TAUNTON Town moved back into second place in the Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division South table, after Saturday's 2-1 win at home to Kings Langley.

Both Weymouth and Metropolitan Police lost their games 1-0, at Beaconsfield Town and Swindon Supermarine respectively, meaning that the Peacocks leapfrog Met Police and move five points behind Weymouth with three games to go.

Andrew Neal put the hosts ahead just after the half-hour, driving into the penalty area and finishing well, and then made it 2-0 before half-time with an opportunistic strike from 35 yards with goalkeeper Alex Tokarczyk out of position.

Steve Ward pulled one back with a scrappy goal in the second half, but Taunton held on for all three points.

Peacocks boss Rob Dray said: "I thought we were really good in the first half, and should have been an additional goal up - 3-0 and the game's over.

"Second half we let them back into the game, and were a little bit sloppy, but at the moment it's all about results.

"Other results have gone for us today, so we'll keep plugging away and see what happens."

Player ratings

Lloyd Irish - 8

The goalkeeper did not have much to do in the first half, but he was confident and composed in coming for crosses, while producing a fine kick to find Neal on the counter-attack. Was helpless for the Kings Langley goal, but was alert to deny Rene Howe after Nelmes' misjudgement.

Pierce Mitchell - 7

Freed up by Taunton switching to three at the back, Mitchell was always eager to get forward from right wing-back. Contributed to some fine moves, but his deliveries into the box were a mixed bag.

Lewis Hall - 7

Left wing-back Hall was also able to play to his strengths, going forward rather than defending. Always offered an option to switch the play, and put in crosses to good effect.

Shane White - 7

Reliable and solid, particularly with the added security of Palmer to his left. His distribution of the ball from the back was not his best, but he saved a goal with a clearance from underneath his crossbar, with Howe lurking.

Ed Palmer - 8

Restored to the team, Palmer played in the middle of the three centre-backs and was strong and reassuring throughout. A calming presence, he was strong in the air, and his long throw was a dangerous weapon at the other end.

Josh Nelmes - 8

This was probably the best I've seen him play. Did not have too much defending to do in the first half, but was solid - and a threat from set-pieces at the other end. His mistake which allowed Howe in (bailed out by Irish) was the only blot on a fine afternoon's work.

Ollie Chamberlain - 7

Denied a headed opener by a fine Torarczyk save, he was dogged in the midfield combat zone. Quieter in the second half as the visitors came back into it, but never stopped working hard.

Ryan Brett - 7

Suffering with tendonitis in his knee, this was still another efficient performance from Brett. Always busy and applying pressure. His delivery, from set-pieces and in general, wasn't at its best, but he found his passing range more as the game progressed.

Matt Wright - 7

The skipper put in an unselfish display on his 28th birthday. Had a couple of half-chances in the first half, and one effort clawed out by Tokarczyk towards the end. Showed some good touches under the high ball to bring his fellow forwards into play.

Dan Sullivan - 7

Some lovely flicks and combinations with Chamberlain and Neal - one backheel to put Chamberlain away stood out. Also contributed in a defensive sense, dropping back into midfield when out of possesson.

Andrew Neal - 9

The match-winner, not for the first time this season. Always running, always a pest for defenders, and looking for an opportunity to come his way. A fine run and finish put Taunton ahead, and he showed great awareness and execution to score the second. Ran and ran in the second half to help relieve pressure on the defence.

Matt Buse and Keith Emmerson - 6

Substitutes who came on for the final 15 minutes. Did not contribute too much with the ball, but by then it was all hands on deck to ensure the hosts held on to the three points.

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