TWO goals from Rodney Marsh were not enough to save Taunton from opening day 3-2 defeat at newly- promoted Winchester in the Evo-Stik Southern South West, writes Andy Power.

After trailing at the interval, Marsh’s equaliser eight minutes from time seemed to have got Town some reward but they switched off at the end to allow the hosts to put the game out of reach, despite another Marsh strike.

Manager Leigh Robinson gave full debuts to six new summer signings and, with returnee Connor Sidley-Adams in goal, it was a new-look Peacocks side that ran out at the Denplan Stadium.

After Marsh had received lengthy facial treatment following an accidental collision with Jamie Short, the match settled down into a scrappy affair with chances at a premium on a very poor standard playing surface.

George Bowerman fired past the left post and Michael Charles arrowed a shot just over for the home side whilst Dean Stamp had Town’s best opportunity, turning and prodding a shot towards goal which was cut out by a defender for a corner.

Winchester’s direct-style paid dividends after 39 minutes when Tom Dunford swung the ball over from the left finding Charles who set up Leigh Mills who couldn't miss for the opening goal from six yards. Charles nearly made it two but was denied by a superb Ben Mammola tackle as he was about to pull the trigger.

Town continued to struggle for cohesion after the break with James Blake and debutant Lee Smyth coming off the bench to try and spark a fightback. Smyth hit his volley straight at Rory Anderson but City had the clearer chances; Charlie Smeeton's drive flew over from outside the box and Charles was through on goal but thwarted by Sidley-Adams who made another fine save by touching James Taylor's effort past the post.

Centre half Neil Peek was thrown into the mix in a forward role and had a hand in Town’s equaliser on 82 minutes. His long throw was cleared only as far as Dave Hambly who fed Simon Ingram. The captain’s ball into the box fell to Marsh who tucked his shot beyond Anderson’s left hand.

Hopes of a point evaporated with two minutes remaining. Town lost concentration and allowed a long throw to bounce twice across the area to reach ex-AFC Totton striker Charles who tapped home to regain the lead for the current Wessex League champions.

It soon became 3-1 on 90 minutes when a break from Dunford gave Charles the chance to shoot at goal and Dunford touched the loose ball in from close range.

Owen Irish headed narrowly over from Peek’s long throw before Taunton did manage to notch another goal three minutes into stoppage time, Peek releasing Marsh who ran on to steer the ball into the keeper’s right hand corner.