TAUNTON Town head of football stressed that his side had to stay positive despite the "kick in the proverbials" of conceding a late equaliser in Tuesday night's 1-1 draw at home to Swindon Supermarine.

The Peacocks had several good chances in the first half, but had to wait until the 54th minute for Andrew Neal to put them ahead.

The hosts sat off after scoring, and were eventually punished for inviting pressure when Mat Liddiard poked home from close range with four minutes of normal time remaining.

Dray admitted that it was disappointing to concede that late goal, denying them a win which would have taken them six points clear at the top of the Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division South table.

The Peacocks have to pick themselves up for a tough match away to sixth-placed Harrow Borough on Saturday (ko 3pm), but they are likely to be without key midfielder Ryan Brett after he suffered a nasty-looking injury in the dying moments of the Supermarine game.

Watch the video below to hear Dray's thoughts following the match:

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PLAYER RATINGS

It's difficult assessing the individual performances in this one, because while Taunton were not quite as impressive as against Farnborough on Saturday, they did enjoy a measure of control for the first hour of the match.

But as Supermarine pushed forward in search of an equaliser, the hosts sat deep and tried to absorb the pressure.

Long balls out of defence towards the strikers came right back at them, and it was no surprise when the away side equalised.

Lloyd Irish - 7

Not quite as spectacular a display as against Farnborough, he still showed great confidence in coming for crosses and made a smart save with his legs to deny Conor McDonagh. As the second half progressed he was vocal in urging his defence to push up, but to no avail. Left helpless for the equaliser.

Pierce Mitchell - 7

More pinpoint crossing from the right-back, one of his deliveries being headed against the post by Matt Wright. He also came close with a long-range effort. Always an option out wide in the first half, but much quieter as the hosts struggled to swim against the tide after going ahead.

Lewis Hall - 5

Made a couple of sharp interceptions, but on a night when too many Taunton players miscontrolled the ball too often, he was one of the worst culprits. Positive going forward, but underused by his team-mates.

Shane White - 7

Generally solid in the air and played his part with his fair share of blocks and interceptions. A couple of mistakes aside, another solid performance from the reliable vice-captain.

Ed Palmer - 7

Set his stall out early with some dominant clearing headers. One misjudgement of a bouncing ball let McDonagh in behind, but overall he was a calm presence and his good positioning was never more apparent when making a second-half goal-line clearance.

Matt Buse - 6

A quiet evening for the midfielder, with too many balls sailing over his head as Taunton went direct. Shuttled between the boxes alongside Ollie Chamberlain, though his defensive covering was more noticeable than his attacking efforts.

Ollie Chamberlain - 6

Same problem as Buse, but had more presence in the opposition box, with a header over the top and another cleared off the line.

Ryan Brett - 7

Generally sat at the base of midfield, starting moves from in front of his own box when Taunton had the patience and presence of mind to keep it on the floor. Good balance between defence and attack, and the Peacocks will hope he is not sidelined for long.

Matt Wright - 6

Was unlucky to hit the post with a well-timed leap and header in the first half. Reduced to chasing high balls and lost causes in the second half.

Dan Sullivan - 7

Played deeper than his fellow strikers, almost like the tip of a midfield diamond, and was back covering on the edge of the hosts' own box at times. He was inventive with his passing, linking the play well, but luck was not on his side and the ball lost too often. Even so, I would always rather a player tried to be imaginative rather than predictable.

Andrew Neal - 8

Sent an early header wide, and then drifted out of the game, with Taunton's direct play not getting the best out of him. But he came back in with a vengeance, making a chance out of nothing to score his 27th goal of the season. He is, and this may well be stating the obvious, clearly more of a threat running onto through balls rather than hopeful aerial balls.

Craig Veal - 6

Brought off the bench in place of Sullivan for the final 15 minutes. Had a chance right at the end, but fired into the side netting from a tight angle.

Josh Nelmes - N/A

A late replacement for the injured Brett.