After nearly four weeks without a game, North Leigh looked rusty on Saturday as they lost 2-0 at home to a Taunton Town side, who had won once away all season in Division 1 South and West of the Evo-Stik Southern League.

The Millers’ goal tally has really dried up in their last few games and this coupled with defensive laspes contributed to their defeat.

The hosts settled well with striker Conor McDonagh leading the line well.

However, after 17 minutes, a Craig Herrod corner for Taunton was headed home at the far post by Khaled Badavi after a touch from Taunton defender Owen Irish.

North Leigh continued to press and Stuart Hole’s shot from ten yards skimmed the bar with the Taunton keeper Grant Fisher beaten. Then McDonagh crossed from the right to Kieran Sanders, whose low shot was deflected by Fisher’s outstretched boot.

Early in the second half, home keeper Sam Warrell did well to save a swerving Taunton free-kick from just outside the box.

North Leigh, seeking to break down a solid Taunton defence, brought on John Mills and Jacob Walcott for McDonagh and Ryan Brooks, but it made little difference.

After a quick breakaway Badavi was brought down by Warrell after 75 minutes.

Taunton skipper Simon Ingram scored the resultant penalty to make it 2-0.

The Millers became increasingly frustrated by their failure to create chances.

Late on Badavi should have scored a third for Taunton as he dribbled around Warrell, but he delayed his shot and the ball was nipped off him.

North Leigh: Warrell, Hole, Organ, Turk, Westlake, Caton, Else (Alexis 80), Bowles, McDonagh (Mills 66), Sanders, Brooks (Walcott 66). Sub not used: Clark.

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