Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division South

Dorchester Town 1, Taunton Town 2

ANDREW Neal scored one and set up another as Taunton Town returned to winning ways at Dorchester Town.

Neal’s effort on the stroke of half-time turned out to be the winner after Craig Veal’s header had earlier been cancelled out by Luke Winsper.

Taunton welcomed back captain Matt Wright from suspension for their second trip to Dorset in four days, with the visitors looking for a response after Saturday’s limp 1-0 defeat at Poole Town.

The Peacocks had to withstand early pressure as the hosts started brightly on the artificial surface, Exeter City loanee Harry Kite curling wide after nine minutes.

Taunton emerged unscathed and, slightly against the run of play, took the lead on 19 minutes as Veal headed home Neal’s cross.

Veal saw an effort blocked five minutes later and Dorchester were back on terms shortly afterwards as Winsper finished off a flowing move to level the scores.

The Peacocks responded well and, after Pierce Mitchell had hit the bar with a header, re-took the lead just before the half-time whistle as Neal nodded home from close range.

The returning Wright missed several second half opportunities to mark his comeback with a goal, but his side were not made to pay as the hosts failed to create much in the way of meaningful chances themselves.

Taunton saw out the win with a minimum of fuss – ideal preparation for Saturday’s FA Cup fourth qualifying round trip to National League South leaders Billericay Town.

Taunton Town: Lloyd Irish, Pierce Mitchell, Shane White, Josh Nelmes, Keith Emmerson, Matt Buse, Ollie Chamberlain, Brett Trowbridge (Ben Adelsbury 54), Matt Wright, Craig Veal, Andrew Neal. Subs not used: Douglas Camilo, Harry Gardner, Matt Villis