The road to Wembley begins tomorrow (31st August) when Taunton welcome Didcot Town to the Cygnet Health Care Stadium in the 1st Round Qualifying of the Emirates FA Cup, ko 3.00pm.
The Peacocks will be hoping to build on Bank Holiday Monday’s first Southern League victory of the season at Frome as they look to progress and secure the £2250 prize money. Similar to Taunton, Didcot also suffered relegation last season, finishing bottom of the Southern League Premier South after only being promoted one year earlier. They will not be travelling west to make up the numbers though despite making an indifferent start to their campaign. They were brought down to earth after an opening day home win over Larkhall Athletic with a 5-1 drubbing at Malvern Town three days later before gaining a point from a 1-1 draw at Bemerton Heath Harlequins on Monday. Interspersed with those league games has been a 2-0 success at Royal Wootton Bassett Town in the previous round of the FA Cup while they were beaten 3-1 at home by Helston Athletic last weekend in the FA Trophy, giving them every incentive to avoid another exit from a national cup competition tomorrow.
Peacocks’ manager Richard Luffman is faced with having to make some potential changes, with recent signing Jayden Nielsen being cup tied having played for Bristol Manor Farm in the previous round and Jake Hodgson suffering from a broken toe which makes him 50/50 for the game. Aysa Corrick returns to the squad after missing the Frome game. The Town boss commented:” We’re looking forward to what will be a tough game against Didcot who played at our level last season. We’re keen to progress to the next round as we know how important the FA Cup is for the football club, and it would be great to get our first home win in front of our supporters as they absolutely deserve one.”
Matchday Information
Turnstiles and Main Bar opens at 12 noon
Come and watch Arsenal v Brighton in the clubhouse, ko 12.30pm
Match tickets are available to purchase in advance online
Admission is also payable by card or cash at the turnstile, priced at £12 for Adults, £8 for Concessions (state pensioners & Students with ID), £3 for Youth (6 -16 years), children aged under 6 are free with paying adult.
Printed Match Programmes will be available to purchase tomorrow from the Club Shop.
Match commentary will be available on Peacocks Radio
We extend our grateful thanks to our Match Ball Sponsor Allan and Joyce Kirk, and Claire Prentice
Last meeting: the Peacocks came out on top in the last match between the sides, winning a Southern League West Division game 3-1 at the Cygnet Health Care Stadium in January 2018. Pierce Mitchell, Ollie Chamberlain and Dan Sullivan provided the home side with a commanding lead at the break before George Reid scored late on for the Railwaymen. Relive the match highlights HERE