Match Preview: Farnborough vs Taunton Town

Farnborough’s final home game of the season sees relegation-threatened Taunton Town travel to the Saunders Transport Community Stadium.

The Yellows got back to winning ways on Thursday night, beating Chippenham Town on home turf. The win propelled Boro into the Play-Off places for the first time this year.

Hisham Kasimu opened the scoring after 31 minutes, but the lead only lasted 10 minutes with Tom Mehew drawing the visitors level. However, Farnborough would go into the break ahead as Joe Haigh – who was named as The Vanarama National League South Player of the Month for March, coolly dispatched his penalty to give Boro the advantage going into the second half. Centre-back Guy Hollis made it 3-1 in the 78th minute with a fantastic volley from inside the box. Hollis was subsequently named Man of the Match for his performance. The win lifted Boro into seventh, ahead of Hampton & Richmond Borough on goal difference.

Tonight’s Man of the Match Guy Hollis picks up his award from Match Sponsor Holiday Inn Farnborough! ???? pic.twitter.com/wIonNYDCGE

— Farnborough FC (@FarnboroughFC) April 11, 2024

Taunton Town also played on Thursday, losing heavily at home to Slough Town. After 18 minutes, Peakcocks goalkeeper Dan Lavercombe was sent off for taking out visiting striker Nathan Minhas. It took five minutes for the penalty to be taken, which Minhas converted past winger Marcus Day, who remained in goal for the rest of the match. The game remained 1-0 until the 49th minute, as Minhas doubled the away side’s lead.  Trae Cook-Appiah made it 3-0 to The Rebels in the 61st minute. Cook-Appiah got his second 25 minutes later with a fantastic overhead kick to give the Berkshire outfit a 4-0 win on the road. Taunton Town sit in 22nd place, three points from safety and without a win in nine games.

Ahead of their last outing of the season at the Saunders Transport Community Stadium, Farnborough boss Spencer Day, who was named as The Vanarama National League South Manager of the Month for March, was very wary of the threat Rob Dray’s side possess: “They’re fighting for their lives.

“Taunton will be direct, they’re so strong. They’ve got a great spirit with all that they’ve been through down there. I genuinely wish them all very, very well. Sadly, I’ve got to try and get a result myself.”

The Peacocks have struggled on the road this season, only picking up 18 points on their travels, with three wins, nine draws and 10 defeats. The Somerset side have the fourth worst away record in the League, however, their last two wins have both come on the road, against Worthing and Torquay United.

The two sides last met back in December, with Taunton Town running out comfortable 4-0 winners. Ollie Chamberlain opened the scoring after five minutes, before Lloyd James doubled the lead seven minutes before half-time. Ross Stearn made it three in the 60th minute. Chamberlain added his second and The Peacocks’ fourth, five minutes before the end. 

It’s the final home game of the season. Let’s pick up all three points and keep this push for the Play-Offs alive. Come on Farnborough!