Bet Victor Southern League
Premier Division South
Metropolitan Police 1, Taunton Town 1

TAUNTON Town came away from Metropolitan Police with a point, extending their unbeaten league run to seven matches, as Andrew Neal's opener was cancelled out by a Bilal Sayoud equaliser for the home side.

With Shane White beginning a three-match suspension and Matt Wright on the bench, Ryan Brett captained the Peacocks, who welcomed Ed Palmer back into defence.

The early exchanges at Imber Court saw both sides create openings, but these were largely restricted to half-chances as the defences cleared their lines well.

Lloyd Irish made a solid save early on, while at the other end Bristol City loanee Zac Smith sent a shot narrowly wide.

Then a period of pressure from Met Police saw Kai Hamilton's effort from a corner cleared off the line, and Jack Mazzone miss a presentable chance after being set up by Hamilton.

Ayoub Assal and Luke Robertson also missed the target when given a sight of goal for the hosts, as the sides went in goalless at half-time.

Taunton appeared revitalised after the break, with Neal playing in Ollie Chamberlain, whose chip was saved by Charlie Burns, who also kept out Ben Adelsbury's long-range effort.

The Peacocks' pressure finally told in the 58th minute, as a corner was flicked on by Palmer and Neal headed into the net.

The visitors went in search of a second goal, Smith being denied by Burns, then Smith and Chamberlain just failing to reach a fine low cross from Jamie Short.

But having failed to add to their lead, Taunton crucially failed to clear their lines from Hamilton's cross on 74 minutes, substitute Sayoud pouncing to slot the ball past Irish.

Irish had to be alert to save headed efforts from Mazzone and Sayoud, while at the other end Neal sent a shot narrowly wide and Harry Kite saw his effort kept out by Burns.

Both sides pushed for a winner - Sayoud being denied again by Irish and Neal having a shot cleared off the line by Robertson - but it ended honours even.

Given that the Peacocks were beaten home and away by Met Police last season, this could perhaps be seen as a point gained rather than two lost.

Taunton Town: Lloyd Irish, Jamie Short, Lewis Hall, Ben Adelsbury, Ed Palmer, Jamie Price, Ollie Chamberlain (Harry Kite), Ryan Brett (c), Dan Sullivan (Matt Wright), Zac Smith (Pierce Mitchell), Andrew Neal.
Subs not used: Jack Rice-Lethaby, Nick Grimes.

Next up for Taunton is a Southern League Challenge Cup tie at Bideford on Tuesday (ko 7.45pm), followed by a league match at home to Farnborough next Saturday (ko 3pm).