TAUNTON Town have been drawn away to Bridgwater Town in the first round of the Red Insure Cup.

The derby tie is scheduled for Tuesday, October 14, kick-off 7.45pm.

Under league rules clubs can elect not to enter the competition upon payment of a fee and three sides have made that decision – Bideford, Mangotsfield United and Merthyr Town.

The club is now awaiting the publication of the league fixture list for the new season which should be released this morning (Thursday).

n With the new season fast approaching, the club groundstaff have been spending lots of time perfecting the Viridor Stadium and pitch which now looks in excellent condition.

Other improvements for the new season include new goal nets and new corner flags. As a result of the pitch improvement chairman and head groundsman Kevin Sturmey has reached the final of the Groundsman of the Year awards.

He travels to the FA’s St George’s Park next month to find out if he has been successful.

n THE Peacocks, who played League One Walsall at the Viridor Stadium last night (Wednesday), return to friendly action tomorrow evening (Friday) when they entertain Truro City (7.45pm).

The Southern League Premier side will provide another good test of the Peacocks’ early season credentials.

Town then play their first away friendly on Tuesday when they travel to Western League outfit Willand Rovers, kick-off 7.45pm.