FOOTBALL: Tiverton Town defeat Taunton Town in playoff semi-final

TWO goals from Levi Landricombe ended Taunton Town's promotion dreams for this season, as Tiverton booked their spot in the playoff final at their local rivals' expense.

Tom Bath also scored for the hosts, with Jordan Rogers' penalty too little, too late for Taunton - for whom Ed Palmer was red carded.

There was a fantastic atmosphere befitting the occasion, with a superb crowd of 934 and the travelling Peacocks' fans singing their hearts out.

Owen Irish passed a late fitness test to start at the back, but Ross Staley was only fit enough to make the bench.

The hosts made the faster start, but the Peacocks settled and on 10 minutes Rogers passed up a glorious chance to score from Pierce Mitchell's cross, but unmarked in the box he shot straight at goalkeeper Joe Perry, who made the point-blank save.

Within two minutes Tom Bath had broken away at the other end but was denied by a solid Lloyd Irish stop, and the Taunton keeper also kept out a stinging 30-yarder from Scott Rogers.

Aside from a Rogers penalty shout (the referee gave a free-kick on the edge of the box) the first half petered out somewhat, but Tiverton started the second period with a bang - space opened up for top scorer Landricombe, and although Lloyd Irish saved his first effort the striker was able to thump in the rebound.

Taunton now had to gamble, throwing on Staley and Craig Duff, but they were always liable to be caught on the counter, and Ed Palmer was red-carded for a last-man challenge on Landricombe with 13 minutes left.

Tom Bath headed in Tiverton's second two minutes after that, and when Landricombe curled in a super free-kick from 20 yards on 87 minutes it was game over.

Rogers' 89th-minute penalty - given for a foul on Brett Trowbridge - could not inspire a miraculous comeback, as Tiverton deservedly made the final on Monday, May 1.

There they will face Salisbury, who overcame Evesham United 2-1 after extra time in their semi-final.

Frustrating night for @TauntonTownFC, but great to see each and every player thank the travelling faithful for their support pic.twitter.com/HKVGDUmI4J

— Paul Martin (@CGazettePaul) April 26, 2017

Taunton Town: Lloyd Irish, Pierce Mitchell, Owen Irish, Ed Palmer, Matt Villis (Craig Duff), Josh Searle (Ben Palmer), Shane White, Brett Trowbridge (captain), Matt Wright, Jordan Rogers, Ollie Chamberlain (Ross Staley).
Subs not used: Matt Buse, Alex Hoyle.