Jimmy Adams led a resolute Hampshire fightback with his first century of the season on the third day of the crucial LV=County Championship match with Somerset at Taunton.

Having conceded a first innings lead of 390 when the hosts extended their score to 630 for nine declared in the morning session, the visitors closed on 258-1, with Adams unbeaten on 117 (245 balls, 16 fours).

It is his 21st first-class ton and his first in the top-flight since his 207 at Taunton in 2011, Hampshire's last season in the first division.

After ending a miserable run of form, Adams will be targeting another double century tomorrow as Hampshire bid to save the game and in doing so give themselves a chance of avoiding relegation with two games left to play.

Adams said: "It has been a tough old season for me and in four-day cricket there have been times when I wasn't sure where the next run was coming from.

"I have to thank the other guys for sticking with me because there were periods when I was doubting myself. But if there is one place you want to play at when out of nick as a batsman it is Taunton.

"There is still a lot of work to be done to save the game. A new ball is due in the morning and the first hour will probably be crucial to the outcome."

Michael Carberry (56) and James Vince (69 not out) also made important contributions and Somerset’s push for a crucial victory in the First Division survival battle was not helped by two dropped slip catches.

By stumps Hampshire trailed by just 132 and, while the second new ball will be available at the start of play tomorrow, they have a realistic chance of escaping with a draw on a flat pitch.

Somerset began day three on 569 for five and added 61 in 7.5 overs, Jim Allenby making 56 and Liam Dawson finishing with five for 139 from 34.5 overs.

If scoreboard pressure counted for anything, Hampshire faced a huge task. But Adams and Carberry set about it in determined fashion, putting on 143 for the first wicket and not being parted until the 50th over.

Carberry was dropped on 37 by Somerset skipper Marcus Trescothick at second slip off Jamie Overton and had faced 157 balls, hitting 7 fours, when he fell lbw trying to work a delivery from left-arm spinner Jack Leach through the leg side.

Adams had reached a 74-ball half-century and was unbeaten on 77 at tea, which was taken with Hampshire 151 for one.

Another key moment occurred with the score on 205 when Adams was spilled on 94 at first slip by Allenby, again off the unlucky Jamie Overton.

It was the sort of error Somerset could not afford on a typical Taunton track showing little sign of wear or assisting the seamers.

Adams went on to reach three figures off 199 balls, with 14 fours. And with Vince settling in to reach a chanceless half-century off 83 deliveries, with nine boundaries, belief was growing in the visiting dressing room.

Trescothick elected not to take the new ball in the closing stages of the day, wanting his bowlers to be fresh to use it tomorrow.

But history suggests Somerset could now face a tough task themselves to bowl out opponents also firmly intent on Division One survival.

By stumps Adams had batted for five hours and ten minutes and his stand with Vince has added 115 precious runs. For Hampshire a draw would feel like a win, having been heavily outplayed for the first two days.

Somerset spinner Jack Leach said: "It was a long day for us and we didn't get the wickets we would have liked. We stuck at it, but the pitch wasn't offering a lot and the opposition are entitled to play well.

"The ball is turning and I'm a bit disappointed to have only got one wicket. I created a few half-chances and lbw shouts, but didn't quite get rewarded.

"A couple of chances went begging, which we can't afford tomorrow. But no one intends to drop catches and hopefully the ball will stick on the final day."