Gosport Borough 3-1 Taunton Town: Peacocks defeated

Taunton Town are now three games without a win following a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Gosport Borough on Saturday (January 17).

After the initial high of new manager Gary Johnson taking over when the Peacocks beat Gloucester City at home, Town are left searching for another elusive win.

Taunton conceded two goals in the first half to give Gosport a comfortable lead at half time and, despite an Alfie Moulden goal to half the deficit, the home side went on to add a third goal in the second half.

Manager Gary Johnson made one change from the 2-2 draw with Havant & Waterlooville with captain Ben Seymour being replaced by Kalvin Kalala. Niall Thompson took the captain’s armband.

Taunton Town made the faster start to the match and Jack Rice had the first shot on goal inside five minutes after Owen Brain drove towards goal before finding Rice, but he could only fire over.

Within 60 seconds, goalkeeper Frankie Phillips was called into action from a counter attack and seconds later Phillips parried an attempt on goal for a corner and Gosport take the lead from the corner through Hisham Kasimu.

Taunton came close to an equaliser on 17 minutes as Scott Robinson drove forward and found Brain but his shot was saved by Henry Blacklidge in the Gosport goal.

The home side extended their lead on 22 minutes as a loose pass in the box from Taunton was seized upon allowing Kasimu to be set up for his and Gosport’s second goal.

On 34 minutes Taunton Town rattled the woodwork as a curling effort from Rice was inches away from pulling a goal back.

The Peacocks had another chance on 39 minutes as Robinson headed wide at the back post but the score remained 2-0 at half time.

Josh Owers was brought on for Matt Carson at half time.

Hopes of a comeback from Taunton were boosted on 58 minutes as Alfie Moulden’s curling effort found the bottom corner.

Seven minutes later Brain had another chance as he seized on a poor backpass but the winger’s low effort was saved.

With 14 minutes to go, defender Jamie Richards had a headed chance on goal, but it was dealt with by Gosport.

However, as Taunton Town pushed for the equaliser, they were caught out on the break in stoppage time as Trevor Caborn scores the third for Gosport.

The result leaves the Peacocks just a couple points above the drop zone.