Daws free-kick earns Magpies a point in Taunton clash

Dorchester were held to a 1-1 draw against Taunton Town at the Avenue Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Tom Killick named six changes from the midweek Dorset Senior Cup defeat to Sturminster Newton, seeing Gerard Benfield, Jack Dickson, Will Spetch, Luke Pardoe, Jordan Ngalo and Shaquille Gwengwe all return.

Taunton had the first real chance after six minutes through Owen Brain from the right hand side. His ball found Purrington, but the chance was an easy save for Gerard Benfield.

Three minutes later, the Magpies got the next chance through Jordan Ngalo. The midfielder found himself space before lashing at the shot which went just wide of the post.

Owen Brain got the visitors ahead after 17 minutes. Tom Smith found Corrick in space on the right whose low cross to Brain was slotted past Benfield.

Both sides were fighting for possession which led to a free kick for the Magpies from 25 yards 26 minutes in. Marcus Daws stepped up and fired in a ferocious effort around the wall to beat the keeper and fraw the game level.

Before half time Magpies fans were calling for a penalty as Gwengwe looked to be fouled in the area, but the referee waved play on.

A minute later, Owen Brain played Tom Smith through on goal, however the linesman raised his flag to call offside.

Smith took on a shot for the home side with five minutes left of the first half, but his chance was saved comfortably by Benfield.

Just before the hour mark the Peacocks were in again but Tom Bragg but his body on the line to block any danger.

Moments later, Taunton won a corner, with Nielsen whipping the set-piece into the box.

Toby Down rose highest for the header, which was saved by Benfield.

Taunton won a free kick in an attacking area after 77 minutes which was taken by Feltham. His effort went wide of Benfield’s goal.

With a minute left the Magpies were pressing the home side for a winner following a great piece of flowing football, but Olaf Koszela’s shot could only find the side netting.

In added time the Magpies had another golden opportunity through Luke Pardoe. His fizzing low effort was tipped away by the keeper to see the final score 1-1.

The result sees the Magpies drop to sixth place in the Southern League South on 26 points. Taunton Town rose into thirteenth place following the victory.

Dorchester will travel across Dorset to face Wimborne Town on Saturday, November 30 at 3pm in what will promise to be a great local match.

Magpies XI: Benfield, Dickson, Bragg, Spetch, Pardoe, Buse, Ngalo, Daws, Koszela, Roberts, Gwengwe. Subs: Turner, Haste, Holmes, Fogden, Robinson.