THATCHAM TOWN 3 TAUNTON TOWN 1

TAUNTON boss Ian Jones said he felt "sorry" for skipper Scott Thomas after the former Bristol Rovers youngster was sent off for the fourth time this season.

"Scott is getting himself a reputation – quite wrongly in my opinion – and referees are looking out for him," said Jones.

Thomas was given his marching orders in the 69th minute for a professional foul, but Jones argued: "The ball was already in the hands of our goalkeeper Lloyd Irish – how can that be a professional foul?"

Taunton, minus half their side through suspensions and injuries, were unlucky to lose this game in Division One South and West of the BGB Southern League.

Thatcham did the damage in the opening 45 minutes with Jamel Johnson (2) and Ashley Vine putting them 3-0 up.

Owen Irish headed in a corner by Luke Cole in the 57th minute, but Thomas' red card dashed their hopes of a late fightback.