A late Michael Nardiello penalty secured a 2-1 victory for Tiverton over old rivals Taunton in a see-saw match last night, writes James Wright.

After a very lame start to this Evo-Stik, Southern league game, the derby exploded into life in its final quarter with a brace of penalties and a red card.

Tivvy generally bossed an eminently forgettable first half. Andy Taylor forced Connor Sidley-Adams into a sprawling save before Joe Bushin made the breakthrough on the half-hour mark, stealing in unmarked at the near post to nod home a Lewis Tasker corner from the right.

Owen Howe fired wide as the home side controlled proceedings, though Taunton enjoyed a late flurry during a protracted spell of injury-time, Craig Herrod coming closest with a snap shot that fizzed just over the bar.

Taunton’s improvement continued after the break. Herrod fired over, and Neil Peek headed just wide.

The equaliser arrived 14 minutes from time when Rodney Marsh made a thrilling run into the penalty area but was crudely up-ended by a typical forward’s tackle by Nardiello.

In the absence of injured regular penalty taker Simon Ingram, Marsh himself got up, dusted himself down, and beat Chris Wright from the spot.

At this stage, Taunton appeared to have the momentum and looked the most likely winners. However, four minutes from the end stand-in captain Owen Irish fouled Nardiello.

Following Marsh’s lead, Nardiello took the penalty himself, and fired Tiverton to a victory that takes them into second place, just two points behind leaders Poole Town.

The evening was soured by an incident during the goal celebrations that resulted in a dismissal for Irish.

Taunton: Connor Sidley-Adams, T J Lang, Lee Smyth, Gary Saunders, Owen Irish (captain), Rob Norrish, James Blake (Joe Dakwa 51), Craig Mawford, Neil Peek, Rodney Marsh, Craig Herrod. Unused subs: Jamie Short, Corey Lewis, Tom Hopkins, Raith Plant.

Tiverton: Chris Wright, Josh Concanen, Lewis Tasker, Harry Nodwell, Paul Kendall (captain), Tom Gardner, Andy Taylor (Kevin Hill 92), David Steele (Russell Jee 80), Owen Howe, Joe Bushin (Michael Nardiello 65), Josh Searle. Unused subs: Alex Faux, Mark Saunders.

Referee: Mark Lawrence (Bridgwater).

Assistants: Richard Lawrence (Axminster), Stephen Fearnley (Bristol).

Attendance: 295.