Taunton Town forced National League South side Weston-super-Mare to a replay in the Emirates FA Cup Second Round Qualifying in front of a bumper crowd at the Cygnet Health Care Stadium, writes Jenna Kirby.
Taunton Town knew they would have their work cut out in this Emirates FA Cup tie, as Weston-super-Mare arrived at the Cygnet Health Care Stadium sitting a division higher than their hosts and riding high on a four game winning streak, making them formidable opponents for the Peacocks on what promised to be a big afternoon in the FA Cup.
The opening exchanges proved fairly even, with both sides probing and looking to settle quickly. Owen Brain came close to giving Taunton an early lead, while the visitors responded through Louis Britton, who lashed a half volley over Frankie Phillips’ crossbar to signal their attacking intent.
The game remained fragmented in the opening twenty minutes, both sides struggling to find rhythm as referee Steven Swan allowed play to flow. Controversy soon followed when new signing Joe Hatch looked to have been played clean through after Jack Rice was fouled, only for the assistant’s flag to halt the move, a decision that drew loud frustration from the Peacock Army.
Taunton were forced into a reshuffle midway through the half when Bailey Croome limped off injured, replaced by Jacob Hodgson, and Weston began to apply greater pressure. The pressure eventually told on 33 minutes as Sam Pearson collected a lay off and whipped a superb strike into the top corner past Phillips to put the visitors ahead.
The setback only galvanised the Peacocks, and their response was immediate. Barely three minutes later Hatch powered down the left and was brought down inside the area, leaving the referee with no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Rice stepped up with trademark composure, sending goalkeeper Max Harris the wrong way with a precise finish into the bottom corner to restore parity and lift the roof off the Cygnet.
Both sides pressed for an advantage as the half drew to a close, Weston again threatening from set pieces while Taunton looked dangerous on the break. But with the Peacock Army in full voice, the sides went into the interval level at 1-1 after an absorbing first 45 minutes, the tie perfectly poised for a thrilling second half.
Taunton came out with renewed purpose and almost grabbed the initiative when a goalmouth scramble saw the ball bounce loose in the Weston area, only for the visitors to clear desperately at the crucial moment. Phillips was called into action at the other end, producing a fine save from a corner as both sides traded blows. Hodgson, continuing to make his mark after his first half introduction, created a promising opening but couldn’t find the target as the game ebbed and flowed.
The defining moment arrived when Ben Seymour was played through with a glorious chance to put Taunton ahead. The striker controlled a perfectly weighted pass before unleashing a half volley that flashed inches wide of Harris’s far post as Weston survived their biggest scare of the afternoon.
More tactical adjustments would follow on 69 minutes, introducing fresh legs in the pursuit of a winner. Five minutes later, Kalvin Kalala replaced the industrious Hatch as the Peacocks continued to press for that elusive second goal.
The closing stages delivered drama in abundance. On 80 minutes, Taunton carved out two magnificent opportunities in quick succession. First, Seymour found space on the edge of the area to deliver a dangerous cross, before Hodgson rose unmarked to meet a corner from the right, both chances going agonisingly close to settling the tie in the hosts’ favour.
Weston thought they had stolen victory with just three minutes remaining when Britton found the net, only for the assistant referee’s flag to deny them a dramatic winner.
In the dying embers, Jacob Towns was thrown on for Tom Purrington as The Peacocks committed everything to attack. Despite five additional minutes, neither side could find the decisive breakthrough and attention now turns to Tuesday evening’s return fixture at Weston’s Optima Stadium, where the Peacocks will look to book their place in the next round of the Emirates FA Cup. On this evidence, both sets of supporters are in for another absorbing encounter.
This afternoon’s Man of the Match was awarded to Taunton’s Josh Owers, who ran his socks off in midfield and was a constant thorn in Weston’s side. Josh was awarded the bottle of prosecco by his sponsor, Debbie.
We would like to thank Bishops Lydeard U9, who were this afternoon’s official mascots. We hope you all had a brilliant day and look forward to welcoming you again soon.
📸 Match photos courtesy of Debbie Gould can be viewed here: Flickr Album.