National League South: Hampton & Richmond Borough 3-1 Taunton Town

TAUNTON Town's impressive week in the National League South has ended in defeat, going down 3-1 away at Hampton & Richmond Borough.

It means that in the week featuring three away trips, against three tough opponents, Taunton picked up six points. A valiant effort which did snap their recent poor form.

They defeated Welling 1-0, Braintree Town 2-0 and then lost this match on Tuesday night to Hampton & Richmond Borough.

In the match, a controversial red card on the stroke of half time proved the turning point in the defeat.

It marked a disappointing end to Town’s long week on the road after they had fought back to level the game during a frenetic first half.

Ruaridh Donaldson fired the hosts ahead after 12 minutes when an Alfie Whittingham shot deflected to him inside the box.

That was before the Peacocks equalised five minutes later, Jake Wannell slotting home from close range following a Lloyd James corner.

Nat Jarvis was sent off just before the break for an alleged foul on Donaldson which left Town to play the second half with ten men.

Despite a brave effort it was not to be. Donaldson restored the hosts’ lead after 58 minutes when he got on the end of Jake Gray’s corner.

And then it was game over on 74 minutes when a break down the left ended with Alfy Whittingham firing in off the crossbar to secure the league double.

Defeat sees the Peacocks remain in 18th spot as they now prepare for the visit of leaders Ebbsfleet on Saturday.

Taunton are still battling the relegation dread but after the week they have had it is clear they will not go down without a fight.

And in fact, they are now in a much better position to avoid the drop after picking up six points in a week.

Taunton still have a minimum of three games in hand over the teams immediately underneath them on the league table.

The week ahead for the Peacocks features a lot less driving as well.

On Saturday they host league leaders Ebbsfleet at the Cygnet HealthCare Stadium, kick off is 3pm.

Then on Tuesday they welcome bottom side Concord Rangers to Taunton. That game kicks off at 7.45pm.

Following that, on Friday, Taunton travel to face local rivals in the league Bath City in what will be a blockbuster match.