National League South: Dover Athletic 2- Taunton Town

TAUNTON Town made the long trip to Dover on Saturday (October 7) and left with a point in hand.

The result was 2-2 as both sides were able to score during periods of dominance in the match.

It leaves Taunton level on the top of the National League South table, equal on points with local rivals Yeovil Town, however the Glovers have a game in hand.

Ollie Chamberlain, Dan Lavercombe, Austin Booth, Lee Lucas and Nat Jarvis returned to the starting lineup after resting during the Somerset Cup match earlier in the week.

In the opening exchanges of the match, both sides created chances as it was an exciting start.

In the third minute, Cam Evans underlapped Jay Foulston down the left wing and crossed into the box, however his cross was cleared out.

Soon after, Nick Demeble cut inside for Dover and Lee Lucas blocked the shot unfortunately with an area he probably didn't want to.

In the 11th minute, Dover should've gone 1-0 up as Oyenuga played a lovely ball through to Lock, who's cross-goal pass flashes past Lavercombe. Unfortunately for the hosts, Dembele was unable to turn it into the Taunton goal.

Dover did go in front in the 17th minute after Archie Hatcher took the ball past Ross Stearn and crossed in for Peter Ojemen to tap home.

Lucas was subbed off for Taunton shortly after the goal due to injury as Joe Guest came on to take his place.

Dover went close to a second goal after a mistake from Guest in the middle of the park but Lavercombe got down well to save twice in quick succession.

Taunton began to settle and regained momentum later in the half and a big chance came as from a corner Nick Grimes was taken down, but penalty shouts were waved away.

In the 35th minute Foulston levelled the scores as he rose highest off a corner to head home.

And then in added time of the first half Dylan Morgan played in Ross Stearn behind the line of defence who finished well to send Taunton 2-1 up the break.

Taunton subbed off Guest at half time as his period on the pitch lasted just over 30 minutes.

In the second period, the home side looked an improved team and were creating more attacking moves.

The hosts pushed further up the pitch in search of an equaliser and the Taunton defence locked down hoping to hold on.

It wasn't until the 78th minute until Dover did equalise after an excellent free-kick from Archie Hatcher sailed into the top corner to make it 2-2.

From there, the game somewhat fizzled out as both sides looked for a winner but simultaneously sat deep to not concede.

Up next for the Peacocks is a home match on October 21 against Hampton and Richmond Borough.