Havant & Waterlooville 2-3 Taunton Town — Taunton Town won a five-goal FA Trophy battle 3-2 at Havant & Waterlooville on Saturday, 26 September 2026, holding off a late Hawks comeback at Westleigh Park.

Match overview

Taunton Town, known as the Peacocks, started confidently and took the lead through Nat Jarvis, who finished off a patient passing move with a low strike into the bottom corner. Havant & Waterlooville responded well, and the Hawks equalised when James Roberts converted from close range after a goalmouth scramble. The game was finely poised at half-time, but Taunton raised their level after the break.

Ross Stearn restored Taunton’s lead with a clever finish early in the second half, and Dan Sullivan added a third to put the visitors in control. Havant & Waterlooville refused to lie down, though, and Ryan Seager gave them late hope with a well-taken goal. The Hawks pushed hard for an equaliser in the closing minutes, but Taunton defended resolutely to secure their place in the next round.

Key moments

• 13th minute — Taunton take the lead: Nat Jarvis found space on the edge of the box and placed a shot beyond the goalkeeper.
• 29th minute — Havant equalise: James Roberts reacted quickest to a loose ball and stabbed it home from close range.
• 52nd minute — Taunton retake the lead: Ross Stearn produced a neat turn and finish inside the area.
• 70th minute — Taunton extend the lead: Dan Sullivan drove forward and fired a low effort into the net to make it 3-1.
• 88th minute — Havant pull one back: Ryan Seager headed home from a cross to set up a tense finale.

Tactical story

Taunton Town’s attacking transitions were the standout feature of their performance. They moved the ball quickly through midfield and looked to release their forwards into space behind the Havant defence. The Peacocks were also clinical in front of goal, scoring three times from a relatively small number of clear-cut chances.

Havant & Waterlooville controlled long spells of possession and created opportunities from wide areas, but they were left to rue missed chances and defensive lapses. The Hawks’ late goal made the closing stages uncomfortable for Taunton, but the visitors managed the game well in the final minutes, clearing their lines and slowing the tempo whenever possible.

Standout players

• Nat Jarvis (Taunton Town): Opened the scoring with a composed finish and led the line effectively all afternoon.
• Dan Sullivan (Taunton Town): His goal gave Taunton breathing space and capped a strong all-round performance.
• James Roberts (Havant & Waterlooville): Havant’s equaliser was the highlight of a busy display, and he remained a threat in the box.

What it means

Taunton Town progress in the English FA Trophy and will take confidence from a composed attacking display. For Havant & Waterlooville, it is a difficult exit, especially after a late fightback gave them a chance to force extra time or penalties. The Hawks will be frustrated by the manner of the defeat, while Taunton can look forward to the next round with belief that they can make a deeper cup run.