Evo-Stik Southern League West
Mangotsfield United 0, Taunton Town 1

DAN Sullivan's early strike earned Taunton Town a narrow victory at lowly Mangotsfield United on Tuesday night, the result sending the Peacocks eight points clear at the top of the Evo-Stik Southern League West standings.

Town manager Leigh Robinson made two changes from the home draw with Shortwood United, with Brett Trowbridge replacing Chris McGrath and Ben Palmer in for Craig Veal, which meant Ross Staley - on his final appearance before departing for Australia - was pushed in behind the strikers.

The Peacocks began well, penning their 19th-placed hosts back, and they took the lead on 12 minutes when Sullivan found the top corner with a sublime finish.

Both sides then forced fine saves from the goalkeepers - George Dorrington making a good stop amid a goalmouth scramble, and Lloyd Irish pulling off a fingertip save from a long-range effort.

Mangotsfield won a series of corners but it remained 1-0 at half time, after which more chances came and went for the visitors - Dorrington denying Sullivan after the striker had got onto Staley's cross, before Matt Wright headed just over from Ryan Brett's corner.

Peacocks keeper Irish had to remain on his toes though, and he made an excellent close-range save from Kailan Gould after the hosts had counter-attacked just before the hour mark.

Still the away side sought a second goal to kill the game off, with man of the match Pierce Mitchell seeing an effort cleared off the line and substitute McGrath heading against the bar from another Brett corner, but ultimately the one goal proved enough.

Town sit eight points ahead of second-placed Salisbury with a game in hand, and on Saturday they travel to face Barnstaple Town, who are 21st in the standings (ko 3pm).

Taunton Town: Lloyd Irish, Pierce Mitchell, Ben Palmer, Ben Adelsbury, Brett Trowbridge (Chris McGrath 19), Toby Down, Ollie Chamberlain, Ryan Brett, Matt Wright (c), Dan Sullivan, Ross Staley (Craig Veal 68).
Subs not used: Les Afful, Tom Stone, Michael Meaker.