Pre-season friendly
Taunton Town 3, Bristol City XI 1

TAUNTON Town ended their pre-season campaign in style on Monday night, Andrew Neal scoring twice as the Peacocks fought back to beat a Bristol City XI at the Viridor Stadium.

The visitors took an early lead, but a superb second-half display from the home side - in front of 538 fans - saw them end their friendly matches with an undefeated record.

The game was only six minutes old when a nicely-worked corner routine led to Connor Evans firing the Bristol side ahead.

Pierce Mitchell came close to an equaliser, with a volley that flew just wide, but at the other end Saikou Janneh was only denied by a fine Lloyd Irish save, the home goalkeeper getting down well to the low effort.

Shane White had a header cleared off the line, before Janneh missed a presentable chance, as the score remained 1-0 at half time.

The hosts upped the ante after the break, substitute Josh Nelmes going close and Matt Buse unable to convert a rebound after Matt Wright's effort was saved.

Finally they had reward for their pressure on 63 minutes, Ryan Brett striking a free-kick into the top corner after Ollie Chamberlain was fouled on the edge of the box.

Just six minutes later Neal put his side ahead, and on 75 minutes he made it 3-1.

Visiting goalkeeper Alhaji Sesay was pressured by Craig Veal, the ball falling for Mitchell, whose long-range effort was headed in by Neal.

Some late pressure from the away side came to nothing, as the Peacocks stood firm to secure victory.

They have ended their pre-season with five wins and a draw from their six matches, and now look ahead to hosting Staines Town in their opening league match on Saturday (ko 3pm).

Taunton Town: Lloyd Irish, Douglas Camilo (trialist) (Craig Veal 68), Pierce Mitchell, Ben Adelsbury (Josh Nelmes 45), Keith Emmerson, Shane White, Ollie Chamberlain, Ryan Brett, Matt Wright (c) (Dan Sullivan 62), Andrew Neal, Matt Buse.
Subs not used: Tom Stone, Alpha Sow.