Southern Football League

South & West Division

Cinderford Town 1

Taunton Town 2

CINDERFORD Town manager Paul Weeks hopes new signings Leon Jeanne and Max Etheridge can give his side an extra edge up front.

Former Cardiff City and QPR professional Jeanne made his debut against Taunton and showed flashes of his talent. Ex-Cirencester Town and Frome player Etheridge was not available due to his Hartpury College commitments.

Also missing were skipper Peter Macklin, James Baldwin and the suspended Tom Billing.

Weeks himself was unable to take charge of Cinderford on Tuesday night due to work. Assistant Steve Peters led the team.

Weeks said: "Steve's assessment was that the performance was good and we created plenty of chances, but we did not take them.

"I think Leon will get better. He's under no pressure here, but he breezes past people with ease.

"Nick McCootie did not start because he's still struggling with injury, but Steve says we did enough to win. I'm disappointed we didn't get the points. It's three points dropped to me."

Cinderford hit the woodwork three times in the match with Jeanne and Sam O'Sullivan going closest.

O'Sullivan, who has struggled at times this season, looks to be finding top form again and forced a decent save from Taunton keeper Chris Astley in the first-half.

Cinderford generally dominated possession and O'Sullivan had another effort deflected wide.

In the second period Josh Brown fluffed his kick when presented with a great opening.

Taunton made Cinderford pay on 62 minutes when Piper got up off the floor to score from the penalty-spot after Ben John had bundled him over. Six minutes later, Piper scored a magnificent solo effort from 35-yards out.

Taunton came under pressure when Ross McNab was sent off following a second caution.

Cinderford attacked at will with Jeanne striking the post and Lewis Sommers forcing another great stop from Astley.

Two minutes from time, defender Warren Archer found the net with a close range header.

In a frantic finale, Town hit the woodwork again and Sommers had an effort blocked by Astley.

This Saturday, Cinderford go to Bideford, who have a good home record.

Next Tuesday, high-flyers AFC Totton come to The Causeway (7.45pm).

Cinderford Town: Ben John, Josh Brown, Warren Archer, Dan Harrison, Danny Haines, Sam O'Sullivan (capt), Lee O'Connor, Dale Evans, Andy Lewis, Lewis Sommers, Leon Jeanne. Subs: Nick McCootie, Kris Miller, Nick Hancock, Greg Lewis, Brad Andrews.