PEACOCKS SWOOP ON BEAVERS
TAUNTON TOWN were the toast of the FA Cup after dumping out National League South high-flyers Hampton & Richmond Borough in a day of thrills and spills in third round qualifying.
The Southern League South & West Peacocks showed their feathers with a fine 2-1 win over the Beavers, who lie 56 places above them in the League Pyramid.
Jordan Rogers gave Leigh Robinson’s men the lead just before half-time, only for Nicke Kabamba to level for Hampton a minute later. But Rogers proved the hero when his 69th-minute penalty saw Taunton through to the fourth qualifying round for the first time in 18 years.
Elsewhere, a 95th-minute equaliser from Joe Colbeck earned Harrogate Town a replay in a thrilling 3-3 draw with FC United at Broadhurst Park (right).
And Step 5 Bishop Auckland caused another upset with a 1-0 win at Farsley Celtic, while Spartans South Midlands side Hadley held Eastbourne Borough to a goalless draw.
TAUNTON TOWN pulled off an FA Cup shock as they despatched their higherranked opponents at the Viridor Stadium.
National League South Hampton & Richmond Borough made a brisk start to the contest, but Town keeper Lloyd Irish, who was faultless all afternoon, was equal to efforts from Brendan Kiernan and the tricky Jamal Lowe.
Town started to threaten and broke the deadlock on 45 minutes when Matt Wright released Jordan Rogers down the inside right and his shot across Aaron Howe found the far corner.
The visitors quickly drew level two minutes into firsthalf added time when Kiernan’s cross was parried by Irish, but Nicke Kabamba stretched his leg to net from close range.
Taunton regained the lead on 69 minutes after Ollie Chamberlain had been felled by Jay Gasson in the penalty area and Rogers kept his head to steer home the spot-kick.
Manny Williams headed against the post as the Beavers piled on the pressure in search of an equaliser, but Town stood firm to reach the fourth qualifying round for the first time in 18 years.
They are the only Southern League Division One South & West outfit still in the cup. STAR MAN: Lloyd Irish (Taunton Town) ENTERTAINMENT: ★★★★★