Southern League Division One S&W

Taunton Town 3, AFC Totton 2

A SPLENDIDLY worked late goal secured Taunton victory in an opening day thriller at Wordsworth Drive, writes James Wright.

Two sides who have recruited purposefully served up wonderful entertainment for the large crowd in the Somerset sun.

In fact it was Totton who made the better start and deservedly scored first when Nick Watts finished off a move down the right, Lloyd Irish getting a hand to his heavily deflected shot, but being unable to keep it out.

The lead lasted barely two minutes - the visiting defence failed to deal with a long clearance and, on his home debut, Josh Klein-Davies drew keeper Steven Mowthorpe before picking out the bottom right-hand corner.

The equaliser spurred a Taunton side, boasting no fewer than six new signings, into life.

After 21 minutes Jamie Price set up Jordan Rogers, but the other new home striker pushed his lob just over.

Klein-Davies had a header cleared off the line, but Town's best chance fell to returning centre back Jak Martin who stole in to meet a Dale Evans free kick but powered his header just wide.

Totton though continued to carry a threat, and Watts and Mark Lilley both just missed the target as the interval approached.

Taunton had three glorious opportunities at the start of the second half, spurned by Klein-Davies (twice) and Evans.

They finally made the breakthrough in the 66th minute when Jamie Short soared at the far post to get his semi-shaven head on to a deep cross from Josh Searle.

However, ten minutes later Michael Gosney, so often Taunton's tormentor in the past, beat both the offside flag and Irish to level the scores after two defenders had gone for the same ball.

The winner arrived seven minutes from time when the typically energetic Ben Carter skipped clear down the left and delivered a fine cross to Klein-Davies for a simple conversion.

Taunton: Lloyd Irish, Jamie Price (captain), Lewis Waldy, Charlie Hitchings, Jak Martin, Dale Evans, Jamie Short, Ben Carter, Jordan Rogers (Craig Veal 65), Josh Klein-Davies (Nuno Felix 84), Josh Searle (Aidan Chainey 76). Unused sub: Michael Meaker

AFC Totton: Steve Mowthorpe, Luke Dempsey, Liam Hibberd (captain), Neil Williams, Anthony Rolls, James Roden (Taylor Edwards 84), Nick Watts, David Allen (Jake Burgess 74), Craig Feeney, Mark Lilley (Nathaniel Sherborne 56), Michael Gosney. Unused subs: Jack Attrill

Referee: Paul Lister (Exeter) Assistants: Graeme Martin (Exeter), Sam Littlefair (Exeter)

Match Sponsor: Tom & Elsie Harris   Matchball Sponsor: Brian Rose

Attendance: 282