A SECOND half capitulation on Tuesday night resulted in Taunton failing to build on the encouraging opening day victory at North Leigh.

The pivotal moment of a match that had begun brightly for the Peacocks came a quarter of an hour from the end when former Taunton player Kristian Miller lashed home a stunning right-foot volley to put Cinderford ahead.

The home side, playing fast attacking football, had their noses ahead as early as the 9th minute. Left-back Phil Veal lobbed the ball into the penalty area where his elder brother, striker Craig, came out best in a heavy challenge with keeper Alex Harris. The ball ran loose to Corey Lewis who slammed it into the gaping net for his second goal in as many games.

At this stage, Taunton were threatening to run riot, and Craig Veal narrowly missed with two further opportunities to build a more commanding lead.

Industrious midfielder Rodney Marsh also twice went close early in the second period. The misses proved costly as Taunton appeared to lose their way when the hard-working Lewis and productive wide man Darren Rice were withdrawn on 53 minutes.

Dale Evans levelled from the spot quarter of an hour later after Marsh had been penalised been penalised for a reckless tackle on the right-hand fringe of the box, then Miller put the visitors ahead with his wonder strike just ten minutes after replacing centre-forward Sean Seavill.

Taunton's frustration got the better of them in the closing stages, and captain Andy Butler was red-carded for a second booking in an incident involving another former Peacock, Nick McCootie.

Three minutes into stoppage time Dale Evans wrapped up Cinderford's victory with his second penalty of the night, this time after a foul by Phil Veal.

Taunton: Chris Astley, George Painter, Phil Veal, Chris McGrath, Danny Lane, Jamie Clough (Jon Vance 75), Andy Butler (captain), Corey Lewis (Alexis Piper 53), Craig Veal, Rodney Marsh, Darren Rice (Ross McNab 53). Unused subs: Raiff Gwinnett, Tim Legg