BROWNE ON TOWN: Taunton Town make positive start to Evo-Stik Southern League season

The goal that finally beat the Peacocks, from Weymouth’s Abdulai Baggie, was an odd one.

In one sense it was deserved – Weymouth were the better team for the last three-quarters of the match, showing why they are considered the favourites to win the league.

But in another it was very harsh on Taunton, who had started brilliantly before manning the trenches and throwing themselves in the way of efforts at Lloyd Irish’s goal.

READ MORE: Weymouth sucker-punch ends Peacocks' unbeaten run

Even after the loss of Keith Emmerson, their defensive rock, the Peacocks seemed to have weathered the worst of the storm as their hosts ran out of puff and the game looked destined to end in a draw.

The good news is that Emmerson should not be sidelined for too long.

Manager Leigh Robinson said he had a tight calf beforehand, so it was a bit of a gamble for him to play.

But, though he’s likely to miss this Saturday’s game, Robinson is hopeful he’ll be back for the Bank Holiday weekend.

With the unbeaten run gone, the Peacocks can now focus on picking up as many points as possible in August – before cup matches muddy the waters somewhat.

And there’s no reason why they shouldn’t win a lot of games this year.

I wondered beforehand whether the Weymouth match might prove a reality check for Taunton, after last season’s amazing exploits.

But it merely confirmed that they belong at this level, if not higher.

Comfortable winners at home to Staines and eager battlers in Dorset, Robinson’s squad have already shown that they’re not content just to consolidate this campaign.

Of course, they’ll be keen to progress well in the FA Cup and FA Vase – especially with the increased prize money pot – but a league playoff spot remains my prediction for them.

There are many unknowns in this mish-mash of a league after the summer restructure, but it’s hard to see many teams coming through an encounter with the Peacocks unscathed.