TAUNTON Town manager Leigh Robinson expressed his delight at his side’s “great start” to the season, having won five from five in August.

The Peacocks have got off to a flier, beating Cirencester Town, Mangotsfield United, Shortwood United and Paulton Rovers in the league, as well as Larkhall Athletic in the FA Cup.

It means that they go into September on top of the Evo-Stik Southern League West standings, ahead of this Saturday’s trip to Tavistock in the FA Cup first qualifying round (ko 3pm).

The Bank Holiday weekend saw Town win 2-1 at Shortwood on Saturday and 3-0 at home to Paulton on Monday, but Robinson believes his team have more gears to move into.

He said: “The performances have improved this week, and we dominated both games.

“So I’m pleased with that, and two more wins.

“To finish August with a 100 per cent record is a great start.”

As for how they are knitting together as a team, he said: “It’s hard to tell, as you can get some funny results with games played back-to-back.

“Of all the games we’ve played, I think the Cirencester one [on the opening day of the season] was our most complete performance.

“So we’re still gelling, and there’s much more to come from this team, which is great.”

Ollie Chamberlain was named man of the match on Monday, having scored the second goal, and Robinson is looking for more of the same from the man who has played at wing-back, central midfield and attacking midfield already this season.

“Ollie gives us pure energy,” the boss said.

“He played all of the game on Saturday, and on Monday – two hot days, and he was tearing round the pitch.

“He was absolutely fantastic on Monday.

“It’s our target for him to get more goals this season, to go with the energy and passing.

“He scored the perfect central midfielder’s goal on Monday, and we want him to carry on like that for the rest of the season.”

From Ollie to Olly, it was the Peacocks’ new loan signing from Forest Green Rovers who wrapped up the scoring on Monday.

Olly Mehew, son of former Bristol Rovers player David, has joined the club until January, and the 19-year-old striker scored an excellent individual goal to finish off Paulton.

“He gives us out-and-out dynamism,” Robinson said.

“We have several different attributes in our forward line – for example Lewis Powell is a pure finisher – and Olly brings pace to get behind defences.

“It was good to see him come on and score, and we hope he can continue that.”

Somerset County Gazette:

HOME DEBUT GOAL: Olly Mehew (centre), with Owen Irish (left) and Lewis Powell. Pic: Tim Norbury

Having made the perfect start to their league promotion bid, the Peacocks’ immediate attention now switches to the FA Cup, which brought so many cherished memories last year.

The manager expects to have a similar squad to Monday’s match for this weekend, save for the suspended Matt Villis, who was sent off against Shortwood.

Ben Palmer is back in contention after injury (having been named on the bench on Monday), but fellow defender Chris McGrath remains sidelined.

Opponents Tavistock have made a fine start to their South West Peninsula League campaign, with three wins from three, 21 goals scored and none conceded going into tonight’s match with Launceston.

The two extra days’ recovery time favour the Peacocks, but Robinson insists they’re taking nothing for granted against dangerous opposition.

“We’re fully rested and ready, but Tavistock are a giant banana skin.

“We were underdogs for most of our FA Cup run last year, so it’s unusual for us to be favourites and be playing away [the tie ended Taunton’s run of 10 straight home draws in the cup].

“We need to concentrate and do a professional job.”