Former England star Marcus Trescothick hit his 30th career first-class century to put Somerset in sight of a first win since their return to the top flight.

The 32-year-old's stylish 139, from 249 balls - his 16th ton for the county - helped Somerset to 335, a lead of 270.

That left Kent with a target of 271 for victory from just over four sessions, but they fell to 134-5 by the close.

Charl Willoughby was the star with the ball for Somerset, taking 3-33 to leave the game delicately poised.

Kent's opening pair of Rob Key and Joe Denly batted faultlessly until tea but the hosts, who are chasing their seventh successive win in all competitions, lost their way badly after the interval.

Key edged into the slip cordon against Willoughby, who then had Martin van Jaarsveld caught at extra cover.

Steffan Jones and Ben Phillips also contributed a wicket apiece to heap more pressure on 22-year-old Denly who, having been dropped twice, went on to finish the day 64 not out.

Before that, though, Trescothick was the star of the show, smashing 19 fours and a six and sharing in a crucial sixth-wicket stand of 107 in 26 overs with Ian Blackwell (61).

Blackwell, dropped on nought by Key off the bowling of Robert Joseph, made Kent pay with some bludgeoning strokeplay as 46 of his 61 runs came in boundaries.

He and Trescothick fell in quick succession, though, with Peter Trego left stranded on 29 not out as the lower order collapsed.