Taunton Town 3-1 Chesham United

IN sunny Somerset conditions, Taunton Town climbed to third place in the Pitching In Southern League with an important home win over Chesham United on Saturday (March 19).

Two goals from Ben Adelsbury and one from Ross Stearn helped Town to victory who were not at their best for large parts of the match.

Afterwards, manager Rob Dray agreed to that sentiment.

"First half we were really not at our best today but in the second period we played some quality football.

"This is a massive win for us in the context of the league and the games left to play."

Taunton started the game slowly and right from kick off the visitors had a shot that narrowly sailed over the bar.

Chesham looked up for the challenge and in the early exchanges were passing the ball well, keeping possession.

However it was the hosts who did open the scoring; in the 17th minute Ben Adelsbury rose highest to meet a Lloyd James free kick delivery and headed home.

Celebrations were cut short though as from the kick off, Chesham moved the ball forward quickly and after it was cut back to Bradley Clayton, he found the back of the net, an instant reply.

Other than to forced substitutions for Chesham through injury, there was not a whole lot more action in the first period and at the break it was 1-1.

It took a while for the game to liven up in the second half as well, both sides looked flat and even tired.

However in the 64th minute Taunton were in front once more, again from the head of Adelsbury but this time with some added controversy.

After a scramble in the box, Adelsbury headed the ball goalbound but there was disputes whether or not it crossed the line; the linesman and referee agreed that it did so the score was 2-1.

The visitors then started an all out attack in search of an equaliser, and they came close a couple of times; Will Buse made some important saved in goal.

Then in the 98th minute, deep in added time, Chesham sent their keeper forward for a corner, Joe Guest cleared the delivery to debutant Harry Warwick, he went round the last defender, cut it inside to Ross Stearn who coolly slotted it home for 3-1.

 

Up next, Taunton are at home on Tuesday night in the first leg of the Southern League Cup Final against Royston, kick off is 7.45pm.