National League South: Taunton Town 0-1 Yeovil Town

TAUNTON Town put in an improved performance in the Somerset derby match on Tuesday night (January 9) at Wordsworth Drive.

The match finished 0-1 to the Glovers courtesy of a Frank Nouble second half goal which was enough to see his side take the three points in front of a 3,001 strong crowd.

In terms of the league table, Yeovil stay top, now 13 points clear of second place Hampton & Richmond after 26 games played.

For the Peacocks, they now sit in 19th place and are just five points clear of the relegation places after 23 games played.

Rob Dray gave a Taunton starting debut to Zac Bell at right back after he signed on loan earlier in the day, and on the bench was Marley Rose who also signed from Bristol City.

Yeovil went on the charge early on and created the first chance through Worthington as he flashed a ball into the box which was flicked on by Lo-Everton but new signing Bell cleared off the line.

Dan Lavercombe made his first save of the match in the fifth minute when Nouble launched a shot from inside the box but it was easily held.

A new long throw in tactic was deployed by Taunton through Bell and in the 15th minute one throw caused trouble in the box but it was frantically cleared.

The fiery derby spirit was clear in the early exchanges too as Jordan Young was booked for a nasty challenge on Ross Stearn 17 minutes in and then five minutes later Dan Ball was booked for a challenge on Young. A card a piece.

For the remainder of the first half though neither side truly threatened the opposition box.

There were a couple of half chances and plenty more intense challenges but no goals as the first period ended 0-0.

In the second half though it didn't take long for Yeovil to capitalise on an opportunity to score the first goal.

After Nick Grimes was dispossessed higher up the pitch, Yeovil played an attacking through ball to Nouble who took two long and quick touches before finishing impressively into the bottom left corner.

At one goal up it appeared Yeovil were cruising and going through the gears to see out the win and the three points.

As the game progressed, Marley Rose was subbed on for his debut and he looked bright in parts but was asked to do a lot on his own up front at times.

Former Taunton man Jake Wannell was shown a  yellow card for a challenge from behind on Ross Stearn much to the bereavement of the home crowd.

And despite some late half chances for Taunton in front of that big home base of fans, the huffing and puffing came to no avail.

Yeovil were deserved winners but only in the slightest as neither side was at their best in this Somerset derby. The Glovers wont mind though, they did what was required for the three points.