TAUNTON town face a busy festive schedule of Calor League games beginning with the eagerly anticipated Boxing Day derby with Tiverton Town at Wordsworth Drive tomorrow (1pm).

The reverse fixture on August Bank Holiday saw the Devon club score a stoppage time winner to snatch a fortunate 2-1 victory after Taunton had missed chances to seal the points.

Tiverton lie handily placed to challenge for a play-off place, currently sitting in sixth position six points ahead of Taunton, so the Boxing Day clash provides an opportunity both for the Peacocks to avenge the early season defeat and to rekindle their own form which has taken a dip this month after winning all seven games in November.

Manager Leigh Robinson, reflecting on a winless December so far, said: “The last three games highlight the tiny margins of error in this league.

“Factors such as league position or players missing are irrelevant as it’s who performs on the day in this league, our game against Godalming being a case in point. We have to start taking our chances.”

A full squad should be available for selection apart from long-term injury absentee Rodney Marsh who will hopefully return early in the New Year.

On Saturday, Town travel to Gloucestershire to take on Shortwood United, kick-off 3pm. The sides drew 1-1 earlier in the campaign but since then Shortwood have embarked on a successful FA Cup run which saw them reach the First Round Proper before bowing out to Port Vale in front of the TV cameras.

The Peacocks will be missing Shane Kingston and Chris Young who are both suspended for one game after receiving five cautions this season.

Then on New Year’s Day, Taunton make the short hop over to Bridgwater Town, kick-off 1pm.

It’s honours even so far this campaign after the Robins came out on top in the FA Cup following a replay victory, with Town knocking their local rivals out the Somerset Premier Cup last month.