THERE have been many big days in the near 70 year history of Taunton Town FC and Saturday’s FA Cup final qualifying round clash with Conference side Hemel Hempstead Town will undoubtedly be up there with the best.

Leigh Robinson’s side have come through the early rounds with flying colours having disposed of arch rivals Tiverton Town after a replay, Southern League Premier Division Cinderford Town, Slimbridge and Conference side Hampton and Richmond Borough.

It has brought them to within touching distance of a possible League club in the competition proper with the added chance of being televised which could set the club up financially for some time.

Just seven years ago Paulton Rovers reached the same round and drew League One Norwich City, which attracted the TV cameras and all at the club will be hoping the side can repeat the superb showing against Hampton and Richmond and be in the hat for the draw at HQ.

The squad were dealt a royal flush on Saturday when AFC Totton drew their FA Trophy tie with Wimborne which meant Town did not have the unwanted headache of a Tuesday night scramble to Southampton in the league and Robinson has had a clear slate with which to work.

The Tudors and the Peacocks last met ten seasons ago, when they were in the old Western Division which brought a 3-0 win at Taunton and a 4-2 away loss and although the sides have never met in the FA Cup, Taunton have beaten them in the FA Vase and FA Trophy and will be anxious to make it a treble.

Last Saturday Hemel’s unbeaten run of nine games came to an end at Margate, where they lost 2-1 and they are now 15th in the division.

Media exposure has certainly increased since the victory over Hampton and Richmond Borough as assistant manager Michael Meaker, along with Jordan Rogers and Pierce Mitchell have appeared on BBC Points West, and Breakfast Show presenter on BBC Somerset Claire Carter and ITV Westcountry’s Seth Conway have both been to the ground to speak to chairman Kevin Sturmey and manager Leigh Robinson.

Town are also making progress in the FA Trophy after thrashing Larkhall Athletic 6-2 on Saturday and, despite the Bath-based side finishing with nine men, the squad are reporting a clean bill of health.

Should there be a positive result on Saturday, Paulton Rovers will visit for a league game on Tuesday with Winchester City doing likewise on Saturday week.