Evo-Stik Division One S&W play-off final

Banbury United 2 Taunton Town 0

TAUNTON Town's season ended in heartbreak, with defeat at league runners-up Banbury United condemning the Peacocks to a 15th consecutive season in the Southern League’s second tier, writes James Wright.

Leigh Robinson set his team up with a very positive shape, deploying attacking midfielder Jamie Short at left wing-back and pairing top scorers Lewis Powell and Jordan Rogers at the expense of the more versatile Craig Veal.

And the visitors were almost rewarded with a perfect start when Banbury’s George Nash inexplicably passed the ball to Rogers, unmarked bang in front of goal. However, the striker seemed as startled as everyone else and could only scuff a timid shot straight at keeper Jack Harding.

Sadly, that was to prove Taunton’s best chance of the entire match despite the fact they generally bossed the opening twenty minutes, monopolising possession and largely silencing the massed ranks of Banbury supporters. Therefore it was somewhat against the run of play that the home side took the lead after 24 minutes.

Felipe Barcelos chased a long ball down the right flank and got behind the Taunton defence. He squared a pass back to Zac McEachran who cut inside between Charlie Hitchings and Brett Trowbridge to create an angle on his left foot before drilling a fierce shot low inside Lloyd Irish’s near post.

With their supporters receiving a terrible drenching in the incessant rain at the uncovered end of the Spencer Stadium, Taunton’s spirits were dampened. Though they continued to enjoy territorial advantage their raids lacked penetration. Rogers and Short had the best opportunities, but were both off target with headers.

It was a similar tale after the break with the visitors doing most of the attacking as the rain continued to lash down. Hopes were raised when Ricky Johnson was penalised for handball on the edge of the penalty area with Taunton appealing vehemently that the offence had taken place inside the box. Referee Declan Bourne disagreed, and Ben Carter’s free kick was easily cleared.

After 74 minutes Hitchings timed a last ditch tackle to perfection to halt Barcelos as he bore down on goal. But Banbury were not to be denied, and they made the game safe eleven minutes from time when Andy Gunn got in front of marker Owen Irish to meet a low Darius Browne free kick from the right and sidefoot the ball home to the delight of the home fans behind the goal.

An injury time volley from Rogers that sailed high and wide was metaphoric of Taunton’s sad afternoon. At the final whistle Banbury’s supporters ran on to the muddy field to celebrate promotion back to the Premier Division just twelve months after relegation whilst their opponents rued play-off agony for the second consecutive year.

Taunton: Lloyd Irish, Jamie Price (captain), Jamie Short, Owen Irish, Matt Villis, Charlie Hitchings, Ben Carter (Craig Veal 78), Brett Trowbridge (Ollie Chamberlain 82), Lewis Powell, Jordan Rogers, Dale Evans (Josh Searle 51). Unused subs: Rob Farkins, Michael Meaker