RICHARD TAUNTONS FLIRT WITH RELEGATION

Richard Taunton’s have gone into the winter break just two points above the Hampshire Colleges League table drop zone after suffering back to back defeat by Barton Peveril and Queen Mary’s.
They lost 3-2 to Barton Peveril, but took a 6-2 thumping from QMC, who also have six points, leaving promoted Poole Grammar at the basement.
Taunton’s will have been disappointed not to have got something from Barton Peveril’s visit to Hill Lane in midweek.
RTC saw a 2-1 lead cancelled out and were beaten 3-2 by BP in a match which saw two red second half cards.
Barton, second in the log but adrift of unbeaten leaders Itchen, snared the lead through Josh Carey, but sparked by Ifeanyi Onwuachu in centre midfield, RTC’s Hamad Hadarh equalising with a low free kick which crept in off the inside of the upright.
Taunton’s then took the lead through the industrious Nickoy Pinnock, only for Luke Bennett to level affairs 2-2 from the penalty spot.
A poor challenge by BP’s captain George Ockwell kicked off a few ugly moments as players from each side became involved in a skirmish.
Onwuachu, who wasn’t involved in the tackle, got himself involved and saw red alongside Ockwell. Both players can anticipate an extended break from college soccer.
The incident, which was largely out of keeping with the game, cost Richard Taunton’s dear as substitute Sam Palmer came off the bench to head Barton Peveril’s winner.
Poole were within minutes of a victory over Andover – the visitors squeezing out a 2-2 draw with a late equaliser.
PGS came back from a 1-0 half-time deficit to lead through Liam Murphy-Parry and George Heap, but Andover scored in the last minute to equalise.
Queen Mary’s were blown away by a second half Farnborough goal deluge which gave the ESFA Under-18 Trophy holders a 7-3 win.
They only led 3-2 at the break, but five goals by Jake Wilson and singles from Max Billingham and Tancho Limbu gave Boro’ their big win.
Itchen tore into a 3-0 lead against Peter Symonds, who clawed two back through Lewis Wakeford and Joe Sutherden, only to lose 5-2.
“We missed a good chance to level it at 3-2, but without any subs to put on, lost our legs,” lamented PSC coach Rob Kitley, who praised his side for a ‘spirited performance.’