Taunton Town edged a seven-goal thriller at Ladysmead in the Emirates FA Cup First Round Qualifying, with a blistering 20-minute spell in the second half proving decisive in a 4–3 derby victory over Tiverton Town. Defender Brodie Montague was the star of the show, scoring twice and earning the Man of the Match award as the Peacocks booked their place in Monday afternoon’s draw.
The travelling Peacock Army had reason to celebrate early as their side struck within four minutes. Vice-captain Jacob Hodgson rose highest to meet an Alfie Moulden free-kick, powering home a header to give Taunton the perfect start. Kane Simpson soon tested George Burton as Taunton controlled the early exchanges, but Tiverton levelled against the run of play just before half-time when Dan Koita squeezed a finish beyond Nick Grimes’ last-ditch clearance.
The second half began disastrously for the visitors, with Tor Swann converting virtually from the restart of the match. Two minutes in and the ball fell to Swann after Koita was bundled to the floor, and he slotted home. Suddenly trailing 2–1, Taunton responded with what manager Richard Luffman later described as their “best 20-minute spell of the season.”
Montague ignited the comeback on 57 minutes, looping a header backwards over Burton to restore parity. Just three minutes later, he produced a stunning strike, meeting a cross at the back post with a thunderous volley that rocketed into the near corner, sending the away end into raptures.
Taunton were not finished. On 70 minutes, substitute Jack Rice was bundled through on goal, and as the loose ball spilled free, Josh Owers showed great awareness to poke home from close range and put the Peacocks 4–2 ahead.
Tiverton, to their credit, hit back quickly as Aiden Horne fired in from the centre of the box to make it 4–3 with just over 15 minutes to play. But the Peacocks, with Montague marshalling the backline superbly, stood firm to see out a pulsating contest.
The final whistle sparked jubilant celebrations among Luffers, the first team and the travelling support, with Montague rightly recognised as Man of the Match for his decisive double and defensive resilience.
Taunton’s reward was a place in the Emirates FA Cup Second Round Qualifying draw, which was scheduled to take place on Monday afternoon.
Match photos courtesy of Commercial Director & Club Photographer, Debbie Gould can be accessed through the link here.
