Taunton Town 1, Liskeard Athletic 0.

AFTER the postponement of their first friendly, and in the absence of holidaying new manager Paul West, Taunton belatedly got their pre-season under way with a narrow win over old Western League rivals Liskeard Athletic on Saturday.

Paul Short took charge of the side for the day and his son Jamie – as a second half substitute – was one of five newcomers, the others being ex-Wellington midfielder Andy Butler, centre-half Nick Pearce, Blackbrook’s Darren Rice and James Clough, a member of Taunton’s successful under-18s side of 2005-06.

The home side were first to threaten when an Alexis Piper header stretched Chris Wearing into an excellent save in the opening moments of the match.

Thereafter both sides largely cancelled each other out until Taunton introduced Nick McCootie with nine minutes remaining.

The pace of lively Bristolian frontman opened the Cornish defence on a number of occasions and Ben Newby back-heeled a good chance just wide after Butler headed down a Short corner on 85 minutes.

New captain John Harris then fired just over before Taunton finally won the game in the final minute, Newby setting up Piper to slam the ball home from close range.

Taunton: Nathan Whatley, Dave Anthony, Nick Pearce (Jamie Short 60), Neil Bailey, James Clough, Darren Rice, Danny Lane (Nick McCootie 81), John Harris (captain), Ben Newby, Alexis Piper, Andy Butler. Attendance: 120.