Evo-Stik Southern League
Division 1 South & West
Taunton Town 0, Bideford 0

TAUNTON Town slipped to third in the Division 1 South & West standings after they were held at home by Bideford and their rivals Salisbury and Tiverton Town both won.

It means that a second-placed finish, while still possible, is out of their hands with one round of league matches remaining.

The Peacocks welcomed back skipper Brett Trowbridge, while Ross Staley, Matt Wright and Jordan Rogers made up the front three.

The first chance of the match fell to Rogers, who headed wide from Staley's cross in the second minute, before Bideford's Ben Watson fired over at the other end.

Staley hit the post with a first-time effort and Pierce Mitchell saw a 25-yard shot saved by keeper Joe Moore as the half-hour approached, but Peacocks keeper had to be alert to hold a Watson cross as the visitors continued to threaten.

Rogers' header from Staley's corner was then cleared off the line as the first half finished goalless.

Substitute Craig Duff headed wide as the Peacocks huffed and puffed, but chances were at a premium in front of 570 supporters, and the resilient away side came away with a deserved point.

With Salisbury scoring four goals in the last 10 minutes to beat Wimborne Town 5-2 and Tiverton easing past Barnstaple Town 4-0, Taunton have dropped from second to third in the table.

Salisbury are now in second spot, one point ahead of the Peacocks, who themselves are only ahead of Tiverton on goal difference.

Taunton go to seventh-placed North Leigh on Saturday for their final game of the regular league season, while Salisbury are at Bideford and Tiverton host Paulton Rovers, who defeated Bridgwater Town 1-0 today.

The team who finish second in the standings benefit from a home semi-final in the playoffs and (should they win that match) they also play the playoff final at home, so Taunton will certainly hope for results to go their way on Saturday. 

Taunton Town: Lloyd Irish, Pierce Mitchell, Ben Palmer (Craig Duff 57), Owen Irish, Matt Villis, Alex Hoyle (Shane White 46), Ollie Chamberlain, Brett Trowbridge (c), Matt Wright (Craig Veal 69), Jordan Rogers, Ross Staley.