Under such adverse weather conditions for both clubs, a day such as this was always going to test the spirits of every player involved.

It was certainly no match for the faint-hearted. What the 617 in attendance, which included over 100 Taunton fans, witnessed was an absolute stormer, with 2 goals of exceptional quality.

Statistics show that in the six games played between these clubs since 2018, Taunton had won four and drawn two, so from that perspective we had the upper hand.

Hands would have been snatched off by many of the Taunton faithful, had we the hindsight to have known we would be going home with a point. Taunton came out of the traps the fastest, with Smith having a early shot going slightly wide of the post.

The link ups involving Smith, Corrick and Brain paid dividends just after the 15 minute mark. Corrick passed to Smith, who shimmied past a defender, before putting the perfect through ball to Brain, with no hesitation whatsoever, Owen, with defenders breathing down his neck, slotted home past keeper Benfield to make it 0-1 to the Peacocks. Perfection in motion. 

We did not have it all our own way, with the Dorchester number 5, Jordan Ngalo breaking down many Taunton attacks almost single handily. He was a colossus, an ace in the Dorch pack, certainly a player worthy of higher league status. Our lead was to last just 10 minutes, when the Magpies scored an absolute belter.

It was always going to be fatal to give away a free kick, with the fierce wind blowing towards Goulds goal, but there seemed to be no complaints from the Taunton team when the ref awarded the Magpies one way outside the box, a seemingly safe position.

Wind assisted or not, Marcus Daws hit a rocket, that gave Josh no chance, as the ball flew into the top corner. 1-1 and all to play for. We saw further efforts from Smith, and also one from Purrington saved by Benfield. Taunton were giving it everything to reclaim their lead. Josh was to pull off a fast reaction save from close range, late in the half.

This game could have gone anywhere, with both teams set on the 3 points. Now this is the worrying aspect of being a Taunton supporter these days. We really do not know what we are going to get. On our day, we can beat the best. On another, lose to the poorest. We have became somewhat a Jekyll and Hyde team. Which all adds to the mystique of being a Peacocks fan. Today, we were witnessing the best, this was an immense performance. Going in at the break at 1-1 a perfect reflection of two evenly matched clubs.

The heavens opened for the 2nd half, just as us Taunton supporters took up our places behind the uncovered Dorch goal. Not ideal conditions at all for fans or the players on the field. Again, like the first half, the game went from end to end, with both clubs having chances. Josh Gould pulling off another 2 good saves, keeping us firmly in the game.

Taunton were to have many chances themselves to score a winner, with Smith once again coming so close in latching on to a cross put into the packed Dorch box, where a slight bounce thwarted him. We saw a free kick taken by Feltham go wide, the wind surely a game changer. We could not fault or question our teams commitment, a draw against a club lying in 5th position, away from home, is a fine achievement.

This was a good game to watch, despite the conditions. Now we have three games at home, where we have not been beaten yet this season. Lets hope we can still say this in two weeks time. First of the three are Chertsey, who are just above us on goal difference. Come on Taunton, we must be looking at the victory for this one.