Evo-Stik Southern League
Premier Division South
Walton Casuals 0, Taunton Town 1

RYAN Brett's first-half goal was the difference as Taunton Town ground out the win away to Walton Casuals on Saturday.

With defenders Ben Adelsbury and Keith Emmerson both suspended (after red cards at Salisbury), boss Rob Dray reverted to a 4-3-3, with Matt Wright, Dan Sullivan and Andrew Neal up front.

The visitors started confidently, Neal shooting straight and the goalkeeper and Ollie Chamberlain sending an effort narrowly over.

Still it took until the 21st minute for a breakthrough to arrive, Wright setting up Brett to stroke the ball into the back of the net.

The Peacocks continued to boss possession and most of the attacking play, but still their lead was just the one goal come half time.

There was little of note at the start of the second half, Dan Bennett drawing a save from Lloyd Irish at one end and Chamberlain firing over from a Brett corner at the other.

Neal had another effort saved but increasingly the pressure was coming from the hosts, though the away side were not unduly troubled.

It may not have been a thrilling performance, but one goal and a clean sheet ensured the Peacocks' first away points of 2019.

Taunton Town: Lloyd Irish, Pierce Mitchell, Lewis Hall, Shane White, Ed Palmer, Matt Buse, Ollie Chamberlain, Ryan Brett, Matt Wright (c) (Craig Veal 86), Dan Sullivan (James Dodd 90+2), Andrew Neal.
Subs not used: Josh Nelmes, Matt Villis.
Attendance: 238

With Salisbury's match with Farnborough postponed, and Metropolitan Police and Weymouth drawing 4-4, Taunton are now four points ahead of Salisbury (having played one more game), and six clear of Met Police and Weymouth (having played two more games than both teams).

Next Saturday sees them visit Beaconsfield Town (ko 3pm).