Peacocks Suffer Defeat At The Cygnet

On a day of extreme disappointment, the Peacocks unbeaten home run, which stretches back 11 games came to a sad halt, with a very much lacklustre performance verses Chertsey Town. A game where although outplayed in many departments, the Peacocks had opportunities to snatch all 3 points. Which, and it has to be said, would have been an injustice to the visitors. But for Josh Goulds heroics in goal, the result could have been very embarrassing. Considering this was the first match at the Cygnet in 28 days, added to the fact that former captain Nick Grimes was back in the Claret n Blue, the attendance of 677 was very poor! The crowd issue is something I have never been able to work out, given the population of the town.

Taunton began the game with real meaning, like they meant business. In the opening 10 minutes we had chances of going one up. A Nielsen-Smith link up resulted in a fine save, with his feet, from keeper Jupp, after Toms effort, was intercepted at the expense of a corner. From the resulting kick, Grimes was to head well over the bar. A better chance arose within minutes, when Brains goal-bound shot, struck the feet of team mate Toby Down. I have no doubt at all, this would have gave us the lead. Now, they say that one man does not make a team, but in Jack Mazzone, Chertsey have a player that many Taunton fans would give their right hands for. Taunton knew how dangerous he can be, in recent years he has became somewhat of a nemesis, scoring countless goals against us. The Peacocks showed naivety in not having him marked at all times, preferably by 2 players! Jacks first goal was a beauty, when a perfect cross was volleyed home by the unmarked Mazzone. Within 10 minutes, the Curfews were two goals up, and it was that man Mazzone again, after Taunton had lost the ball with all defenders bar Grimes, missing at the back. Mazzone beat Grimes all too easily, and in the one to one verses Gould, there was only going to be one winner. Taunton were in total disarray, as tempers began to show on the bench. Corrick then saw an effort go wide of the post, as we attempted to fight back. With around 15 minutes of the half remaining Jayden Nielsen finally gave the subdued crowd something to cheer about. It was not one of Nielsens powerful, crisp drives that we have witnessed twice already this season. Very much looking like a total mishit, as he struck the ball from the edge of the box. What the hell, we will take it. As half time loomed, Taunton had a decent penalty shout for handball waved away, despite the appeals of many Taunton players. Not a good day at all for referee Mitchem, who in my opinion got many decisions wrong.  We were to get one more chance before the half ended when a Smith free kick from just outside the box, was smashed into the wall, and then landed comfortably in Jupps hands. And so we went in at half time 1-2 down, with everything to play for.

The 2nd half began with a Brain effort going over the bar in the very first minute. It was not long before the scores were level, with Smith the provider and Brain the scorer. Smith crossed and although under pressure from Chertsey’s Fisher, Brain got his head to the ball first, which deflected off Fisher and into the net. Our joy was to last just one minute, with the visitors yet again catching us off  guard. A quick attack saw Gould make a fingertip save and knock the ball out for a corner. And it was unmarked Mazzone yet again! we had learned nothing from his first two goals, as he scissor kicked home from the corner, through the packed Taunton goalmouth. It could have got oh so much worse, Gould by far the busiest of keepers. With the clock at 16-20 Josh pulled off another good save, the best was still to come from Josh!!!! Jayden Nielsen had a go from distance that went wide, followed by another from Brain that was well saved by Jupp. As the 90th minute approached Taunton were to get their best chance of the game. A good link up of passes involving several players, saw substitute Jay Malshanskyj through with just the keeper to beat. Could this be our third 3-3 of the season at the Cygnet? No… the ball was struck straight at keeper Jupp, making the save simple. Even then, deep into injury time Chertsey almost scored a 4th. Seeing Josh Gould well off his line, Chertsey attempted a shot of such audacity, from their own half. With Josh back-peddling he pulled off a save of Gordon Banks quality. to twist his body and prevent the goal. Top class performances from Gould and Brain, on a day when so many were below par. We need to do so much better than this, apart from Mazzone, Chertsey are a very average team, we know this team of ours are capable on their day. The addition of Nick Grimes is a much welcomed addition, but its now becoming clearly evident where the final piece of the jigsaw is needed.