National League South: Taunton Town 0-2 Bath City

TAUNTON Town are now deep in a relegation battle after defeat at home on Easter Monday against rivals Bath City.

The match in the National League South ended 0-2 to the visitors as Taunton struggled to create clear scoring opportunities.

Taunton lined up with two changes from the defeat at Weston, with Seb Bolton and Rabby Tabu Minzamba replacing Ross Stearn and Marcus Day.

Town had a terrible start as Cody Cooke slotted home from Jack Batten’s cross inside three minutes to hand the visitors the lead.

The Peacocks looked shell shocked and soon after Bath nearly doubled the lead as Elliott Frear fired against the outside of the post from close range.

Taunton posted their first attempt midway through the half when Bristol City loanee Ben Acey’s strike dropped wide of the far post.

Taunton were able to get into gear for the remainder of the half and arguably had the better of possession but they were lacking the clinical edge.

Further strikes from Acey and Minzamba soared over the top before Bell latched onto Dan Ball’s clearance during stoppage time, only to see his attempted lob blocked by Buse.

It was the same in the second period as Taunton battled hard and saw plenty of ball but just couldn't make it count, be it a missed shot or a misplaced cross, it wasn't landing for them.

City seemed to have no great desire to add to their haul while Town showed plenty of endeavour pushing forward, with the midfield trio of Acey, Dolman and Minzamba very much at the fore.

Deliveries continued at regular intervals into the area, but Bath were defending solidly and when Town did get a sniff Will Buse was there to save.

What appeared to be a penalty was also denied when Minzamba tried to burrow through the middle but went down under a tackle, but the referee waved played on.

Stearn took over from Nat Jarvis with just over ten minutes to go and Evander Grubb replaced Minzamba as five minutes of added time began.

The Romans added a second five minutes into stoppage time when Jack Bates curled home a strike into the far corner.

It was no doubt an improved performance from Taunton but there was no reward and with results elsewhere not falling their way, the Peacocks are in greater trouble of relegation.

The win for Bath lifts them into the play-off places while Town slip down a spot to 22nd. A tough business end of the season for Taunton.