Skipper off as Hungerford are held

Bideford’s 2-1 home win over Didcot leaves them a dozen points clear of Hungerford, and with a game in hand and only six more for Hungerford to make up the distance.
Hungerford’s concern now is to hold off the chasing pack and secure second spot, and Saturday’s result makes that a little more difficult after they had to get through an hour with only 10 men.
Skipper Matt Day was sent off after 34 minutes for a reckless and needless lunge at Taunton’s Rodney Marsh towards the end of an opening half in which Hungerford had never really established a pattern. Nicholas Ogbanufe wasted their best chance when set up by Harry Goodger, but Hungerford survived a scare when Jon Boardman and goalkeeper Chay Morris reached communication breakdown with the latter lashing his clearance into Taunton’s Raith Plant and the rebound careering wide of the gaping goal.
Morris made amends with a fine save to deny Jamie Short before Hungerford took control and eventually the lead with a stunning goal from Mark Draycott, who jinked his way past three or four players before squeezing the ball over the line.
But Taunton eventually got back on terms when Jamie Short’s cross was challenged by Vance and although Morris got a touch onto the bar, Plant won the rebound to nod home the rebound.
Taunton’s Luke Cole was sent off for his second bookable offence, but Hungerford could not capitalise as they were left two points above Sholing, but having played two more games.
Skipper Day now faces a three-match ban for his straight red card.