How are your nerves?
The biggest League game in the Peacocks’ 75 year history takes place at the Cygnet Health Care Stadium tomorrow (23rd April) as the curtain comes down on the Southern League season with the visit of Farnborough, ko 3.00pm. A fantastic campaign draws to a close with Town needing a single point to claim the Premier South title and the one automatic promotion place to National League South. Failure to achieve a win or a draw against the Hampshire side means the Peacocks would need to rely on 2nd place Hayes & Yeading United, three points adrift of top spot, not winning at Hartley Wintney to maintain their pole position come 5pm Saturday as victory for the West Londoners coupled with a Taunton defeat would guarantee them the championship courtesy of a far superior goal difference. Town have won 18 of their last 21 League matches though so are sure to be confident and fired up for one last big push in front of what should comfortably be their largest crowd of the season at the Cygnet.
Farnborough themselves lie in 3rd position, on equal points with Hayes, but realistically only have a remote chance as they would need to win by six clear goals tomorrow to overhaul Town and give themselves any shout. Anticipation is therefore building as the match approaches that the Peacocks can achieve the required result and rub shoulders with the big boys in National League next season. Can anyone remember a more exciting finish to our season?
Firstly they will have to contend with a Farnborough side who will be focused on three points in order to secure a 2nd placed finish should Hayes slip up which would guarantee home advantage in both the Semi-Final and Final of the Play-Offs. The Borough have won their last three games against Poole, Hendon and most recently Hartley Wintney, arresting an indifferent spell of results when they lost two out of the three previous games. They will also be chasing a League double after winning 3-2 in the earlier fixture between the sides in September. Town trailed by two goals at the break before Dan Sullivan pulled one back. However Paul Hodges restored the two goal margin and another effort from Gethyn Hill merely proved a consolation.
The Peacocks squad remains unchanged from Monday’s win at Tiverton. Head of Football Rob Dray, whilst looking forward to the day, paid tribute to all at the club after a terrific campaign. The Town boss commented:” So tomorrow, as we always wanted it to be, is in our hands. Our run since Christmas has been nothing short of amazing, at one stage trailing Farnborough and Hayes by 17 and 9 points. The ability to find a way in the most competitive of leagues has been a near miracle by the lads. Our support and fan base has grown and the interest this week has gone through the roof. My job as a manager is to be measured as I realise how precarious and close this league is and have no doubt that it can still go either way if we don’t turn up properly. It’s been a real rollercoaster of a season with so much going on behind the scenes it’s untrue, so with that goes a massive amount of gratitude to the board, our volunteers, and supporters. Whatever happens tomorrow, the club has grown again this season and we should all be proud of that in itself.”
#UpThePeacocks! 🦚
Please note the gates will open at 12 noon when all bar and catering facilities inside the ground will also be open. Spectators are advised to arrive as early as possible. Admission is payable by card or cash at the turnstile, priced at £10 for Adults, £8 for Concessions and £5 for Juniors (14-17 years). Under 14’s are free on condition they are accompanied by an adult. Unaccompanied Under 14’s will not be admitted. As a large crowd is expected, please be respectful of your fellow spectators and act on any instructions by stewards.
Parking at the ground is on a first come, first served basis but additional parking is available at Moorfields (next to the Fire Station in Lisieux Way) from 12 noon onwards. Parking there is entirely at the owner’s risk and vehicles MUST be removed by 6.30pm.
Voting slips for Taunton Town Player Of The Year will be available in the Club Shop or alternatively your vote can be emailed to clubshop@tauntontown.com by 6pm on Sunday evening.
Match Programme is online only and can be read HERE
We extend grateful thanks to our Matchday Sponsors Somerset County Gazette and Matt Gibson, and our Matchball Sponsor Alan Robus
Our Matchday Mascots are Galmington Dragons Under 11’s and Esmay Webster
We will also be delighted to welcome some Ukrainian refugee families and their hosts to their first Taunton Town game