Taunton Town draw with Hayes & Yeading in Southern League

THIS top of the table clashed ended with a point each for the two sides after a tense game in which Taunton had the better chances.

A goal a piece for the two teams in the first half were the only goals in the game however in the second period the Peacocks could have had two or three more goals from the chances they created.

After the game, manager Rob Dray said: "That is a great point, a great result and on a great day for the club with over 900 supporters here.

"We dominated possession, dominated chances and we were the better team in my opinion, I am really proud of my players."

It took just six minutes for the deadlock to be broken; the away side played a very smart passing move which resulted in Omar Rowe cutely playing Francis Amartey in behind the defence and he slotted the ball home past Will Buse.

Picture: Debbie Gould

For the remainder of the first half the match really went back and forth, both sides had spells where they were on top.

Hayes and Yeading looked like a team at the top of the table as they swiftly moved the ball around with one-touch passing.

However Taunton were still in the match and in the 15th minute Toby Holmes forced a top save with a half chance from the edge of the box.

Jared Lewington and Ross Stearn also had shots on target that were saved by Ravan Constable in the Hayes goal.

On the 37 minute mark, Taunton players and fans were left confused as to how they didn't score.

From a Lloyd James corner, Nick Grimes headed on target which was acrobatically saved, then from the rebound Ross Stearn tried to force it in which was blocked and then Toby Holmes shot from the near post which somehow was saved once again.

Picture: Debbie Gould

Shortly before the half time whistle did go, Taunton were level; Holmes showed his intelligence to chase down a defender as he played a pass back to goal, Holmes got to the ball before the keeper and defender, took it round them and finished into an empty net.

So at the break, the scores were level 1-1, poised for either side to win the game and take top spot on the table.

The more likely to do so in the second half was Taunton as the home side were well on top for about 30 minutes of the period.

Despite all the chances, the only thing the referee had to write in his notepad for the remainder of the match was a number of yellow cards, for both sides and for Michael Meeker on the Town bench.

The result leaves Taunton in fourth position and they now prepare for another vital home game against play-off rivals Chesham United next Saturday.