Evo-Stik South West

Taunton Town 1, Evesham United 0

TAUNTON Town secured the Evo-Stik South West title with five league matches to play as results fell in their favour on Saturday.

Josh Nelmes' early header was enough for the Peacocks to see off Evesham by a single goal at the Viridor Stadium, and Salisbury's shock defeat at home to Cinderford Town ensured Taunton now have an unassailable lead at the top of the table.

The victory which sealed it was far from a vintage one, with overnight rainfall making life difficult on a heavy pitch, though Taunton made the best start and were ahead inside eight minutes.

Set pieces have played a key part in Town's march to the title so it was perhaps fitting that one brought about their opener, as Nelmes rose to head home a corner from close range.

The rest of the first half was devoid of chances, with Lloyd Irish called into action only to make routine saves.

Nuno Felix came closest to doubling Town's lead before the break but saw his rasping shot tipped over by Kevin Sawyer as the hosts' advantage stayed at one going into half-time.

The Peacocks received a blow midway through the second half when Pierce Mitchell came off with a hamstring injury, and a reshuffle saw striker Craig Veal enter the fray with Shane White moving to right-back.

Evesham put together some dangerous moves as they pressed for an equaliser and striker Carl Brown spurned a couple of presentable opportunities, the best of which came when he fired into the side netting after a scuffed free-kick landed at his feet six yards out.

He was soon replaced by former Town frontman Olly Mehew for a final assault from the visitors, though it was Taunton who created the best opportunities in the closing stages.

Substitute Les Afful saw a delicate chip well cleared off the line by Andy Lewis and, from the following attack, Craig Veal's low effort hit the post and trickled wide.

Buoyed by news of Salisbury's struggles, Taunton saw out injury time with a minimum of fuss to seal a memorable week, wrapping up the title just seven days after promotion had been secured and stretching their unbeaten run to a remarkable 29 league matches.

Taunton Town: Lloyd Irish, Pierce Mitchell (Craig Veal), Nuno Felix, Ben Adelsbury, Keith Emmerson, Shane White, Josh Nelmes, Ryan Brett, Matt Wright, Dan Sullivan (Les Afful), Ollie Chamberlain.

Attendance: 599