The Peacocks battled to their fifth successive victory when they pulled off an excellent 2-1 Calor League success over Merthyr Town at the Viridor Stadium last night (15 April). It was another well-earned three points for Town against the league leaders who were quick out the blocks, snatching the lead after only seven minutes when a corner was not properly cleared, Kris Leek delivered the ball back in and Ryan Prosser netted after a Gavin Williams assist. Nat Pepperell cleared a flicked header from Andrew Thomas off the line and a close range shot from Gary Colborne was blocked as the visitors pressed but Town rode the storm and after Lee Idzi had touched over an inswinging Shane Kingston cross, they equalised on 19 minutes when Jamie Short’s cross from the right was headed home by captain Steve Kingdon. Taunton went ahead on the half hour mark when Kingston found Chris Young on the right, his pass gave Short the chance to cross to the far post where Pepperell headed back into the danger area for Ross MacNab to force in. MacNab then got into a good position early in the second half but saw his shot blocked by Colborne. Merthyr turned up the pressure as they tried to restore parity but Town were man for the job defensively and looked dangerous themselves on the break. Leek seized on a clearance but volleyed past the post and Joe Perry then made a fantastic save to tip over an overhead effort from Williams. Ben Carter shot wide for the Peacocks before the Martyrs last chance disappeared when Thomas’ lunging header from close range went over. Match report now online.
Manager Leigh Robinson said:” It was a fantastic win and I thought the lads defensively were truly heroic tonight. Merthyr loaded balls into our box from all angles especially in the second half which was a real test of our physicality and concentration but the lads were up to the task. A brilliant all round effort but it’s now gone and we have three games to finish as high as we can.”