TAUNTON Town travel to Bideford for their first match of 2017 today (ko 3pm).

The Peacocks are seeking their eighth consecutive win, their remarkable run propelling them up to seventh in Evo-Stik Southern League Division 1 South & West.

They are four points shy of the playoff spots, but hold four games in hand on most of those above them.

Bideford are currently ninth in the table, but have played five more matches than their visitors today.

They are vying for a playoff place themselves, and have already tasted success against the Peacocks this season.

Taunton boss Leigh Robinson named an experimental line-up of fringe and under-18 players for the sides' Southern League Challenge Cup first round meeting in October, which hosts Bideford won 4-0 as Billy Tucker grabbed a brace.

The Peacocks will be at near-full strength for this match, however, their only injury doubt being Craig Duff - who left the action early against Tiverton on Boxing Day with a hamstring tweak.

As Taunton saw off Tiverton, Jordan Rogers scoring twice, Bideford defeated Barnstaple in their own Boxing Day derby - so the Peacocks will need to be on their guard.

Robinson said: "It will be an interesting game as both sets of players know each other well. 

"Bideford have an experienced side and plenty of talent, and play their home pitch well, so we need to be at our best to keep our excellent winning run going.”

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TAUNTON'S fellow Division 1 S&W side Bridgwater Town, meanwhile, are now seeking a new first team boss after Craig Laird resigned to take up the reins at Premier Division Dorchester Town.

Bridgwater said in a statement: "We are extremely grateful to Craig for his efforts in starting the process of rebuilding [the team] in what have been extremely challenging circumstances."

Dan Wright, the Reserves manager, will be charge of the team for their home match with Paulton Rovers today (ko 3pm).