Somerset Premier Cup first round
Taunton Town 1, Ashton & Backwell United 0

A MUCH-CHANGED Taunton Town safely progressed to the second round of the Somerset Premier Cup with a 1-0 win over Ashton & Backwell United at the Viridor Stadium on Tuesday night.

Shaun Anthony's goal proved enough for the Peacocks, who are seeking to retain the trophy, with a home tie with Weston-super-Mare coming up next, in the week commencing November 6.

Defenders Owen Irish and Ben Palmer returned from injury to start, with Chris McGrath, Tom Stone and Matt Trump also coming into the team, as well as Anthony and assistant manager Michael Meaker starting up front with Les Afful.

They nearly took an early lead against their Toolstation Western League opponents, as Irish - always a threat from set-pieces - saw a header from a corner cleared off the line in the third minute.

Visiting goalkeeper Lewis Coombes made a couple of fine saves from skipper for the night Ryan Brett, and then Irish, but finally the deadlock was broken on 40 minutes, as Anthony slotted in.

The chances kept coming after the break, with substitute Ross Staley bringing further menace, and Coombes made an outstanding save to deny Meaker from close range on 63 minutes.

The away side had a decent spell towards the end of the game but Town were largely untroubled, and they nearly had a second when Meaker's cross hit the bar.

One goal proved enough for the Peacocks, and they now look ahead to a league encounter at home to Winchester City on Saturday (ko 3pm).

Taunton Town: Lloyd Irish, Pierce Mitchell (Ross Staley 52), Ben Palmer, Owen Irish, Chris McGrath, Tom Stone, Ryan Brett (c), Matt Trump, Michael Meaker, Shaun Anthony, Les Afful. Subs not used: Ollie Chamberlain, Omar Simpson.
Attendance: 145