The Lambs hosted Taunton Town for their second pre season friendly, they are favourites for next season’s Southern League Title, having only just missed out on the last game of last season, when they were pipped by Weymouth.
Both teams were lively from the start producing some fine pass and move football for the spectators. Both Wright and former Lambs player Josh Grant went close, before Tallan Burns forced Irish in the visitors goal make a couple of smart saves.
The Lambs conceded the opening goal when poor marking from a corner kick, saw the ball find Palmer unmarked at the far post, who flashed the ball home from eight yards.
Tallan Burns then saw of his fine efforts well saved by Irish in the visitors goal
Taunton were passing the ball with accuracy, and it was Neal who showed his pace and composure as he calmly chipped the ball over advancing keeper Josh Oak to double the visitors advantage.
The Lambs continued to play attractive football and almost opened their account but were denied by another fine save by Irish turning Tallan Burns fine effort away for a corner kick.
Neal got his second for the visitors, when fine work by Wright on the right, saw him provide the perfect cross to give him the easiest of tasks to score.
Ten minutes into the second half saw another ex Lambs player Dan Sullivan replace Grant, he was soon in the action and forced Josh Oak to make a fine save.
Things got worse for the Lambs when they conceded a penalty when Neal was adjudged to have been pushed in the penalty area. Neal fired home the spot kick to complete his hat trick.
Four minutes from the end a penetrating run into the penalty area from Coppin, set up trialist Rice who scooped the ball high into the net.
This was a really good work out for the Lambs against a top quality team that will be challenging for the title next season. The Lambs played some really good football and had had been more clinical in front of goal the score line would have been closer. They have a good foundation in place on which they can build to have a good season in the Western League.
The Lambs have been drawn at Home to Hengrove Athletic in extra-preliminary round of the FA Cup on Saturday 10th August, they have also got a Home draw in the FA Vase when Hallen are the visitors on the 21st August.