Promoted Taunton Take A Step Closer To The Title

Taunton Town, who achieved promotion last Saturday, gained another three points on Bank Holiday Monday to make it twenty-eight games unbeaten and move seventeen points clear of second-placed Salisbury FC

Another couple of wins will see the Peacocks take the title as well after a hard-earned 1-0 win at The Sports Ground against a Bideford AFC side for whom this was a damaging third successive defeat in their own efforts to make the play-offs.

In front of a crowd of 403, Matty Wright`s goal 20 minutes from time preserved Taunton`s record.

Taunton`s title hopes were significantly assisted by Wimborne Town as they beat Salisbury 4-2 at The W+S Stadium to move into fourth spot, three points clear of seventh-placed Didcot Town.

A crowd of 711 saw Jacob Wannell give the White a good start with a goal after 32 minutes.

Luke Burbidge`s penalty a minute before the break restored parity and then Toby Holmes, who proved a handful all afternoon for the visitors, put the Magpies ahead 7 minutes into the second period.

Burbidge`s second on 68 minutes stretched the hosts` advantage, only for Owen Howe to reduce the deficit on 77 minutes.

Holmes ensured there was to be no comeback though when he added his second and Wimborne`s fourth with less than 3 minutes remaining.

Bristol Manor Farm are looking for Salisbury to slip up further to take second spot and moved to within five points of Steve Claridge`s side with a 1-0 win at Paulton Rovers.

A goal after 12 minutes from Jordan Metters sealed Manor Farm`s win.

Cirencester Town maintained their top six hopes with a 3-1 Corinium Stadium victory over bottom-markers Bishops Cleeve.

Ben Whitehead put Ciren in front 5 minutes before the break, only for Jack Watts to equalise 2 minutes after the interval.

Whitehead eventually restored the hosts` lead on 75 minutes, with Mason Lewis adding a third 6 minutes from time.

Relegation-threatened Barnstaple Town could relax a bit after beating Mangotsfield United 3-0 at Cossham Street.

Mitch Thomas put Barum in front after 39 minutes and then Nathan Cooper doubled their advantage midway through the second half.

Thomas` third came 15 minutes from time.

Source Pitchero Non League