SOUTHERN LEAGUE PREMIER SOUTH: Walton & Hersham 0-1 Taunton Town

Taunton Town got back to winning ways after a 1-0 win against a strong Walton & Hersham side on Tuesday (November 5).

The Peacocks victory – sealed by a stunning Alfie Moulden strike – ended the Surrey side’s eight-month unbeaten run.

Taunton are now up to eighth in the Southern League Premier South table.

Manager Richard Luffman made three changes to the starting XI from the side which drew 1-1 with Bracknell Town at the weekend with Josh Owers given his first start for the club since signing from AFC Totton as well as Opi Edwards and Aysa Corrick coming into the side.

The opening 20 minutes were fairly even at the Elmbridge Xcel Sports Hub, with both sides winning set pieces in dangerous positions and on 19 minutes Josh Gould had to make a good save to deny Walton & Hersham the lead.

Alfie Moulden had a low shot denied on 23 minutes and Tom Smith shot wide for Taunton on 37 minutes but the score remained 0-0 at half time.

Eight minutes into the second half Taunton Town took the lead as Alfie Moulden unleashed a screamer from outside the box.

As Walton & Hersham pushed for an equaliser, Josh Gould had to produce a good save to deny them on 65 minutes and they rattled the woodwork on 75 minutes.

However, despite late pressure from the home side, Taunton Town managed to see it out, securing an important victory.

Speaking to the club’s media after the game, Manager Richard Luffman paid tribute to the winning goal. He said: “We were right behind it and it was an unbelievable goal but the weight of pass from Tom (Purrington) was absolutely superb so he could hit that tonight.”

He also praised goalkeeper Josh Gould who was named man of the match. Luffman said he was ‘brilliant’ in goal for the Peacocks.

Next up for Taunton Town is a trip to Wimborne Town away from home. The Dorset side are currently 14th in the league having won five and drawn two of their 14 league games this season.

The Magpies are without a win in three games and lost to Chertsey Town at home on Saturday (November 2). Taunton are unbeaten in two league games after a 1-1 draw with Bracknell Town and the victory at Walton & Hersham.