Taunton Town closed the gap on EVO-STIK League Southern Division One South & West leaders Hereford FC to a mere ten points on Tuesday night with a 3-0 home win over Shortwood United, writes Pitchero's Steve Whitney.
In doing so, the Peacocks chalked up their sixth `double` of the season at the Viridor Stadium.Shortwood held firm until the 70th minute when their resistance was broken by Alex Hoyle from close range. The home side doubled their lead within a minute when Craig Veal found the back of the net and Ross Staley turned in a cross by Jordan Rogers in the 83rd minute to make it 3-0.
Salisbury FC remain in fourth spot after a 3-1 win against neighbours Winchester City at the Raymond McEnhill Stadium in front of a crowd of 599. Justin Bennett, who later went off with an injury, gave the Whites a great start with a goal inside two minutes. Tommy Wright added a second after 18 minutes and Eddie Perrett a third with only 23 minutes gone on the clock. Ex-Salisbury player Sam Wilson reduced the arrears in the 34th minute but that proved to be the end of the scoring.
Swindon Supermarine leap-frogged Mangotsfield United into sixth place after a comprehensive 5-0 win at the WebbsWood Stadium.
Ashley Taylor gave Marine a 13th minute lead that Callum Parsons doubled in the 28th minute. Just after half-time, the Mangos suffered a major blow when Dale Evans received his second yellow card.
And Josh Grace-Parsons made them pay with a third in the 49th minute. Callum Parsons again on 76 minutes and Connor Waldon two minutes from time made it a nap hand for `Marine.
The evening’s other game between Paulton Rovers and AFC Totton ended all-square at 2-2.
Dave Allen put the Stags in front after 14 minutes, only for Elliott Gibbons to level on the quarter-hour mark. Alfy Whittingham restored the visitors’ lead on the hour-mark but Jordan Ricketts salvaged a point for his dad’s side in the 63rd minute