OWEN Irish scored the only goal as Taunton Town defeated Bishops Cleeve to reach the FA Trophy third qualifying round, but the club were left totting up their profits and losses from the match.

On the one hand, the victory brought in a most welcome £3,000 pay check; on the other, they lost Pierce Mitchell to an apparent hamstring injury just three days before their momentous FA Cup first round replay away to Barrow.

For this (shorter) trip to Bishops Cleeve, Taunton reverted to a more familiar line-up from the youthful side which won against Odd Down in the Somerset Premier Cup.

After a minute’s silence at Kayte Lane, the two sides struggled to really get going, but on 13 minutes Mitchell almost broke the deadlock after a powerful run, keeper Matt Wieczorek saving his curling effort.

At the other end, Lloyd Irish had to be alert to keep out a free-kick from Jack Horrell three minutes later.

On the half hour, a real setback for the visitors. Mitchell pulled up with what looked like a hamstring injury, and had to be replaced by Josh Searle.

Despite that blow, Taunton continued to create chances, and Owen Irish headed them in front on the stroke of half time.

Opportunities came and went for both sides after the interval – Matt Wright and Jacob Davidge failing to find the net with headed efforts – and Irish made a superb stop to deny Aaron Drake from distance with 10 minutes left.

The away side had a glorious chance to wrap up the match in added on time, as Ollie Chamberlain was brought down in the penalty area. Jordan Rogers, however, saw his spot-kick saved.

It mattered not though, as the match finished 1-0 to Taunton, who continue their fine cup form into their historic FA Cup replay on Tuesday.