Hungerford Town 2-1 Taunton Town: Peacocks defeated

Taunton Town’s new manager Gary Johnson watched on has his new side surrendered a lead in Berkshire and came away with defeat.

In the Peacocks’ final game before Christmas, Taunton Town took the lead in the first half through Tom Purrington but Hungerford Town roared back in the second half to ultimately win by the odd goal in three.

There were no changes from the side that beat Yate Town just three days earlier and the Peacocks made the best possible start as Purrington opened the scoring.

A corner was not properly cleared by Hungerford and Tom Purrington fired home from close range.

The visitors were nearly 2-0 up inside the first 10 minutes as a Jack Rice free kick was tipped over the bar.

A couple minutes later the home side had their first opportunity, but a low shot was comfortably saved by Franky Phillips.

Taunton had a penalty appeal on 28 minutes as Scott Robinson’s cross looked to have struck the arm of a defender, but the referee said no.

Less than 60 seconds later, Phillips was again forced into action to deny Hungerford a first half equaliser.

On 37 minutes, Ben Seymour headed a Matty Carson cross, but it did not trouble the Hungerford goalkeeper.

Taunton Town stayed in front at half time.

Hungerford Town started the second half well and forced Phillips into another save and the rebound was dragged wide by Rhys Tyler.

Just shy of the hour mark, Ben Seymour had another chance but dragged his effort just wide.

The home side got the equaliser on 64 minutes as Tyler volleyed home from 25 yards.

Kalvin Lumbombo-Kalala and Seidou Sanogo came on as substitute as both sides searched for a win.

But it was Hungerford Town who scored the winner in the second minute of stoppage time as former Premier League striker Charie Austin flicked home to give the Berkshire side all three points.

The result means Taunton Town go into Christmas just two points above the drop zone but have played at least a game more than four of the teams below them.

Speaking to the club's media after the match, new first team manager Gary Johnson said: “I was really pleased with what I saw…especially with the first-half performance.

“There were shoots of my game across the pitch, and that intensity showed after five minutes when we opened the scoring.

“We had two stonewall penalties not given and five unbelievable chances that, on another day, would have ended up in the back of the net.”