National League South: Taunton Town 0-0 Havant and Waterlooville

TAUNTON Town and Havant and Waterlooville played out a very scrappy goalless draw on Saturday (September 23) in the National League South.

The Peacocks had the best chance to claim the three points with a penalty but it was missed leaving both sides a point from the affair.

There were chances for both sides but neither were able to break the deadlock, much to the disappointment of the 880 strong crowd.

Taunton's squad was depleted for the match with captain Nick Grimes out suspended, while Cam Evans, Dave Sims-Burgess, Malachi Linton, Dan Ball and Callum Dolman all out injured.

That gave an opportunity to new signing Elliott Duggan to earn a place on the bench.

Early on in the match the visitors had the better of the chances, one in particular forced an incredible save from Dan Lavercombe. Joe Guest misjudged a touch right in front of goal and James Roberts shot hard and low but it was saved.

In the 17th minute there was a long stoppage in play after Yoan Zouma was knocked unconcious in the box. Both sets physios and club doctors came on to provide treatment and fortunately the player walked off the pitch.

There was a few more half chances in the first half; Lee Lucas forced a save from his long distance effort, while Ross Stearn and Dylan Morgan both hit narrowly wide on separate occasions.

However after a long period of five added minutes, the first half came to an end and the supporters of both sides were hoping for an improved second period.

Whilst the second half did have more action, there would be no goals scored.

The first chance of the half went to the away side as Dylan Crowe burst into the box and pulled the ball back but it carried through the crowd of players and out.

In the 56th minute Dylan Morgan was subbed off for Marcus Day and a reshuffle saw Ollie Chamberlain move into midfield while Day slotted in at right wing back.

Minutes later Nick McCootie was brought into the fray to replace Nat Jarvis up front.

The two substitutes brought some added freshness going forward and for the remainder of the match Taunton were on the front foot.

68 minutes in and Taunton had perhaps their biggest chance after McCootie won the ball in an advanced position before flicking the ball to Stearn who quickly crossed to Chamberlain but his shot sailed over the bar.

Soon after Austin Booth won a header at the far post from a corner and the ball flew across the very crowded box and seemed to miss everyone.

New striker Duggan came on in the 81st minute and made an immediate impact. The forward went up for a 50/50 with the keeper and was deemed to have been pushed in the back, penalty given.

Nick McCootie stepped up to take it, and very nervously hit the ball wide left of the goal. Penalty missed.

From there the game fizzed out to a bore draw as Havant's stubborn defence held on and perhaps were the team more deserving of a point.