EVESHAM United's 1-0 defeat at leaders Taunton Town secured the Southern League Division One West title for the hosts.

Josh Nelmes' early header from a corner was enough for the Peacocks at the Viridor Stadium.

Salisbury's shock defeat at home to Cinderford Town ensured Taunton now have an unassailable lead at the top.

The victory was far from a vintage one with overnight rain making life difficult on a heavy pitch though Taunton made the best start and were ahead inside eight minutes.

The rest of the first half was devoid of chances with keeper Lloyd Irish called into action only to make routine saves.

Nuno Felix came closest to doubling Town's lead before the break but saw his rasping shot tipped over by keeper Kevin Sawyer.

Evesham put together some dangerous moves as they pressed for an equaliser and Carl Brown spurned a couple of presentable opportunities.

The best came when he fired into the side-netting after a scuffed free-kick landed at his feet six yards out.

And Taunton, who are now unbeaten in 29 league matches, created the best opportunities in the closing stages in front of 599 fans.

Substitute Les Afful saw a delicate chip cleared off the line by Andy Lewis and from the following attack Craig Veal's low effort hit the post and trickled wide.

Evesham: Sawyer, Dovey, Wellon (Bennett 74), Turley, Lewis, Liddiard, Hancock (Ebbutt 68), Williams, Brown (Mehew 74), Mann, Preen. Unused sub: Dunbar.

United visit Kidlington tomorrow night (7.45pm).

Paul Collicutt’s seventh-placed side are still only five points off Wimborne Town in third position and just two off Didcot Town in sixth with five matches left to play.

There are sure to be plenty of twists and turns yet with 11th-placed Winchester City five points below the Robins although Kidlington are out of the play-off picture in 13th barring a stunning run of results.