Taunton Town 1-0 Laverstock & Ford

DESPITE a below par performance, Taunton Town have progressed into the Third Round Qualifying on the Emirates FA Cup.

A Ross Stearn goal was the difference in the victory at home against Laverstock & Ford.

The visitors caused problems though and were denied a draw in extra time when Jack Bycroft saved a penalty to keep Taunton's lead.

After the match, manager Rob Dray said he was disappointed with the performance.

"I am disappointed with our performance today, but I am happy to be in the next round which is crucial. The players know now that it wasn't good enough today.

"Credit to them, they came down and it was their cup final and they played well in fairness. But that is the worst we've been this season."

From the opening minute Taunton were on the attack and were creating chance after chance.

The opening goal came in the fifth minute when Ross Stearn poked home the ball from two yards out. From a corner there was a goalmouth scramble which he was the most alert to score.

From that point on, the same situation would happen over and over. The Peacocks make a break, get the ball into the box and then be met by seven or eight away team players behind the ball.

The visitors stuck in the game though and almost made Town pay for their poor effort in front of goal.

In extra time Laverstock made a counter attack and were awarded a penalty when the ball hit Jay Foulston's left hand. Some fans felt it was harsh.

The resulting penalty was saved superbly though from loanee Jack Bycroft and the final whistle sounded soon after leaving the result 1-0.