Taunton Town progressed to the next round of this season’s FA Cup after victory in the 1st Qualifying Round over Wessex Premier side Millbrook. For the third consecutive game, The Peacocks managed to score 4 goals. A brace for Jamie Richards, one for Ben Seymour and a first for hometown boy Phil Mendonca, writes Rich Smith.
Manager Gary Johnson was forced into one change to the starting line-up as Jay Murray’s month-long loan had come to an end and he joined Callum Hewlett in returning to parent club Weston-super-Mare. Mendonca replaced Jay on the right wing.
Taunton started strongly and had their first opportunity on four minutes. A floated ball from Mendonca found Richards at the back post, but his shot went wide of the post.
The visitors had their first chance on 12 minutes. A cross from the left by Keegan Kelly found Archie Greenough, but his shot was tame and easily gathered by Godden.
Taunton were having a lot of possession and creating chances in the box, but were only met by a strong defensive display from the Hampshire side, who plied their trade two leagues below their opponents. Millbrook definitely came with a plan to try and frustrate Taunton, and their defensive display in the first 45 minutes definitely did that, in a half that lacked quality despite the quantity of chances.
Attacking the Hamilton Park end in the second half, with the sun in the eyes of Luke Deacon, the Millbrook keeper, Taunton began to show their higher league fitness and movement, and their endeavours were rewarded when they took the lead on 52 minutes. After dancing his way into the box, Rice pulled the ball back to Jones, whose shot was blocked, only for it to fall at the feet of Seymour, who fired home.
Taunton thought they had a quick second goal on 58 minutes when Phil Mendonca’s cross from the right found Robinson in the box, who put the ball into the net, only to be denied by the assistant referee’s flag.
Taunton were now showing their dominance, with shots being parried away by goalkeeper Deacon. Jack Rice tested the reach of the Millbrook number 1 with two quick free kicks, the latter resulting in a corner. From the resulting corner, the ball fell to skipper Jamie Richards to make it 2-0.
On 70 minutes, Taunton increased their advantage when, in a moment of madness, local lad Phil Mendonca scored his first goal in Taunton colours after a goalmouth scramble. The Millbrook defence were only able to clear as far as the Taunton youngster, who fired into the opposite corner of the net to make it 3-0.
Taunton weren’t done there, adding a fourth ,and their astonishing 23rd of the season already, when Jamie Richards grabbed his second of the afternoon on 77 minutes. Getting onto the end of Jack Rice’s ball into the box, the defender headed back across goal, which went unchallenged into the net to wrap up the game and rubber-stamp The Peacocks’ place in the next round.
A win that saw Taunton into the 2nd Qualifying Round for the 9th season in a row. We awaited to see our next-round opponents, with the draw being made on Monday afternoon.
It was also a big day for TTFC legend Tony Payne, who celebrated his 80th birthday. Taunton Town FC would like to wish Tony a very happy 80th birthday and hope he enjoyed his special day. There was also a birthday treat for Gavin Newell, who celebrated his 40th birthday, with Gavin carrying the match ball out to the centre spot as part of his special day. All at TTFC would like to wish both Tony and Gavin a very happy birthday and hope they enjoyed the day.