Taunton's FA Cup hopes were extinguished for another year as they suffered a dismal 3-1 defeat to Toolstation League side Gillingham Town at Wordsworth Drive this evening (11 September) in a First Qualifying Round replay. Prospects had appeared more optimistic in the initial stages of the game where Taunton dominated possession and played some good football but without testing opposition keeper Jonathan Hill. The Dorset side took the lead against the run of play on 32 minutes when Connor Sidley-Adams saved a shot but Danny Thompson found the net from the rebound despite the efforts of Owen Irish and Ben Mammola to keep it out. A poor second half showing by Town saw the visitors extend their lead on 57 minutes when Matt Chant converted a Lee Gale cross. Taunton barely created a chance as the minutes ticked away with a second Chant goal effectively settling the tie on 78 minutes following slack defending. Rodney Marsh pulled a goal back on 86 minutes when he scored at the second attempt after Hill had saved his first effort following a run from midfield. Neil Peek came close to notching another reply when he shot just wide but time ran out. Match report now online.

Post-match comment: Town manager Leigh Robinson said:" Obviously we are incredibly disappointed with the result but quite simply, in cup football if you don't score when you are on top you get punished. We had numerous good spells over the two games but didn't take our chances. Fair play to Gillingham, they defended well and were ruthless on the counter attack. We absolutely must improve our final ball and rediscover our cutting edge quickly."