TAUNTON Town recorded a comfortable 6-0 victory over Barnstaple in the Southern Football League Challenge Cup last night, writes Lewis Wiseman.

The win at the Cygnet Health Care Stadium means Town progress to the Second Round of the competition.

In this match the Peacocks latest signing, Callum Hartley made his debut; he has signed on a dual registration contract from Ashton & Backwell United.

Goals in the game came through Ross Staley, Gethyn Hill who scored two, Dan Sullivan, Jared Lewington and an own goal to round it off.

 

After the match, manager Rob Dray said he wanted to go in strong tonight and was happy with the performance.

"We wanted to be strong and we were strong throughout the game."

"I'm happy with the performance from the lads and now I want that to transfer across to the league," Dray said.

It didn't take long for Taunton to assert their dominance over the visitors who currently play in the division below.

After just four minutes Town were 1-0 up after Ross Staley found the back of the net from his long range shot.

For the rest of the half the Peacocks were all over Barnstaple and their lead was doubled after 21 minutes when Gethyn Hill headed home a well delivered corner.

The constant pressure from Taunton continued and Hill scored his second in the 32rd minute from another header, this time he finished a nice cross from Jay Foulston.

Minutes later, captain Dan Sullivan was played through the line and he calmly chipped the keeper to make it 4-0 going in to half time.

Into the second half and Town made some changes, Khari Allen came on for Jake Wannell and Todd Watts replaced Jay Foulston.

In the 53rd minute Jared Lewington won an aerial dual just inside the box and hit a superb half volley into the very top corner of the net.

The second period continued much like the first, with Barnstaple unable to string more than five passes together.

Town made it six nil in the 73rd minute when Ross Staley whipped in a corner to the near post and it deflected off a Barnstaple defender for an own goal.

In fairness to the visitors they showed some resolve and managed to create a great chance through as List struck a shot which beat Will Buse in goal but the ball rolled just wide.

Taunton continued to press high and intensely for the rest of the game and despite not scoring any more goals, they managed to hold on to the clean sheet.

Overall a very solid performance for Taunton at home which the 204 home fans enjoyed watching.

Up next the Peacocks return to league action on Saturday when they host Beaconsfield in the Southern League, kick off is 3pm.