Peacocks’ fairytale cup runs over

TAUNTON TOWN’S stunning season in cup competitions ended with late heartbreak in their FA Trophy tie against Chelmsford City.

An 89th-minute winner from Anthony Church sealed the Clarets’ place in the first round at the expense of their Southern League opponents.

The visitors were looking to reach the first round of the competition for the first time since 1982.

They opened the game in better fashion by pressing their National League South opponents and creating plenty of opportunities of their own at the other end.

However, as time ticked on, the game turned incredibly flat with neither side able to work their way into any clear-cut opportunities.

The Clarets’ best chance of the first half came when Shamir Mullings held the ball up well for his team-mates and sent Robbie Willmott into acres of space.

The winger pulled the ball back to Ashley Miller on the edge of the box, but the defender sent his effort rocketing over the Peacocks’ crossbar.

Taunton’s first shot in the second half came on 74 minutes but their effort never troubled the Clarets.

Chelmsford substitute Shaun Jeffers’ darting run in the 83rd minute looked like it could have settled the contest, but his powerful effort was stopped by an excellent save from Taunton custodian Lloyd Irish.

The winner arrived with one minute remaining and started with a Chris Bush throw-in.

Church, the Clarets’ skipper, popped up at the far post to smash the ball past Irish and send the City fans at Melbourne Community Stadium into rapturous celebrations.

Taunton pressed late on for an equaliser but they could not force their way past Clarets keeper Ross Fitzsimons.

STAR MAN: Lloyd Irish (Taunton Town) ENTERTAINMENT: ★★★★★