City travelled to Somerset on Saturday and came away with a well won point after a disappointing first half. Taunton dominated the opening period and could have been three up before City put in a worthwhile attack when a James Wilson’s cross/shot drifted over the bar.
Matt Bowler was called in action early when he chested out a shot in the first minute and then TAUNTON went close with a shot into the side netting. As the home side piled on the pressure a far post header was put wide. The Peacocks looked certain to score when Danny Lane was put through with only Clint Davies to beat. The City keeper came off his line and smothered the shot on the edge of the area.
Gradually City got their act together and a good run by Dave Allen forced the keeper into a save and then Adam Lang put the keeper into difficulties as he caught him too far off his line but the ball went just wide of the post. City nearly took the lead when Matt Czastka crossed for James Davis to clip the crossbar with a header.
It was, however, Taunton who took the lead in the 38th minute when Lang unfortunately gave the ball away and a cross came into the area which despite some pinball between the two sides, City failed to clear and Mat beadle was in the right place to divert the loose ball to Tom Collectt who tapped it home from close range.
Manger Andy Leader must have shaken the team up at half time because they dominated the second half and could have won the game. Terry Cox came on at the start for Sam Lockyer but it was Taunton who showed first putting a free kick over the bar. City hit back immediately when a Brett Williams; header forced keeper Liam Bull into a diving save. Chastka, Allen and Davis all created chances but with time running out a well deserved break came City’s way when Williams was brought down in the penalty area and Adam George gratefully tucked the spot kick away (69th).
TAUNTON came back forcing Davies to a save and Andy Leader made changes to give City some more options. Warren Bentley replaced Davis (73rd) and James Wilkinson came on for Williams (83rd) and the two youngsters added pace. It looked as if Allen was going to give City the win when he found himself in the clear and lobbed the keeper but he managed to get a finger to the ball and the chance was gone.
As City pressed that elusive winner nearly came thanks to Taunton’s Darren Stone who sliced the ball and his keeper saved the day with a brilliant save!
This Saturday City are home to Burnham, kick off 3.00p.m.
City: Clint Davies, James Wilson, Adam Lang, Adam George, Matt Bowler, Steve Llewellyn, Matt Czastka, Dave Allen, Brett Williams, James Davis, sam Lockyer, Substitutes: Terry Cox (46th), Warren Bentley (72nd), James Wilkinson (83), Jimmy Ball.
