British Gas Business League Division One South and West: Uxbridge 1, Taunton Town 0.

WITH their four main rivals at the foot of the table all picking up points with 1-1 draws among themselves, Taunton lost further ground in their survival battle with defeat at Uxbridge on Tuesday night.

Paul Short took charge of the side with manager Ian Jones unavailable due to business commitments.

Owen Irish returned after suspension taking Darren Grabham’s place at the back, while Shaun Anthony replaced Nick McCootie up front.

The visitors enjoyed the better of the first half. Anthony – superbly put through by Danny Lane – had the best chance on 18 minutes, but shot too close to goalkeeper Gary Ross.

The Peacocks then had a good shout for a penalty – for handball against centre-back Mark Dennison – turned down, and Leon Simpson saw a fierce drive blocked.

However, after the interval it was a different tale with the home side in the ascendancy.

Left winger Dave Thomas wreaked havoc down Taunton’s right side, and set up Kevin Warner to rattle a shot against the cross-bar with half an hour to go.

It was little surprise that Thomas got the eventual winner on 79 minutes, stabbing home at the second attempt after a raid down the right by Chris Robinson.

Town had several good chances to snatch an equaliser in the final ten minutes.

John Harris scooped a shot just over the bar following a corner, then Owen Irish headed just over from Alex Pounde’s free-kick. Owen Irish then put Simpson through, but the striker pulled his shot wide of the far post.

Town have now lost three on the trot without having scored a goal, and hover just one place and two points above the drop zone.

Taunton: Lloyd Irish, Luke Cole (Dave Anthony 57), Charlie Welch, Ben Newby, Neil Bailey, Owen Irish, Danny Lane, John Harris (captain), Ali Pounde, Leon Simpson, Shaun Anthony (Lewis Irish 73). Unused sub: Nick McCootie. Att: 59.

TAUNTON’S plight does not get any easier. On Saturday, they travel to face one of the title favourites, Windsor and Eton.

Next Tuesday, the Peacocks are away to Bracknell Town (7.45pm).

WELLINGTON are in action at home to local rivals Chard Town in the Toolstation League Premier Division tonight (Wednesday) – for a report, go to our website somersetcountygazette.co.uk On Saturday, Wellington are home to title favourites Bitton (3pm).