Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division South

Staines Town 1, Taunton Town 3

TAUNTON Town returned to winning ways and stretched their lead at the top to seven points with a routine victory at Staines Town.

First-half goals by Matt Wright and Ollie Chamberlain were added to by Craig Veal after the break, with Finley Tapp's late strike nothing more than a consolation for the hosts.

The Peacocks were in control from the outset and, after chances for Pierce Mitchell and Shane White, took a deserved lead on 12 minutes when captain Wright headed home Andrew Neal's cross.

Chamberlain doubled the lead with a good finish 10 minutes later, and Neal came close to adding a third with a shot which was just the wrong side of the post.

Lloyd Irish was called into action on 39 minutes, tipping Luke Wright's effort on to the crossbar as the Peacocks took a two-goal lead into the interval.

White saw an effort ruled out for offside on the hour, but the third goal did arrive with eight minutes to play when substitute Veal found the net.

Tapp's effort prevented Irish leaving with a clean sheet in his final match before departing on holiday to Australia - Mike Davies will deputise for the festive fixtures, which continue with the visit of local rivals Tiverton Town on Boxing Day.

Taunton Town: Lloyd Irish, Pierce Mitchell (Craig Veal 62), Lewis Hall, Ben Adelsbury, Keith Emmerson, Matt Buse, Ollie Chamberlain, Ryan Brett, Matt Wright (Dan Sullivan 87), Shane White Andrew Neal.