The Peacocks continue their Emirates FA Cup campaign when they travel to Poole Town in the 2nd Round Qualifying tomorrow (14th September), ko 3.00pm.
It will be Taunton’s second visit to the BlackGold Stadium in a little over four weeks after going down by a single goal in last month’s midweek Southern League game. After losing to Hungerford in their following match, the Peacocks have since embarked on a five game unbeaten run including a 3-0 victory over Didcot Town in the previous round of the FA Cup. Success against the Dolphins would put Taunton two steps away from a place in the First Round Proper whilst securing £3375 prize money.
There’s a very long way to go before any thoughts can venture in that direction though with Poole proving a tough nut to crack in last month’s encounter and undoubtedly it will be the same tomorrow with the Dorset side looking to bounce back from last weekend’s surprise 5-0 reverse at Swindon Supermarine, the third time the clubs had met in the space of seven days following a 1-1 draw in the FA Cup and then a 2-0 home replay victory for Poole three days later. That defeat last Saturday was only Poole’s second of the season and with three wins under their belt they presently lie in 8th spot in the table.
The only change to the Peacocks’ squad from Tuesday’s game at Plymouth Parkway is Evander Grubb coming in to replace the cup-tied Jayden Nielsen while Archie Ferris plays his last game before a ban kicks in for his midweek dismissal. Taunton manager Richard Luffman said:” It’s a big game for the football club, we’re five unbeaten and looking to make it six so at worst we get a replay on Tuesday night at our place but ultimately, we’re going there to try and get through to the 3rd Qualifying Round and hopefully set up a really big tie. We know what a difficult game it’s going to be against a team that will be smarting from a heavy defeat in their last game but who have started the season really well including a dominant performance against us last time out. We’re going to need to be a lot better than we were in both that one and on Tuesday so looking forward to us putting in a good performance and hopefully we’ll get a decent following coming down despite a big day for Somerset cricket.”
Traveller Info
Ground: The BlackGold Stadium, School Lane, Oakdale, Poole, Dorset BH15 3JR
Ground to Ground: 67.9 miles
Directions: Arriving from the West or South West, leave the A35 towards Poole Town centre at the Fire Station roundabout, then turn left towards Poole on Holes Bay Road. Take the first exit at the next roundabout onto Broadstone Way. Turn left at the traffic lights into Willis Way. At the end of Willis Way, turn left onto Fleets Lane. Fleets Lane eventually becomes Stanley Green Road. Turn left into Palmer Road then right into School Lane and the car park.
Admission: Adults £12, Concessions £8, Under 18’s £5, Accompanied Under 13’s £1
Tickets can be purchased online in advance or at the gate
Match commentary: will be available on Peacocks Radio
Last meeting: the sides only met last month in the Southern League Premier South, with Poole claiming the honours thanks to a late Charlie Davis goal. Relive the match highlights HERE