Southern League Premier South: Taunton Town 2-2 Havant & Waterlooville
The Peacocks secured a point in dramatic fashion on Saturday (January 10) as three goals were scored late on at the Cygnet Health Care Stadium.
The visitors, who were in a good run of form coming into the game, had taken the lead in the first half following a failed offside appeal from the Taunton defence.
And just when time looked like it might be against them, the Peacocks equalised but, in their haste, to score a winner, Havant & Waterlooville thought they had secured the win through in-form Ryan Seager only for Scott Robinson to head home his first goal at the Cygnet.
Going into the fixture, Taunton Town only made the one change from the stinging defeat to Tiverton Town with Josh Owers replaced by Owen Brian.
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And Brain was in the action early as he collected a ball on the right-hand side and put in a cross but it evaded everyone. Three minutes later, he had a speculative shot which was easily gathered by Lorenz Ferdinand – son of former England and Manchester United defender Rio.
The first meaningful attempt on either goal came on 25 minutes as Matt Carson. Tom Purrington and Alfie Moulden all combined well before Jack Rice’s shot was deflected wide.
Just after the half hour mark Taunton had a couple of opportunities to score as first a cross evaded Purington at the back post and then, as the ball was recycled, Rice had another effort which this time was blocked on the line.
Havant had their best chance on 37 minutes when they broke through the Taunton back line but at a tight angle, Reuben Swann’s shot was well saved by Frankie Phillips.
However, on the stroke of half time, the visitors did take the lead as a ball over the top of the Taunton defence left players wondering where the offside flag was, only for Ryan Seager to continue past Phillips and tapped over the line for the opening goal.
The score remained 1-0 at half time.
Taunton started the second half on the front foot and two minutes in, Alfie Moulden pulled the ball back to Purrington but he dragged wide.
Following a short stoppage for an injury to the referee after he collided with Jack Rice, Havant had their own chance as Seager shot straight at Phillips.
On the hour mark, Ben Seymour got onto a hook upfield by Rice, cut inside on his right foot, but his shot deflected wide.
Ten minutes later, Taunton were served with a reminder that Havant were dangerous on the break. This time Olly Pendlebury’s effort was saved by Phillips.
The latest chance for Purrington came on 73 minutes as he got on the end of a Niall Thompson cross but could not find the target. Then two minutes later it was Max Hill’s turn.
With 10 minutes to go, Purrington had another chance which was headed over the bar.
Then, on 90 minutes, the action turned chaotic as Owen Brain brought Taunton level. After a nice reverse pass to him from Moulden on the left side of the box, he opened his body up and curled one into the bottom right-hand corner.
As they pushed for the winner they were caught out at the back and Seager found himself going through on goal and finished low past Phillips.
But in the fourth minute of added time, a corner was whipped into the near post and an unmarked Scott Robinson rose highest to head home and salvage a point for the Peacocks.
Taunton Town are back on the road this weekend as they travel to Gosport.
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