Evo-Stik Southern League West
Taunton Town 2, Mangotsfield United 1

TAUNTON Town captain Matt Wright scored once in each half to give his side a hard-fought victory over Mangotsfield United at the Viridor Stadium.

Lewis Ellington had equalised for the visitors, but Wright's brace ensured the Peacocks made it two wins from two to start the season.

Boss Leigh Robinson named an unchanged side from Saturday's opening day win at Cirencester, and they started with great tempo and attacking menace.

Left wing-back Ryan Brett was particularly prominent, and his free-kick drew a save out of ex-Bristol City goalkeeper Steve Phillips.

Phillips then made an excellent block to deny Lewis Powell amid a goalmouth scramble, but could do nothing to prevent the Peacocks taking the lead soon after, as skipper Wright rose to head home Shane White's corner on 19 minutes.

It was no more than the hosts deserved, but they presented Mangotsfield with the equaliser seven minutes later, as Owen Irish - making his 300th club appearance - was caught in possession, the visitors flooded forward, and Ellington found the net with a deflected effort.

That goal rocked the home side, who struggled for rhythm after that - and Irish's header over from a corner was their only real chance for the remainder of the half as the sides went in level at the break.

The Peacocks started the second half with greater intent, but really only had Ben Adelsbury's header over to show for it, while Ed Weeks passed up a good chance at the other end, heading wide from a corner.

After the hosts introduced Joe Charles and Ollie Chamberlain off the bench, they retook the lead on 71 minutes as Wright flicked home White's left-wing cross.

Mangotsfield were adamant the striker was offside, but the goal stood.

Powell was denied a third by Phillips, who made a fine one-handed save, but two goals were enough for Town to see out their win.

They play at home again on Saturday, hosting Larkhall Athletic in the FA Cup preliminary round (ko 3pm).