National League South: Taunton Town 1-1 Dover Athletic

TAUNTON Town were unable to pick up a win over bottom placed Dover Athletic on Saturday (January 13) in the National League South.

The match finished 1-1 after goals from Ollie Chamberlain for Taunton in the first half and an equaliser from George Nikaj in the second.

The result sees Taunton drop to 20th place in the league table and still without a win since December 9, 2023.

In the match, Taunton started the better side and created early chances through Ross Stearn and Zac Smith.

Chamberlain looked bright in midfield and in the sixth minute he shot from outside the box into the bottom right corner for the opening goal. The linesman flagged for offside but after discussion with the referee, the goal was awarded.

For the remainder of the first period both sides had half chances but it began to get scrappy in the midfield and a lot of long balls were played by both teams.

Late on in the first period Taunton were awarded a penalty after Smith was brought down in the box. From the spot, Stearn casually shot the ball to the keeper's left and it was easily saved.

In the second half, Dover gained some momentum and after a period of sustained pressure Nikaj headed home from close range to make it 1-1.

Taunton pushed for an equaliser and they had big chances through substitutes Evander Grubb and Marley Rose but those shots were saved.

The match ended in a stalemate and now the Peacocks look towards next Tuesday when they take on Slough Town at home.