Taunton Town victory in Francis Hillier Premier Cup

The Peacocks needed a penalty shootout to secure their place in the next round of the Francis Hillier Premier Cup after a 1-1 draw at Larkhall Athletic on Wednesday (October 8) night.

The Southern League Division One South side equalised after Taunton had taken the lead and with the scores level at full time, the match went to penalties.

Frankie Phillips in goal for Taunton was the hero, saving two penalties to see Taunton advance.

Manager Richard Luffman made seven changes from the FA Trophy defeat at the hands of Portchester AFC, with Jamie Richards coming in for debut among them. Also into the side came Niall Thompson, Austen Booth, Tom Purrington, Ben Seymour, Josh Owers and Joe Hatch.

Nick Grimes, Jack Rice, Kane Simpson, Owen Brain, Jacon Hodgson, Kalvin Lumbombo-Kalala and Alfie Moulden all dropped out of the starting XI.

The Peacocks made the faster start to the game and the first major chance came on 15 minutes as Ben Seymour’s effort was pushed behind for a corner.

Three minutes later Hatch had a chance to score his first goal for Taunton but his side-foot effort crept past the post.

Seven minutes before half time Matt Carson’s shot had to be turned behind for a corner from which Larkhall broke forward but Nat Williams was on hand to clear.

The game remained goalless at half time.

A couple minutes into the second half and Taunton made a double change with Tom Symons coming on for his senior competitive debut. Jacob Hodgson also came on as Thompson and Williams were replaced.

Taunton Town took the lead on 55 minutes as a powerful drive from Bailey Croome found the net from 25 yards.

With 11 minutes to go, Larkhall gave a sample of what was to come as they drove forward only to put an effort wide of the target. Taunton were not so lucky two minutes later however, as the hosts were able to equalise.

Despite a late chance from Jack Rice to win it for Taunton, the match went to penalties.

Rice, Moulden, Seymour and Simpson all found the net in the shootout, with Phillips saving two penalties to see the Peacocks through.

Taunton Town: Phillips, Thompson (Symons, 47 mins), Carson, Richards, Williams (Hodgson, 47 mins), Booth, Purrington (Rice, 85 mins), Seymour, Owers, Hatch (Simpson, 85 mins), Croome (Moulden, 70). Subs not used: Jenson Murphy, Archie Morgan.