The Peacocks will be hoping to cause an Emirates FA Cup upset when they make the short trip to Yeovil Town tomorrow afternoon (15th October) in the 4th Round Qualifying, ko 3.00pm.
The clash with our Somerset rivals is sure to attract a sizeable crowd to Huish Park as the sides lock horns in the FA Cup for the first time since 1996. On that occasion Taunton, who were then in the Western League, battled to a goalless draw at the home of the Glovers in front of a crowd of 3,303. In the replay at the Cygnet Health Care Stadium, another large gate of 2,257 saw the Peacocks take a 3-2 lead courtesy of Mark Cutler and two goal Mark Loram before Yeovil recovered to eventually prevail 5-3 via Dean Birkby, Paul Turner, and a Warren Patmore hat trick.
Whether tomorrow’s tie will have the same drama remains to be seen, with Town knowing they will have to be at their very best to gain a positive result. Yeovil, one tier above the Peacocks in the National League, sit in 17th place with 13 points from the same number of games played. Seven of their fixtures have ended in draws with just two wins to date against Dagenham & Redbridge and Solihull Moors, both at Huish Park with the win over the Moors last weekend being Yeovil’s first victory in eight games. However, with home advantage and with a rich FA Cup pedigree behind them, the Glovers will start off as firm favourites for the tie tomorrow and a place in Monday evening’s draw for the First Round Proper.
The Peacocks meanwhile will want to improve from last Saturday’s 5-0 drubbing at leaders Ebbsfleet United when their six goals conceded from ten League matches prior to the game virtually doubled in 90 minutes. The slate is clean for tomorrow though in a one-off Cup tie and both clubs vying for the £9,375 prize money, with the consolation of £3,125 for the losers. This will be Yeovil’s first game in this season’s competition, having been exempt until this stage while the Peacocks have had the benefit of two home ties in previous rounds as they edged through rather unconvincingly 1-0 against lower-ranked sides Laverstock & Ford, and Walton & Hersham.
The Peacocks will be missing centre half Jake Wannell whose ankle injury sustained at Ebbsfleet is likely to keep him out for the next four to six weeks. Midfield man Joe Guest though returns to the squad after missing the last three matches. Head of Football Rob Dray said:” Another fantastic day to look forward to in the FA Cup. We realise we will have to be at the top of our levels to have a chance, we are not just going for a day out and are focused on getting a positive result. The ticket sales will boost our lads no doubt and our fans can play a big part in helping us achieve what we want tomorrow. We have no fear and will give everything and see what happens.”
Traveller Info
Ground: Huish Park, Lufton Way, Yeovil, Somerset BA22 8YF
Ground to Ground: 25.1 miles
Directions: Take the A358 out of Taunton signposted Ilminster until joining the A303 at Horton Cross. Continue along the A303 in an easterly direction which is signposted Andover and London until the Cartgate roundabout and then take the A3088 which is signposted Yeovil. At the first roundabout, turn left; at the second roundabout go straight on (past the Crematorium) then at the third island, take the first exit again at the Asda roundabout into Lufton Way. The main entrance to the stadium is approx. half a mile along on the right.
Admission: Tickets can be purchased online in advance HERE
Prices are Adults £15, Concessions (Senior Citizens, Armed Forces, 16-23 years) £10, Under 16’s £3
Please note that due to card machine issues, supporters should bring cash if they wish to use any catering outlets at the ground.
Away Travel: there are still limited coach seats remaining for supporters who wish to attend the game. The cost is £10 per person, with the coaches departing from the Cygnet Health Care Stadium at 12.30pm tomorrow, and returning from Huish Park at 5.30pm. To book a seat, please email clubshop@tauntontown.com or visit the Club Shop this evening between 6.30pm and 8.00pm.
Last meeting: the teams fought out a 0-0 draw in a pre-season friendly at the Cygnet Health Care Stadium on 12th July this year. Relive the match highlights HERE