craig Herrod chip to the back post.

As Taunton finished the half in total control, Bristol Rovers loanee Aaron Ward-Baptiste was just unable to bundle home a fine centre from strike partner Steve Murray.

The first half profligacy proved very costly when the home defence was caught in possession straight after the restart. Wimborne worked the ball out to midfielder Anthony Waters who crashed a shot inside Lloyd Irish's near post.

The goal broke the pattern of the match, and Taunton found themselves unable to fashion the openings of the first half. That was until twelve minutes from time when an incisive move down the right flank saw the ball squared to Herrod who drilled an excellent shot into Harvell's top right-hand corner.

The momentum was now with the home team. The irrepressible Short prised open the Dorset back line with a purposeful run. Although his shot was blocked by Harvell's legs, the rebound fell kindly to Herrod to ram home the winner and spark delirious celebrations among the Taunton fans gathered on the Hamilton Park end terrace.

Taunton: Lloyd Irish, Jamie Price, Graham Mercieca, Owen Irish (captain), Ben Mammola, Ben Kirk, Jamie Short, Brett Trowbridge, Steve Murray (Josh Wadham 69), Aaron Ward-Baptiste, Craig Herrod. Unused subs: Lewis Waldy, Tom Hopkins.

Wimborne: Jason Harvell, Scott Arnold (captain), Ian Oliver, Billy Maybury, Tom Biles, Louis Kellaway, Anthony Waters (Chris Wilcox 80), Jamie Davidson, George Webb, Mark Gamble, James Stokoe. Unused subs: Max Brimson, Jack Lupton, Paul Roast, Ben Field.

Referee: Ron Ganfield (Weston-super-Mare).

Assistants: Alex Tremlett (Weston-super-Mare), Craig Scriven (Wedmore).

Match Sponsor: Oakleaf Carpentry and Building.

Matchball Sponsor: Rex Selwood in memory of Selina.

Attendance: 332.