THE festive period brings a number of derby matches for our football teams.

Taunton Town have won their last six matches and scored 23 goals on their march up to seventh spot in the league table, but Boxing Day's scrumptious-looking derby looks a real test.

Monday's opponents, Tiverton Town, sit second in the Evo-Stik Southern League Division 1 S&W, and they have only lost one league game away from home this season.

And there is more that binds the clubs than the short distance (20 miles) between them, and their bids to finish in the playoffs - for several players this will be something of a reunion.

Former Peacocks captains Steve Kingdon and Jamie Price reacquaint themselves with the Viridor, while team-mates Ben Carter, Alex Faux, Ben Mammola, Rob Norrish, Joe Perry and Jamie Short also used to ply their trade there.

Taunton's Lloyd Irish, Ed Palmer, Josh Searle and Matt Villis, meanwhile, have all previously turned out for Tivvy.

The in-form playoff rivals collide on Tuesday at 1pm.

Also on Boxing Day, Wellington entertain Bishops Lydeard in the Western League hoping to maintain their top spot against the sixth-placed visitors (ko 12.30pm).

***

Today (Christmas Eve), the focus will be on Staplegrove in the Somerset Premier when they entertain leaders Watchet Town.

The Grove will be looking for a win double after beating the visitors 1-0 earlier in the month. Kick-off is at noon.

In Somerset Division 1W, Minehead welcome Highbridge Town (1pm).

1610 Taunton United travel to Banwell in Division 2W.