The Peacocks put their promotion campaign briefly to one side when they play the first leg of the Southern League Challenge Cup Final at the Cygnet Health Care Stadium tomorrow evening (22nd March), ko 7.45pm.

It will be an historic occasion for Town who have never reached a Southern League Cup Final before and it will also be a first ever meeting with their opponents Royston Town who play in the Premier Central. The Hertfordshire club, situated approximately halfway between Stevenage and Cambridge, occupy 8th spot in the Central table with 12 wins and 13 defeats from their 33 fixtures played. Recent form has seen them win two of their last three League games including a 1-0 victory over Redditch on Saturday but prior to that they had only accumulated two points from five games since early January. The Crows have had the benefit of home draws in every round of the Challenge Cup bar one, beginning the competition with a 1-0 win over Welwyn Garden City. This was followed by home successes against Needham Market, Lowestoft Town, and St Neots Town before their only away tie saw them beat Walton Casuals 2-0. They then beat fellow Premier Central side Rushall Olympic in the Semi-Final on penalties following a 3-3 draw after 90 minutes.

The Peacocks six game route to the Final began with a shoot-out win at Bideford after a 1-1 draw before comfortable 6-0 and 3-1 home wins over Barnstaple and Truro respectively. A 2-1 win at Weston-super-Mare was followed by a 4-1 victory against Paulton Rovers in the Quarter Final and then a 2-1 win at Swindon Supermarine to confirm Town’s spot in the Final, the second leg of which will be played at Garden Walk next Tuesday (29th March).

Head of Football Rob Dray adds Jamie Short and four Bridgwater and Taunton College students to the squad from Saturday’s win over Chesham, Town’s 15th victory in the last 17 competitive matches. He commented:” Success means lots of games and we have played a good number in this competition. It’s always good to be in a Cup Final and although the League remains our number one priority we also want to win the League Cup as well and we’ll be doing our best to do so.”

Admission is payable by card or cash at the turnstile only, 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.

Match Programme is online only and can be read HERE

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