Poole made a great start with Slade’s surging run and finish round the keeper from a tight angle after only 3 minutes when set up by Hewlett. There was a fairly even midfield battle but Poole looked the more threatening in attack. Cummins put Hewlett through on 12 minutes but Parkes made a good save. Hewlett doubled the lead on 34 minutes with a neat turn and shot outside the box which went in off the post. Taunton had a couple of half chances but Poole went in 2 ahead and looking comfortable.
Taunton looked much improved in the second half. Brain fired over early before a cross across the box saw a header in the side netting. Then Lewis’ cross hit the bar with Plain beaten before Lewis saw a shot go just wide. Taunton got their deserved goal on 62 minutes when Poole failed to clear a corner with Smith on hand to bundle the ball in. The equaliser came 3 minutes later when Poole failed to clear a long throw with Smith’s incredible kung fu style volley from just outside the box nestling in the net. This was shortly followed by a 40 minute suspension in play due to crowd trouble. A very sad incident which required 12 police officers to clear supposed Poole fans. As most looked under 15 and with no parents we will probably not see them back again. When the game restarted Taunton kept the momentum with Smith well placed to convert from a cross to take Taunton in to the next round. Poole had chances with Hewlett put through one on one but Parkes saved. Diaz’s powerful run found Holmes but his shot was blocked.
A very frustrating day for Poole. Such a solid first half with 2 excellent goals followed by a second half capitulation. Another year with no cup run. More concerning to see 7 goals shipped in the last 2 games in the second half. Even worse was the crowd trouble which reflects badly on Poole Town. Things do not get any easier with high flying Walton and Hersham next up.
