TAUNTON Town boss Leigh Robinson was pleased to end pre-season with a 4-0 win, ahead of today’s big kick-off.

Goals from Lewis Powell (2), Ross Staley and Matt Wright gave the Peacocks victory at South West Peninsula side Bovey Tracey on Tuesday night, following a 1-0 defeat to Bristol City XI on Friday.

Robinson said: “We got a few goals so that’s a box ticked, and we kept a clean sheet, which is easier said than done in a game like that – it was a satisfactory night’s work.”

Asked about the main positives from a pre-season which has also seen them face the likes of Exeter City and Bristol Rovers, the manager said: “How much our fitness levels have improved.

“Against Exeter we were dead on our feet in the last 20 minutes, but against Bristol City we got stronger towards the end.

“We’ve had problems getting our centre-backs fit [Owen Irish, Chris McGrath and Ben Palmer have all had injuries], but Ben Adelsbury – who we signed as a midfielder – has filled in well there.

“It’s good to have that versatility in the squad.”

In terms of where the squad stands compared to this time last year, he said: “It’s difficult to tell until you have something riding on the games.

“But I’d say we’re happier with the squad depth, and the blend of personalities we have.”

Somerset County Gazette:

SATISFIED: Leigh Robinson (pictured on right) was pleased to end pre-season with a 4-0 win ahead of today's league kick-off.

Looking ahead to today’s Evo-Stik Southern League West opener at Cirencester Town (ko 3pm), Robinson should have a full squad aside from McGrath and Palmer, who are working their way back to fitness.

Fellow centre-back Irish was taken off at half-time on Tuesday as a precaution, and should be available.

On their opponents, the manager said: “We haven’t played Cirencester for a couple of years, but [back then] they were always tough, awkward and streetwise.

“They have a 3G pitch so we’ll see how both sides react to it, as it’s fairly new to them as well – it helps to go there early, before they’re used to it.

“But it will be one of our tougher away games and, having been relegated last season, they’ll want to make a good start.”

The Peacocks are targeting promotion this year, and so a stronger start than last season – when they lost two of their first four games – would be most welcome for Robinson.

“There’s expectation – all the staff and players know that,” he said.

“Everyone in non-league football has bad games, so I prefer to judge how we’re doing month by month.

“A good start gives you momentum, but [even if we lose] I still back the squad to come good.”