Borough see off Taunton in entertaining clash
By Connor Steel
GOSPORT BOROUGH FC recovered from successive defeats as they hosted Taunton Town in their latest Southern League Premier encounter this Saturday afternoon (September 12); eventually securing the three-one victory versus their high-flying opponents following a professional all-round display despite a late comeback at the dry AEI Stadium.
The home team started well and created their first chance within four minutes as George Penn had a good snapshot deflected wide; the resulting cross being cleared to safety. They then went closer when a free kick was awarded in a dangerous position that was stuck by Kris Campbell and the fierce attempt was brilliantly parried by Frankie Gooden.
Taunton absorbed all early pressure and could have scored themselves after twenty-one minutes when Jay Murray’s delivery found Scott Robinson whose downwards header was superbly tipped away via the Gosport debutant keeper James Holden. The visitors further saw multiple corners and possession, but their openings were limited to one effort.
A big injury stoppage allowed the Borough players to regroup and they took an advantage on thirty-seven minutes; a recycled throw-in finding Jerry Wiltshire to send a shot into the goal from a tight angle. The Peacocks almost levelled just before half time when Jack Rice came forward but a shot was blocked at source by Rory Williams to end the half.
Proceedings resumed with Taunton dominating and having two large chances in a matter of minutes to equalise; Ben Seymour heading wide of this left post and Dylan Thomas narrowly curling past the same side with Holden diving low down. In response Gosport saw Michael Fernandes get space and round the keeper but failed to shoot into his target.
Substitutions arrived for a lull after the hour mark that was ended when Campbell curled narrowly wide following great footwork which was followed up by Dan Kiota missing from close blank range on seventy-minutes. A goal was coming and it duly arrived on seventy-six minutes, when Trevor Caborn was found in this area and he spun into the far corner.
To their credit, Taunton kept pushing and reduced their arrears with nine left to play through Morrison’s header; a goal that was followed by Max Davies slicing over with a high angled effort. Late pressures continued into this last moment before Gosport sealed victory on the counter; Jordan Stepney finding Campbell who netted a third with a dinked finish.
Borough are sitting tenth after just seven league games with other results leaving them two points off the play-off area; the busy start yielding three wins, one draw and three defeats. They will be travelling to Basingstoke next weekend for their league clash with both teams exiting the FA Cup whilst Taunton are due to visit Salisbury FC for their knockout tie.
PICTURED BY TAUNTON TOWN MEDIA: The outfits played out another 3-1 scoreline as seen back in January 2026.
