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

TAUNTON Town's goalscoring touch deserted them once again as they lost their final league match of the season at North Leigh, with wins for Salisbury and Tiverton Town dropping the Peacocks to fourth spot in the league.

They face an away trip to Tiverton on Wednesday, April 26, after their 0-0 home draw with Bideford on Monday and this loss at North Leigh - Roger James scoring the winner - cost them a home playoff semi-final.

Like on Monday, their game in Oxfordshire was a game of few chances as the Peacocks struggled to recapture the form that had seen them score 114 league goals this season.

The visitors started positively and won some early corners, but those came to nothing and their aerial approach - long balls towards strikers Matt Wright and Craig Duff - was bearing little fruit.

Gradually the hosts worked their way into the game and after Morgan Williams' long-range shot trundled into the arms of Lloyd Irish, Michael Hopkins' corner was headed towards goal by George Seacole, only for Duff to clear off the line.

Keeper Irish then clattered into Lance Williams as Hopkins' free-kick was crossed deep to the far post, and was booked after referee Sam Lewis pointed to the spot.

But Irish redeemed himself with a terrific save from Hopkins' penalty, diving low to his left to tip the ball onto the post, and it was goalless at half time.

With both Salisbury and Tiverton winning, the Peacocks knew they needed a goal to get a home playoff semi-final, and they threw on strikers Jordan Rogers and Craig Veal, as well as Ben Palmer - which allowed Ross Staley to play more centrally.

Palmer headed wide, then Staley hit a cross-shot past the post, a free-kick over the bar and a volley narrowly wide too.

The hosts continued to threaten though, and Seacole jinked outside Pierce Mitchell to drive a shot past Irish and narrowly wide.

Staley continued to look menacing, and he created Taunton's best chance of the afternoon with 10 minutes left as he dribbled from midfield, was clipped but kept on going, and launched a dipping effort that keeper Stuart Hole palmed over.

Yet it was 1-0 to the hosts within two minutes of Staley's effort, as they broke following the corner and Seacole crossed for James to nudge the ball home - Irish got a touch but could not keep this one out.

That sucker-punch won North Leigh the game, and the Peacocks now face a trip to Tiverton on Wednesday - when they will need an improved performance if they are to make the promotion decider next weekend.

Taunton Town: Lloyd Irish, Pierce Mitchell, Ross Staley, Owen Irish, Matt Villis (Craig Veal 70), Shane White, Ollie Chamberlain, Brett Trowbridge (c), Matt Wright, Craig Duff (Jordan Rogers 57), Matt Buse (Ben Palmer 57).
Subs not used: Josh Searle, Ed Palmer.
Referee: Sam Lewis
Attendance: 136