Recap
Report
Town continued their pre-season programme with a straightforward win over their visitors from Cornwall who were making their first ever appearance at the Cygnet Health Care Stadium. Two goals up at the break, the Peacocks added a third during an uneventful second half as they build momentum towards the National League season.
The home side made a brisk start, with Joe Guest just failing to get on the end of Joe Budd’s ball across goal and Ollie Chamberlain driving over from Nick McCootie’s lay-off. McCootie then took advantage of a loose pass to outmuscle two opponents just outside the box before drilling a missile strike past the rooted Lloyd Marshall into the top corner to give the Peacocks an 8th minute lead.
Town remained well on top as the half progressed as they carved out various chances. Jay Foulston’s corner found Dan Ball at the far post, but his header was straight at Marshall while Foulston’s pass set Nat Jarvis free who scuffed his effort and Marshall collected easily. The young Helston keeper then kept his side in the game with a series of fine stops. After McCootie had been brought down, he dived to turn aside Lloyd James’ free kick at his near post, then after the returning McCootie had won the ball on the right he set it up on a plate for Jarvis to only fire straight at Marshall who also blocked Guest’s follow-up attempt before turning over Foulston’s 20 yard shot. Will Buse meanwhile made only one save all half when he safely gathered Tyler Elliott’s shot.
The Peacocks finally added an overdue second goal three minutes from the break when Ioan Richards found Budd down the right and Guest was on hand to slot home his centre. The interval saw the hosts make six substitutions and with their guests also making numerous swaps during the second half the game took on the familiar fragmented friendly feel. Sam Carter lobbed over from a narrow angle for the visitors early on before trialist Dylan Morgan volleyed wide from Jared Lewington’s cross for Town who extended their lead after 66 minutes when Zac Smith curled a ball in from the right. Lewington won the aerial challenge with Marshall and Sims-Burgess had the luxury of the open net to tuck in his first goal in claret and blue.
Budd was taken down from behind, but no penalty given before the same player rattled the crossbar with a strike from outside the box, the rebound falling to Lewington who couldn’t keep his header down. Morgan then lashed a shot into the side netting and substitute Lee Lucas, making a welcome return to action after his cruciate injury, blasted a power volley inches over while Matty Bye posted Helston’s best effort when he fired wide. The game petered out in the evening warmth with the Peacocks now facing another four warm-ups before the big event on 6th August.
Line-Ups
Taunton: Will Buse (Lloyd Irish 45) , Joe Budd (Harry Warwick 74, Jay Foulston (Ross Staley 45), Ioan Richards, Dan Ball, Jake Wannell (Zac Smith 45), Ollie Chamberlain (Dylan Morgan 45), Lloyd James (Lee Lucas 74), Nat Jarvis (Jared Lewington 45) (Lloyd James 78), Nick McCootie (Dave Sims-Burgess 45), Joe Guest. Unused subs: Ross Stearn, Nick Grimes
Helston: Lloyd Marshall, Isaac Burden, Tom Payne (Josh Storey 65), Jordan Bentley (Steve Colwell 65), Aaron Bentley (Tom Payne 85), Fred Walter (Jordan Bentley 85), Harrison Jewell (Rhys Shanley 65), Matty Bye (captain) (Harrison Jewell 85), Ricky Shepherd, Tyler Elliott (Kye Cornish 65), Sam Carter (Tyler Elliott 85). Unused subs: Morgan Jones, Rocco Hill
Officials
Referee: Ross Martin (Weston-super-Mare)
Referee’s Assistant 1: Richard Salvage (Cotford St Luke)
Referee’s Assistant 2: Callum Ham (Chard)
Attendance
272
Reaction
“It’s another tick in the box, another step along the way for August 6th and that’s what it’s about………” watch Rob Dray’s Match Reaction on Peacocks TV HERE
Highlights
Match highlights can be seen on Peacocks TV HERE
Photos
Match photos from Club Photographers Ashley Harris can be viewed HERE and Debbie Gould HERE