A GENERALLY dreamy end-of-season 1-0 victory at Godalming Town yesterday was nonetheless notable for Taunton on a number of counts, writes James Wright.
It was an eighth straight win for the Peacocks in all competitions, their longest winning sequence since the Western League era.
It also completed a perfect April in terms of league fixtures - seven wins from as many games.
Taunton took the lead after seven minutes. Chris Young, returning from a two match ban, latched on to a Jamie Short pass and drilled a right foot shot into the far corner of the net.
Godalming, who have failed to win at home on a Saturday all season, rallied. Darren Wheeler curled a twenty yard shot wide, and then Chris Wales was just off target with a header.
However Taunton finished the half back on top. Young had a shot blocked, then Rodney Marsh flashed an effort just wide after being set up by Lewis Tasker.
The Peacocks' tails were still up at the start of the second period. Jamie Price smashed the ball against a post, then Marsh headed a Tasker corner just over.
Shortly after replacing an injured Young, Steve Murray almost scored the most spectacular of volleys after connecting sweetly with a Short free kick. Simon Ingram curled another set piece into Zaki Oualah's arms, then supplied a pin-point cross from which Price headed over as Taunton continued to pile on the pressure.
The second goal just would not come though, Town having to settle for a narrow victory ahead of Tuesday's Somerset Premier Cup final.
Taunton: Joe Perry, Jamie Price, Steve Kingdon (captain), Owen Irish, Ben Mammola, Rob Norrish, Jamie Short, Simon Ingram, Chris Young (Steve Murray 66), Rodney Marsh (Ross MacNab 76), Lewis Tasker. Unused subs: Shane Kingston, Nat Pepperell, Ben Carter Referee: Daniel Berry (Southampton).
Assistants: Stephen Graham (Totton), Michael Fogt (Winchester).
Attendance: 141.
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