An intense programme of 10 Vanarama National League South games in 23 days to conclude the season awaits the Peacocks starting with the short trip to Weston-super-Mare tomorrow afternoon (Good Friday 29th March), ko 3.00pm.
With the campaign ending three weeks on Saturday, Town are faced with having to cram their remaining games into a restricted timeframe, predominantly caused by seven of their nine most recent home fixtures having been postponed due to the wet weather. Their demanding schedule begins with a visit to the Optima Stadium for the first time since November 2021 when they emerged with a 2-1 victory in the Southern League Cup to avenge three previous defeats there earlier in the season in the League, FA Cup and FA Trophy.
The Seagulls returned to the National League South this season after winning the Southern Premier South title last year, having previously been a member of the Conference South from 2004 until 2019. They currently occupy 15th place with 48 points from 38 games played, a haul which should secure their place at Step 2 next season, but they come into the game on a run of four successive defeats, two of which have come at home against St Albans City and then Farnborough by a 3-0 margin on Tuesday evening.
The Peacocks meanwhile will be determined to gain something from the local derby to halt a run of three successive defeats themselves, having dropped back into the bottom four after Dartford drew with Truro City on Tuesday. The three or four games in hand on several sides above them remain crucial to Town’s hopes of survival and a positive result tomorrow could be just the springboard needed for the hectic run-in. The Taunton squad includes new loan signing Ben Acey from Bristol City, with Head of Football Rob Dray commenting:” The new lads that have come in will add depth with a crazy three weeks to navigate. Tomorrow is another derby against a very experienced side and hopefully the weather will let us get the game in.”
There is currently no planned inspection, with Weston groundstaff having done remedial work on the pitch following today’s rainfall.
Traveller Info
Ground: The Optima Stadium, Winterstoke Road, Weston-super-Mare, Somerset BS24 9AA
Ground to Ground: 27.0 miles
Directions: Approaching from the South along the A370, take 2nd exit at Hospital roundabout signposted Oldmixon & Weston Ind Estates. Carry on along Broadway until reaching mini roundabout where you turn left into Winterstoke Road. The ground is approx. half a mile along the road on the left.
Admission: Adults £14, Concessions (over 60’s/Students, Armed Forces & NHS with ID) £10, Under 16’s £4.50, Under 8’s Free, Family (2 adults, 2 Under 16’s) £28
Match commentary: live commentary will be available on Peacocks Radio
Last meeting: : the Seagulls have been familiar opponents over the years, most recently on 2nd April 2022 when the Peacocks grabbed a memorable 3-2 win in the Southern League Premier South at Wordsworth Drive. Gethyn Hill and Joe Budd gave Town a two goal lead before goals from Jordan Bastin and Kieran Thomas either side of the break brough the scores level. However a superb free kick from Ben Adelsbury snatched victory one minute from the end. Relive the match highlights HERE