BetVictor Southern League
Premier South
Chesham United 1, Taunton Town 1

TAUNTON Town came away from league leaders Chesham United with a hard-earned point on Saturday, despite trailing to an early goal and going down to 10 men in the second half.

Matt Wright’s goal secured a share of the points for the Peacocks, who clung on after Shane White’s red card and a missed penalty by the home side.

The visitors were without top scorer Andrew Neal due to injury, but there was a place in the starting line-up for attacking midfielder Luke Spokes, signed from Yate Town this week.

Chesham had been beaten 4-1 at Yate in midweek, and their reaction was to score an early goal, with Steve Brown turning the ball home after Mark Kirby had flicked on a long throw in the 13th minute.

Fortunately for the Peacocks, they were only behind for 12 minutes, as Wright picked up the ball inside the area and rifled home with his right foot.

Few clear chances followed, but the flashpoint came on 64 minutes, as White was sent off for a handball in the box.

Dave Pearce's spot-kick came back off the post, however, and the game remained level.

Chesham continued to pile forward, but were frustrated by a determined defensive effort from the visitors - Dan Sullivan making a goal-line clearance and goalkeeper Lloyd Irish pulling off several solid saves.

Taunton Town: Lloyd Irish, Shane White, Lewis Hall (Ross Staley 82), Ben Adelsbury, Nick Grimes, Harry Kite, Jamie Short, Ryan Brett, Matt Wright (c), Dan Sullivan (Jamie Price 88), Luke Spokes (Owen Windsor 68). Sub not used: Ollie Chamberlain.

That point keeps Taunton fifth in the Premier South standings, and their next fixture is a home game against Harrow Borough next Saturday (3pm).