It was mission accomplished for Taunton Town as they extended their remarkable run to five consecutive victories, overcoming high-flying Farnham Town 1–0 at the Cygnet Health Care Stadium to secure their place in next season’s Southern League Premier Division South.
Just seven matches ago, Town found themselves languishing in 21st position on 33 points, seemingly destined for relegation to Division One South. However, since their last defeat away at Poole on 14th March, Gary Johnson, Lloyd Irish and the squad have overseen a stunning turnaround. An unbeaten run of seven matches, including two draws followed by five straight wins, has propelled the Peacocks up the table, now sitting four places clear of the drop zone, mathematically safe with a game to spare. It is an outstanding achievement, particularly in the context of a season plagued by injuries, which began on the opening day when both Ryan Lane and Austen Booth were ruled out during the warm-up at Havant & Waterlooville.
Following a cagey opening period, Taunton began to assert control, with momentum firmly swinging in Johnson’s favour. Backed by a loud and passionate home support, the Peacocks rose to the occasion on what would become a memorable night in the club’s recent history. Owen Brain, returning from suspension, made an immediate impact, within a minute of entering the fray, his low, driven effort was parried into the path of Jamie Richards, who made no mistake from close range to fire Town into the lead, sparking wild celebrations around the ground. Further chances came and went, but after an extended period of added time, referee Craig Scriven’s final whistle confirmed what had once seemed unlikely, survival secured for another year at Step 3.
Johnson’s influence has been particularly evident on home soil, where he remains unbeaten as manager, boasting an impressive record of seven wins and three draws from his ten matches at the helm, a crucial factor in the club’s survival.
Attention now turns to this Saturday, when Evesham United make the trip to the Cygnet Health Care Stadium knowing that only a victory will preserve their Southern League Premier Division South status. Anything less would condemn them to an immediate return to Division One South, just a year on from their play-off triumph over Exmouth Town. However, recent form offers little encouragement for the Worcestershire side, who have managed just two wins from their last ten outings, while those around them have found form at a critical stage. Like Taunton, Evesham have also endured injury setbacks and are relying on a youthful squad in their battle to avoid the drop.
Supporters are also reminded that the club’s end-of-season presentations will take place following the final whistle, offering a chance to celebrate the achievements of the squad across what has been a remarkable campaign. Players and staff will be joining supporters in the bar afterwards, so please do stay behind, enjoy the rest of the afternoon and evening, and mark the occasion together.
A Message from Lloyd Irish:
“It’s great to be able to look forward to a match without any pressure on us, something that didn’t seem possible leading up to the Easter weekend, but here we are, and we will certainly enjoy the day. Survival at the start of the season would not have been classed as success, but the season has been far from plain sailing. We’ve been plagued by injuries, amongst other misfortunes, so we can certainly celebrate this.
“Gary has done a fantastic job over the past few months to put belief back into this team and add more quality where it was needed. He’s remained confident we’d avoid the drop the whole time, and his positivity has certainly rubbed off on everyone else. Praise also needs to be given to the players who have stuck at the task, worked tirelessly to get it right, and now we are all looking forward to next season with a massive buzz around the place.
“The support has been incredible as well, you’ve stuck with us the whole way and helped us get to this point. We’d love you to join us in the bar after the game; most of the players, staff, and directors will be staying for a drink or two, so please feel free to join us.
“A special mention must also go to our awesome kitman, Rich, for whom nothing is too much trouble, as well as all the volunteers, our media team, our ground staff, the bar staff, stewards, and everyone else who helps make a match day so easy for all of the playing team. We’re very lucky to have you all.
“With regard to the fixture against Evesham, we will of course take the game seriously and go strong. Gary remains unbeaten at home, and we are eager to keep it that way. We also have to remain truthful and honest to the league, we would want the same if we had survival on the line and were relying on results elsewhere, so please come down and support us in numbers for our last game of the season and get behind the lads.
“As always, thank you for your amazing support! UTP”
Evesham United Tickets:
Supporters can purchase tickets for Saturday’s Southern League Premier South fixture online through FanBase here.
- Adult – £14.00
- Concession (State Pensioners + Students) – £11.00
- Juniors (16 and under) – £5.00
- Under 6 free with a paying adult – £0.00
Match Coverage:
We will provide live updates across our social media channels throughout the game, along with post match interviews. You can also listen live to Rich Smith and Jon Reed’s match commentary from 10 minutes before kick off: Peacocks Radio.