Taunton Town 1-3 Hampton & Richmond Borough

TAUNTON Town were left humbled at home after they were beaten 1-3 on Tuesday night in the National League South.

Hampton & Richmond Borough put in a good performance on the road and somewhat comfortably defeated a lethargic Peacocks side.

It was the third consecutive home defeat in the Vanarama National League South for Taunton Town, which bizarrely came off the back of a really impressive away win on Saturday.

As good as Town had been in Saturday’s win at Tonbridge, their performance was at the other end of the scale against in this one.

In the early exchanges, Taunton looked somewhat on top as they were the side progressing the ball and creating chances.

Dave Sims-Burgess hit the post from his acrobatic effort in the 10th minute. A close call that could have changed the game.

However soon after, the visitors had settled into the game and they grabbed the lead on 18 minutes when poor defending saw Luis Fernandez score from close range following a corner.

Fans slumped in the crowd as it looked like it may be a repeat of previous home games where Taunton are chasing the lead.

However just ten minutes later the Peacocks drew level when Sims-Burgess latched onto a ball over the top from Jay Foulston to slot home.

The game was back on at this point and for the next twenty minutes both sides pressed and probed trying to take the lead.

Unfortunately for Town fans, it was Hampton who retook the lead. Two minutes before the break Jake Gray curled a shot into the corner past Lloyd Irish.

At the break it was 1-2 in favour of Hampton. 

In the second period Taunton struggled to create clear cut chances for themselves, partly due to Hammpton sitting deep and consolidating their position, but also in part due to a lack of energy.

It is unclear if the players are tired after an extended run of fixtures or if they already accepted defeat.

Fernandez scored his second of the night after 64 minutes when he connected at the far post to convert a flicked-on corner.

Hampton, now well in control, saw the game out with some quality game management skills.

Town had no response as Hampton deservedly secured their first win on the road since November.

For Taunton, they are next in action this weekend when they travel to Cheshunt on Saturday, March 11. They also are away on Tuesday, March 14, against Chippenham Town.

The next time the Peacocks are at home is on March 18 when Hemel Hempstead Town come to the Cygnet Healthcare Stadium.