TAUNTON Town play two Evo-Stik League games in the next six days which may play a big part in shaping the rest of their season.

Cinderford Town are the visitors to the Viridor Stadium on Saturday, kick-off 3pm, and then the Peacocks make the trek to Shakespeare country to play Stratford Town on Tuesday evening, kick-off 7.45pm. The Peacocks climbed up to third spot following their victory at bottom side Bishops Cleeve last weekend.

But are likely to face a sterner test on Saturday against the Forest of Dean outfit who are handily placed in ninth position and who would draw level with Town if they win their two games in hand.

New front man Lamar Powell from Frome Town made his debut at Bishops Cleeve but only lasted half an hour before limping off with a pulled hamstring.

His injury continued Taunton’s run of bad luck with strikers which has seen manager Leigh Robinson facing various obstacles in his search to recruit a new face up front.

Players have agreed to join the club before doing a U-turn while one even signed but then left after one game.

To counter the loss of Powell, who will be out for several weeks, Robinson has secured Bristol Rovers first year pro Aaron Ward-Baptiste on a month’s loan.

Aidan Chainey also returns to the squad for Saturday but Jamie Price sits the game out due to a one match suspension incurred for totting up five bookings this season.

Robinson said: “With Lamar unfortunately getting injured in his first game we had to move quickly and are very grateful to Bristol Rovers for trusting us with Aaron.

“He’s really looking forward to getting valuable game time and hopefully scoring goals to help force himself into the first team at his club.”

The clash at table toppers Stratford was originally scheduled for Saturday, November 15, but had to be postponed due to the Warwickshire club’s continued involvement in the FA Trophy, meaning a lengthy trip midweek.

Stratford were soundly beaten in their Trophy tie and then in their most recent game went on to have their run of ten successive league wins halted with defeat at Tiverton Town.

Nevertheless the game will provide a serious challenge to the Peacocks against a side who have won eight of their nine home league fixtures.

Robinson added: “Both will be really tough games this week.

“Cinderford are vastly improved this year. They are six points behind us but with two games in hand and also have a good defensive record.

“Stratford will obviously be confident as they are top of the league and also defensively strong, plus it’s a terrible journey for us to have to make on a midweek which gives them a big advantage.”