IT was a historic day for Tauntion Town FC, and the players put in a brave and battling display as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Barrow AFC at the Viridor.

The Peacocks twice went ahead in the first half, with Barrow pegging them back, and despite the Cumbrian side being reduced to 10 men just before half time, they couldn't snatch a winner.

More than 2,300 fans packed out the Viridor Stadium for the game, which was the first time in 35 years the club had managed to make it to the first round proper of the prestigious cup.

Barrow AFC are three divisions higher than Taunton in the English football pyramid system, but the Peacocks more than held their own throughout the game.

The game got off to a scrappy start, and it wasn't until the 14th minute town had their first meaninguful attack.

Shane White, who was one of Town's star performers, nicked the ball in the middle of the park and slipped through Jordan Rogers, whose shot was superbly tipped round the post by Barrow 'keeper Joe Dixon.

But, from the resulting corner, Town went ahead.

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Ryan Batley floated a sumptious ball into the box, and Matt Wright rose the highest to nod the ball home.

It sent the home crowd into raptures, and was only what Taunton deserved.

They nearly doubled their lead moments later, when Wright forced Dixon into a superb save from a stinging volley.

Ten minutes later, Taunton went close again. A long throw was hurled into the Barrow box, and Wright's flick on pinged about in the six yard box, with Barrow managing to clear it.

But, just after the half hour mark, Barrow drew level.

Giant defender Moussa Diarra went up for a long throw and as he went to control the ball, Ryan Batley bundled him over, leaving referee Craig Hicks with no option.

Byron Harrison cooly stepped up and sent Lloyd Irish the wrong way.

But, Barrow's joy was short-lived.

Within minutes, Taunton went up the other end and went ahead again, from another Ryan Batley corner.

His floated ball into the six-yard box sparked a scramble, and defender Matt Villis managed to get a toe on the ball, sending it past the desparing Dixon.

On the stroke of half time, the game's talking point occured.

Barrow won a corner after the ball was headed behind by Batley.

The ball was floated into the area, and after a goalmouth scramble, the ball was poked home by Richard Bennett.

However, there was a suspicion of a handball and Lloyd Irish protested. There was a coming together between the players, and in it, Barrow striker Liam Hughes aimed a headbutt at the Peacocks keeper.

Referee Craig Hicks sent him off and blew the whistle shortly after, bringing an end to an action-packed and somewhat heated first half.

As the teams re-emerged for the second half, Taunton were straight on the front foot, hoping to make their one man advantage count.

The game became a bit scrappy, and it wasn't until the 60th minute did Town have their next chance.

After a lung-bursting run by the impressive Ollie Chamberlain, he played the ball back from the byline, and substitute Craig Veal's effort was blocked by the Barrow defence.

Barrow came more into the game, and their obvious quality on the ball started to shine through.

Town had a couple of penalty appeals waved away, but they held their own against the Conference side.

Owen Irish, Ed Palmer, Shane White and Matt Wright all impressed, and Lloyd Irish was an assured presence in goal.

Barrow could have won it in the final 10 minutes.

Diarra collected another long throw, and his shot was deflected over.

From the resulting corner, Owen Irish was forced to clear an effort off the line.

Taunton managed to hold on though, and managed to secure their name in the draw for the second round for the first time in the club's history.