TAUNTON Town boss Leigh Robinson was impressed with what he saw from new signing Keith Emmerson during the 3-1 victory over Didcot Town yesterday (Saturday).

The 34-year-old was brought in from Farnborough earlier in the month, but recent postponents meant he had to wait longer than planned for his Peacocks bow.

READ MORE: As it happened: Peacocks battle to hard-earned three points

Emmerson lined up in the centre of a back three against Didcot, with fellow new arrival Toby Down to his left, and Robinson spoke highly of the defender.

"He did really well," the Peacocks manager said.

"For someone like Keith it was a good game to come into in terms of the conditions, as he's a blood and guts defender and probably quite enjoyed that, whereas the midfielders didn't so much.

"It was the perfect game for him to come into - we have a way of playing that he's still learning, although he's obviously a very experienced player, and he'll grow into the team more and more."

As became increasingly evident during the second half, Emmerson is not shy of having a word or two where necessary and adds experience and leadership to the Town backline.

"He's an aggressive organiser, but that's good as it shows he's got high standards for himself and the people around him. That can only be a good thing if it rubs off on everyone else," Robinson said.

Someone who will not be lining up in the Peacocks defence for the remainder of the season is Ben Palmer, who joined Bideford last week.

Explaining the decision that saw the homegrown player depart, Robinson said: "He feels he can't play his best football if he's not playing every single week.

"He understands that with us he's going to be a little bit in and out, therefore it's hard for him to perform at his best, so he was searching for regular football to get his confidence up and allow him to play at his best.

"I understand that - it's a shame, but obviously we wish him the best of luck." 

Town believe they have a ready made replacement in Joel Randall, the teenager who joined on loan from Exeter City last week.

"We knew he wouldn't be available today or next Saturday as they [Exeter City Under-18s] are in a cup competition, so that takes priority for him," Robinson said.

"He would have played on Tuesday against Wimborne, but he's an out and out left wing-back so he can cover that position."

READ MORE: Report: Town eight points clear after seeing off Didcot challenge

As for the game against Didcot, the Peacocks boss was pleased to register another three points on a difficult pitch.

"Credit to Kevin [Sturmey] and the ground staff for getting the game on, as we turned up and it looked a bit ropey," he said.

"Obviously it was heavy going, but three points any way possible was the aim on that surface - it didn't have to be pretty, especially having not played in a while, so we're pleased to have got the job done.

"I don't think we were at our best. You could see we were still a bit short on sharpness having only played twice or so in a month.

"Perhaps Didcot played the better football but we were better in both boxes. All season we've spoken about that - games are won and lost in both boxes and that's what has led to us getting the three points."