TAUNTON Town picked up three important points against Farnborough yesterday to keep themselves five points clear at the league summit.

Shane White's header and Andrew Neal's penalty secured a 2-1 home win, with Michael Fernandes scoring the visitors' late consolation.

READ MORE: Taunton Town 2-1 Farnborough as it happened

What did County Gazette match reporter Richard Browne make of the individual performances on the afternoon?

Lloyd Irish - 9

No-one typified the solidity of this Taunton display more than their goalkeeper. Irish had already tipped Reggie Young's shot onto the post when he made his brilliant penalty save from Kurt Cumberbatch. It was a defining moment. Irish had little else to worry about, but was always commanding from set-pieces and aerial balls.

Pierce Mitchell - 7

Mitchell came into the team at short notice (Ben Adelsbury being unable to play), but made an energetic start and most of Taunton's early attacking play went through him. Had a quieter second half as Farnborough winger John Oyenuga grew as a threat, but defended well.

Lewis Hall - 6

Less all-action than fellow full-back Mitchell (one big drive down the left aside), Hall still contributed to a fine defensive effort from the hosts. Faced dangerous wideman Young and coped well.

Shane White - 8

Was due to play at right-back, was shifted into the centre of defence, and ended the day at left-back. So versatile, so reliable. Combined well with fellow centre-back Palmer, and scored the opener with a looping header.

Ed Palmer - 7

This was a resolute performance from the centre-back, who was alert in covering the space and making interceptions. Against a tall visiting team, he won a lot of headers to relieve pressure.

Matt Buse - 6

Some neat passes in a congested midfield area. Seemed to drift out of the game a little as Farnborough bossed the start of the second half, but later delivered a peach of a cross for Chamberlain.

Ollie Chamberlain - 6

Always dynamic in running from box to box, Chamberlain was just inches away from getting on the end of several attacking opportunities. Things didn't quite fall for him on this occasion, and his header from Buse's cross was well saved by Liam Beach.

Ryan Brett - 8

Another super display from the midfielder. His set-piece delivery was as dangerous as ever, finding White for the opening goal. Defensively disciplined and intelligently positioned, he protected the centre-backs well and made several vital blocks and clearances.

Matt Wright - 6

A pretty quiet day for the skipper, but that's perhaps due to the amount of unselfish work he got through. Winning flick-ons and putting his body in where it hurt, he dovetailed nicely with Sullivan and Neal.

Dan Sullivan - 7

Sullivan is a player who produces moments of magic, and even when things don't come off for him, he's always looking to create. When Taunton found their second wind in the second half, he was at the heart of it, with fine passing and some great vision.

Andrew Neal - 8

Scored his 26th goal of the campaign, though it could have been 28, as he twice hit the crossbar. Never stopped running, and always a threat. Nerveless from the penalty spot - his shot was unsaveable.

Substitutes - N/A

Keith Emmerson, Josh Nelmes and Craig Veal were all introduced inside the last five mintes so had little time to make an impact.

But what did you think, Peacocks fans? Cast your vote for man of the match in our poll below: