Taunton Town suffered a second consecutive home defeat yesterday afternoon, going down to Hanwell Town after a run of ten unbeaten months at home.
The Peacocks controlled the opening twenty minutes, enjoying the lion’s share of possession. The game turned when Taunton conceded a penalty, which Hanwell converted into the top right corner. Freddie Godden guessed the right way but couldn’t keep it out. The visitors seized the momentum and were the stronger side for the rest of the half.
Taunton started the second half brightly, pressing high in the Hanwell half, but the visitors took their first chance of the period to double their lead. Hanwell then controlled much of the possession and used their physical approach to disrupt the home side’s rhythm.
Taunton refused to give in, though. Three substitutions, Phil Mendonca, Jay Murray and Gabe Billington, shifted the balance back in the Peacocks’ favour. Mendonca was particularly effective down the right, making several strong runs and delivering dangerous balls into the box. Ben Seymour gave the home side hope, rounding the keeper to slot home and set up a tense finish. Unfortunately, the Peacocks couldn’t find an equaliser, and Hanwell held on for the win.
In the post match Interview Head of Football Lloyd Irish said
“Give credit to them… they came and did a job on us today, but we were nowhere near our best. Those three subs came on and really impacted the game… Ben got his goal and looked a threat, but Phil was fantastic. That’s what we were after from the start really… he was getting out the full-backs, putting in some fantastic deliveries. Phil and Ben were very positive when they came on… but we’d left them too much to do, to be honest.”
