Countdown is progressing……..…three weeks remain of the Southern League Premier South campaign during which the Peacocks face six vital matches which will determine their promotion fate or otherwise. They begin this massive set of games with a big Somerset derby against Weston-super-Mare at the Cygnet Health Care Stadium tomorrow afternoon (2nd April), ko 3.00pm.
The mere mention of the word ‘Weston’ will give most Peacock fans a funny turn, the Seagulls having beaten them three times already this season at the Optima Stadium. The trio of reverses began in September when Town were routed 5-1 in the FA Cup before a 3-2 defeat followed a month later in the FA Trophy and then a 2-0 loss in the League. This run of defeats was finally ended at the end of November when goals from Jared Lewington and Nick Grimes secured a 2-1 success in the League Challenge Cup.
The Peacocks will therefore be keen to turn the tables in such an important encounter, but they will find it very tough against a Weston side on a fine run of form. The Seagulls have lost only once in 18 League matches since New Year’s Day, their only setback coming at Metropolitan Police last month. Since then, they are unbeaten in five games and have netted 12 goals in their last three outings, with conclusive wins at Wimborne and home to Hendon before a 2-1 victory at Tiverton on Wednesday, a result which strengthened their position in 5th spot, seven points behind 2nd placed Town and having played two more games.
With 4th placed Farnborough entertaining 3rd placed Hayes & Yeading tomorrow, the Peacocks could gain a further advantage over one or both of their main rivals for the title with a win as the season boils up into an enthralling finale. They will be boosted by the return of the nine first teamers who began last weekend’s win at Gosport but were rested for the midweek trip to Royston in the 2nd leg of the Southern League Challenge Cup Final. Influential centre half Jake Wannell who limped off with a hamstring injury against Merthyr last month is also back in the squad. Head of Football Rob Dray remarked:” These are the games we are all in it for. We know that if we win the final six matches, we win the League, but there is no way we are looking that far ahead as we need to focus fully on each game. Tomorrow will be a big test against a side in great nick and who have beaten us three times this season. We know we will have to be at our best to get the right result, but the team spirit is fantastic, and we are ready.”
It is also Former Players Day tomorrow when a whole host of Peacocks from yesteryear will be attending the game and parade onto the pitch. All former players welcome subject to them emailing the club admin@tauntontown.com or by ringing 01823 254909 to confirm their attendance. Players should enter through the season ticket turnstile, with the bar open from 12.45. Please bring any photos / programmes etc to share with your former teammates!
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
We extend grateful thanks to our Matchday Sponsor Vision West Wales Independent Financial Planners and our Matchball Sponsor Neville Coles Education Ltd
Our Matchday Mascots are Staplegrove Under 8’s