Portishead Town come back from 5-2 down to miraculously upset Taunton Town with a 6-5 cup win on Tuesday night.
Southern League Division One South side Portishead looked dead and buried with just 25 minutes left of the Somerset FA Francis Hillier Premier Cup, but produced an incredible fight back.
Taunton of the Southern League Premier Division South, managed by Gary Johnson, fell behind early on, only to equalise through an own goal on 22 minutes.
Just before the half hour mark, Portishead regained their lead, then on 34 minutes, Taunton were level again, before going ahead on 35 minutes.
They extended their lead, making it 4-2 on 44 minutes, then Portishead had an effort come back off the inside of the post.
Just after the break, Owen Brain completed a hat-trick to make it 5-2. Then the comeback began, on 65 minutes, Callum Eastwood came off the bench and netted with a strike into the top-corner strike, two minutes after that, Lucas Vowles struck the bar from free-kick.
On 73 minutes, Portishead’s Jay Murray saw his cross hit the post, only for Vowles to thump in the rebound to make it 5-4.
The 81st minute saw Eastwood denied by a great save, and it would’ve been identical goal. But then came the equaliser a minute later, Aron Robbins, found by Vowles, lashed home after lovely build up play.
The absolute scenes on 89 minutes, as Portishead clinched the winner. Neale got himself clear, crossed for Lucas Vowles to make it 6-5.
83 mins: ⏰ GOAL!! AZZZZZZA!! Can you believe it… ITS ALL SQAURE!! 🙌🏼⚽️@PortisheadTown 5-5 @TauntonTownFC #FW pic.twitter.com/bMI2p6iXq4
— Stoner (@AS_FootyReview) January 13, 2026
90 mins: ⏰ GOAL!!!! LUCASSS!!! You couldn’t write this script…. UNBELIEVABLE SCENES AT BRISTOL ROAD!!! 🙌🏼⚽️@PortisheadTown 6-5 @TauntonTownFC #FW pic.twitter.com/DZc15msc8A
— Stoner (@AS_FootyReview) January 13, 2026
Read all about last night’s magnificent comeback victory over Taunton by clicking the link below.
Thank you to @MattGillett1 for the match report & Jack Davidson for the photos.@swsportsnews https://t.co/MaJXxpf7C7
— Portishead Town FC (@PortisheadTown) January 14, 2026
Taunton boss Gary Johnson’s gave his thoughts: “Well, I can only start by describing last night as an unbelievable match. Portishead Town are a club on the up and they have managed to bring in some strong players, so it was always going to be a competitive game.
Both teams showed great attacking ability across the 90 minutes, but we will need to do more work on our defending as a unit. I think both teams realised that when you throw men forward to win the game, you leave yourself susceptible at the back.
I was really impressed with the quality of the goals scored, and it was great to see Owen continue his scoring vein with a well taken hat trick, and for Jack to get on the scoresheet as well.
Frankie, like any goalkeeper, will be disappointed to concede the goals, as he has been fantastic for us, and there is no blame that lies with him for any of the goals we conceded.
We played some good football throughout the 90 minutes and the opposition wanted to do the same. It was a classic cup match.
We have been working very hard over the past three to four weeks and I am consistently learning about the team, who are showing me in parts that they can do what is asked of them. We will continue to work hard at ironing out those kinks in our performances.
It was good to see the Taunton supporters enjoying our goals. As always, thank you to the supporters who came to the game, and hopefully our fans will get behind the boys at Gosport. We really do appreciate it.”
Here’s how fans reacted after Portishead come back from 5-2 down to miraculously upset Taunton with a 6-5 cup win…
@jamw77: I have seen some football matches in my time but this is right up there. 5-2 down, 6-5 up !! Wow… 👏👏 Some superb performances out there when heads could have properly dropped 💪
@RSage1987: 3 under 18s, lads coming back from injuries getting minutes great slog 🍻
Keith Gazzard: Well done lads what a fantastic result proves we can compete with the best 👏👏👏👏👏
Michael Ford: Well done lads 👏 I’ve never seen a game like it , you proved it’s never over till the final whistle
Jason Mattock: One the most entertaining games I’ve seen. I’m glad I didn’t miss it!!
Will Gradwell: What a comeback, brilliant team performance 🖤🤍
Marcus Evans: Unbelievable, gutted I didn’t come down.
Wendy Watkins: Amazing!! Proper Cup Football! ⚪️⚫️
Matt Gillett: Simply stunning… the capacity of this team to continue to reach new heights.
Pete Skinner: Look forward to the semi final draw now. Cracking performance tonight. Taunton looked completely shell shocked
