Evesham United suffered their fourth consecutive league defeat on Saturday, losing 4-1 at home to mid-table Taunton Town.

The Peacocks got off to a dream start, taking the lead in the third minute. Jay Murray latched on to a ball over the top from Scott Robinson, controlled it in his stride and chipped it over the onrushing goalkeeper, Oscar Varney.

Evesham responded well and equalised in the ninth minute. Aaron Heap hit a rasping drive from the edge of the box that thundered against the underside of the bar, and Cheltenham Town loanee Sopuru Obieri was on hand to tap in from close range.

Three minutes later Taunton went close. Jack Rice took a quick corner that fell to Murray on the edge of the box, and he slid the ball across to Alfie Moulden, who shot straight at Varney.

On 29 minutes Taunton regained the lead. Robinson's header came back off the Evesham crossbar and fell kindly to Ben Seymour, who calmly slotted home into the bottom left corner.

Aaron Heap on the ball (Image: Emily Cook)

Minutes later Kai Churchley burst into the right side of the box, but his shot was saved by the feet of Taunton goalkeeper Freddie Godden.

On 37 minutes Moulden finished into the bottom right corner after a well-worked corner routine to give Taunton a two-goal advantage. Seymour then ran through and took a touch on the edge of the box, but his shot went just wide of the left post.

At half-time the visitors were well worth their 3-1 lead.

The hosts had an opportunity soon after the break when Rocco Sughayer crossed for Heap, whose header went just wide.

Midway through the half Moulden cut inside and curled an effort against the left
post. Minutes later Taunton put the game to bed: left-back Max Davies made an
incisive run from the halfway line, carried the ball past the Evesham defence into the box and slotted home beyond Varney. Evesham never tested Godden after that.

Ten minutes from time Sam Lord went on a long run and tried his luck from the edge of the box, forcing Varney to stretch to make the save.

After some encouraging performances, this was a setback. Evesham fell to 14th, while Taunton recorded their first league win in five games.

The Robins are back in action on Tuesday night when they travel to Surrey to take on Chertsey Town.