For the third game running Wimborne held a half-time lead thanks to Matty Burrows’ opener. But this time Tim’s team not only held on but also dominated the second period with Burrows bagging his second and Will Fletcher finding the net. Three goals, a clean sheet, and three points in front of a 700+ crowd – it was a good day at the office.

Manager Sills made two changes to his starting line-up bringing in Billy Walker in central defence and Harry Morgan in midfield. Jack Lovell was on the bench for the first time this season, alongside recent loan signing Fareed Salifu.

Taunton arrived full of confidence after their midweek victory at Walton & Hersham had lifted them to within two points of the top five with a game in hand. And it was the visitors who had the first attempt on goal in the first minute with a shot from a free-kick nod down. Billy Walker introduced himself to the game with a brilliantly timed sliding tackle to stop the Peacocks’ next attack. Play was moving end-to-end at speed. On nine minutes Matty Burrows earned a corner from Harry Morgan’s pass. Josh Carmichael’s delivery eluded everyone before coming back off the foot of the post. In Wimborne’s next attack, Morgan burst through two tackles before being hauled down. From Matt Neale’s free-kick Harvey Wright’s shot was blocked before Jez Bedford’s shot on the rebound was saved by the well-positioned Gould.

Then on 12 minutes play was stopped with Taunton’s Owers unconscious on the by-line. He’d tried to shepherd a ball out of play but a Wimborne attacker managed to get a foot to it as both players went to ground. In the ensuing scramble as more players fought for the ball, he appeared to be accidentally kicked in the head. The immediate reactions of players from both sides indicated the seriousness of the injury as both physios raced to the side of the stricken player. Referee McRitchie took both teams off the pitch. After 10 minutes of careful treatment, Owers was able to walk to the dressing room with assistance. We wish Josh a full and speedy recovery.

Action continued at both ends when play resumed: Will Fletcher laid a long ball back to Bedford who’s inviting low cross was inches away from the unmarked Matty Burrows; Carmichael won two tackles in midfield, turned, and played Fletcher through; at the housing estate end a long throw into the penalty area caused chaos as three blocks and a save by Alex Rutter kept the visitors out; Sam Jackson hit a brilliantly weighted ball for Fletcher to round the keeper only for Lewis to get back and block his shot on the line. Then, on thirty-two minutes, came the breakthrough. Good work in the centre-circle by Morgan allowed Carmichael to find Burrows wide on the left. The flying winger teased his defender before getting to the by-line, looked up to consider his options, before beating the keeper from an acute angle.

The pace of the game didn’t drop. Walker intercepted; Carmichael raced back to clear, then had a twenty-five yard sighter which disturbed the roosting birds; Fletcher’s volley was a comfortable save for Gould; Malshanskyj’s shot from the edge of the area was a comfortable save for Rutter. After another four minutes of additional time, we reached the break with a familiar score-line.

The second-half started at a gallop too. Smith charged forwards on the Taunton right; Walker put his body on the line with a brave block; even Burrows had to help his defenders as he raced back to clear; Harvey Wright stretched out a long leg to intercept; Bedford twisted this way and that to make space for a shot which cleared the bar; Gould raced out to chest Carmichael’s through ball away before Bedford reached it.

Just before the hour-mark, and to the relief of home supporters, Wimborne doubled their lead. Adam Biss’s throw-in was flicked on by Fletcher; Burrows was onto a weak header back to the keeper in a flash and toe-poked the ball, albeit slowly, into the net. A third goal came just after the hour-mark: that man Carmichael hit a superb ball beyond the last defender; Fletcher controlled it on his chest before scoring into the corner.

Wimborne were in control. Apart from the referee waving away appeals for a penalty as Walker bravely dived into the path of Nielsen’s shot, and Brain’s free-kick forcing a fine save from Rutter, Wimborne’s defence snuffed out any potential danger. The very tall Salifu twice came close to opening his account on his debut as his header was cleared off the line, and Harry Baker and Jack Lovell came off the bench. After an additional six minutes, the official called time.

This was probably the best 90 minutes performance we’ve seen from Tim’s team this season. They defended as a team, they attacked as a team. Burrows played like he did on loan last season; our centre-forward scored again; Carmichael was magnificent in midfield; and Walker grabbed his opportunity with both feet – and his head – and his chest! The win lifts us to twelfth, three points behind fourth-placed Walton & Hersham. A good day at the office! No, make that a very good day!

Wimborne: Rutter, Biss, Walker, Wright, Jackson, Carmichael, Neale (Lovell 90+2), Morgan (Scorey 84), Bedford (Baker 82), Burrows (Beale 78), Fletcher (Salifu 72)

Attendance: 742

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