BGB League Division 1 (S&W): AFC Totton 3, Taunton Town 0.

A PATCHED-up Taunton Town side travelled to Southampton on Tuesday night, and came away empty-handed from the reigning Sydenhams Wessex League champions.

The result means Town remain in the relegation zone, but within three points of no fewer than seven clubs in a very open battle.

Town were without influential midfielders John Harris, suspended following his recent dismissal at Bridgwater, and Danny Lane, sitting accountancy exams.

Scott Thomas returned to the side following a one-match ban, and a debut was handed to Taunton-based former Bristol City schoolboy Lee Hawkings.

After nine minutes, powerful Totton striker Mark Osman latched on to a Thomas back-header, but fired his drive straight at Simon Cooper.

Thereafter, Town enjoyed a good half with some particularly neat approach play, but failed to threaten the home goal until an unmarked Lee Bridson headed over Alex Pounde’s corner after 38 minutes.

Three minutes later, Jason Burt’s shot was deflected out to Ben Newby who fired over the bar.

Sadly, this bright spell for Taunton culminated with the home side taking the lead. Totton broke away quickly from a corner and Dave Anthony had to clear an Osman shot off the line. The ball rebounded back to Osman who picked out Craig Davis for an easy conversion at the far post.

Taunton managed only one shot on target in the second half – a fierce drive by Leon Simpson from Anthony’s pass after 56 minutes that was comfortably saved by Gareth Barfoot.

Davis fired just wide on the hour, but Totton effectively wrapped up the points after 63 minutes when James Taylor scored from close range from a corner.

Following a move down the left, Taylor nabbed his second with a far post finish after 73 minutes.

Taunton Town: Simon Cooper, Ben Newby, Charlie Welch, Jamie Price (captain), Lee Bridson, Scott Thomas, Lee Hawkings, Jason Burt, Alex Pounde, Leon Simpson, Dave Anthony (Sam Jones 71). Unused subs: Paul Short, Ian Jones.