Somerset Premier Cup semi-final

Frome Town 1, Taunton Town 2

TAUNTON Town striker Matt Wright ended a three-month goal drought with a bullet header to send his side into the Somerset Premier Cup final at Frome's expense on Tuesday night.

Wright, whose last goal came in the win over Tiverton Town on Boxing Day, rose highest to score in the 81st minute and set up a final against Weston-super-Mare at Huish Park (date tbc).

The Peacocks started at near enough full strength, with youthful options on the bench as part of the link-up with Bridgwater & Taunton College, and began the game on the front foot.

Taunton couldn't make their early pressure pay, however, and the hosts went ahead against the run of play on 21 minutes through Johnny Gorman.

That was the only goal of an otherwise cagey first half but, unlike on their league visit to the same ground 10 days earlier, this time Taunton were able to muster a second half response.

Lewis Hall levelled the scores on 65 minutes with a fine volley but Frome were handed a golden chance to restore their advantage just two minutes later when they were awarded a penalty, only for Cameron Allen to fire wide.

A draw would have sent the tie straight to penalties but, with spot kicks looming, Wright netted with a towering header to send the Peacocks through.

Taunton Town: Lloyd Irish (c), Pierce Mitchell, Lewis Hall, Josh Nelmes, Shane White, Matt Buse, Ollie Chamberlain, Douglas Camilo (Harry Butler 56), Matt Wright, Craig Veal, Lucas Tomlinson (Noah Coppin 71)

Town head of football Rob Dray said: “The result was all-important, especially after being beaten up there in the league the other weekend.

“It was an opportunity for a few lads to play themselves back into form, and one or two of them did, and an opportunity for some of the young lads.

“In the first half we made some wrong decisions.

“The pitch was very poor and we didn’t adapt to it - they played the pitch much better than we did.

“In the second half, we got it moving a bit quicker and got it up to our front two.

“The college lads who came on did exactly what we asked them to do and changed the game - I was very impressed.

“The momentum is important and it was vital that we built on the league win on Saturday.

“It’s also great to be in another cup final, which is something we can all look forward to.”