Taunton Town defeated Stoke City U23s in pre-season friendly

The Peacocks continued their preparations for the new season with a 2-0 win over the U23 side from Championship side Stoke City on Saturday (July 19).

Taunton Town welcomed the youngsters from Stoke City to the Cygnet Health Care Stadium for a warm-up game on the back of a 2-0 win over Taivstock at the same venue in midweek.

That side featured several U18 players from Taunton Town and manager Richard Luffman rung the changes for Saturday’s game, naming a completely different starting XI.

The game started with both sides creating chances but it was Stoke City’s U23s that tested the goalkeeper first with James Walker gathering a strike following a free kick.

On 10 minutes, Stoke had their first bit of controlled possession as Chibueze Chinonzo struck from the edge but his effort never threatened the goal.

Within 60 seconds the Peacocks struck the woodwork as Ben Seymour created space for himself and crashed his effort off the bar.

On 26 minutes, Taunton Town did take the lead with Seymour was able to slot past Caleb Clothier.

Nick Grimes header from the second phase of a corner on 33 minutes was off target and just before half time Owen Brain stung the palms of the Stoke City goalkeeper.

Moving into the second half and the customary substitutions began with Ollie Woodhouse coming on for Austen Booth a minute into the half.

Seymour added his second on 53 minutes as Jayden Nielsen crossed for the in-form striker to score.

On 65 minutes there were seven changes as Jacob Towns, Jack Rice, Alfie Moulden, Chris Zebroski, Bailey Croome and Finn Rooke all came on for vital minutes.

Six minutes later the Peacocks rattled the woodwork again as Croome’s effort hit the foot of the post and Rooke shinned the rebound wide.

With 12 minutes left, Ethan Selway came on to get some minutes in goal for Taunton and Town managed to see out the game for a 2-0 win.