TAUNTON Town remain upbeat ahead of their final league game of the season, despite the race for second spot being out of their hands.

The Peacocks travel to seventh-placed North Leigh this Saturday (ko 3pm) locked in a duel with Salisbury and Tiverton Town for the runners-up spot behind Hereford.

The team who finish second will be rewarded with a home tie against Evesham United in the playoffs and – should they win that – would also play the final at home.

Taunton were 5-1 winners at Bridgwater Town on Good Friday, but a home stalemate against Bideford on Easter Monday let Salisbury overtake them by a point.

Reflecting on that 0-0 draw at the Viridor Stadium, boss Leigh Robinson said: “It was just one of those days where not enough players played well.

“There wasn’t enough space for us – full credit to Bideford.”

The Peacocks now hope Bideford can do them a favour on Saturday, as they host Salisbury.

Asked whether they could upset Steve Claridge’s Whites, Robinson said: “I don’t see why not – they seem to save their best performances for the top sides, as they have some high level experience in their squad.”

Regardless of that result, Robinson’s focus is on North Leigh – who drew 2-2 at the Viridor in September.

He said: “They’re a very good footballing side – it will be a tough challenge, but the kind of challenge we have overcome a few times this season.

“We have to win, and hopefully the results go our way.”

Victory for Town would not only help their bid for second, but would also fend off Tiverton (only fourth on goal difference), who entertain 14th-placed Paulton Rovers on Saturday.

Although the playoff semi-finals will take place on Wednesday (April 26), Robinson will field his strongest side.

He may, however, choose not to select Ed Palmer, who is a booking away from suspension that would rule him out of playoff participation.

Fellow centre-back Alex Hoyle is a doubt after coming off at half time against Bideford with a hamstring issue.

The boss added: “When we’ve lost in the playoffs before, it’s been away from home.

“This season we’ve only lost once at home.

“We want to give ourselves the best possible chance, and to finish as high as we possibly can.”