Owen Irish XI 4-2 Lloyd Irish XI 

THERE was plenty of action at the Cygnet Health Care Stadium on Friday night in a testimonial match to recognise two Taunton Town players' long service to the club. 

Lloyd and Owen Irish made their Taunton Town debuts in the same fixture in 2008 and have represented the club with distinction since then, amassing 377 and 310 appearances respectively.

Goalkeeper Lloyd and defender Owen went head-to-head in their testimonial on Friday night, which featured a number of ex-Peacocks including Jamie Price, Chris McGrath, Brett Trowbridge, Ben Kirk, Jordan Rogers, and Craig Veal. 

Lloyd's XI was managed by Peacocks boss Rob Dray, while Owen's side was overseen by Somerset cricketer Jack Leach.

Owen's team took the lead after only four minutes when former Peacocks midfielder Simon Ingram's quick free-kick found Jamie Short, who took a touch and fired his shot in via both posts. 

Lloyd's XI levelled the tie three minutes later after some tidy interplay down the right-hand side involving Max Waller, who squared it for Ben Palmer to squeeze through a defender's legs and into the bottom corner past former manager Ian Jones in goal.

Somerset County Gazette: Lloyd Irish celebrates his goal. Picture: Taunton Town PhotographersLloyd Irish celebrates his goal. Picture: Taunton Town Photographers

It took until the 72nd minute for the scoresheet to be added to when Lloyd - now playing outfield - did well to turn in the area and get his shot away, with a deflection helping put his side back in front. 

The game was level once more moments later when Owen headed a corner back across the goal to Craig Veal, who chested the ball down and finished at the near post.

Two late goals then sealed the game for Leach and Owen's men. 

Rodney Marsh created some space in the penalty area to tee up Short, who lashed a shot into the roof of the net for his second goal of the evening a minute from time. 

The highlight of the game came with the final kick of the ball, when Owen's young son Hugo made the most of his cameo appearance to slot past the goalkeeper and make it 4-2.

A total of 424 supporters attended the testimonial match, which was sponsored by Cooper Associates. 

The proceeds of the game will be donated to the Josh Evans Trust Fund, the Cooper Associates Trust Charity, and North Petherton Cricket Club.

After the game, Owen Irish XI manager Leach told Peacocks TV: “The boys did well for me and we got a win so it went well, but I didn't have a clue what I was doing!

“I've got to thank my assistant Mo (Hopkins), he was awesome, and thank my players.”

He also said “fan's favourite” Hugo scored was the pick of the goals with a “nicely slotted” finish. 

Highlights: The Irish Testimonial