Everybody loves the FA Cup and on Tuesday evening Taunton Town supporters turned out in force to cheer their side to a place in the first round proper for only the third time in their history, writes Richard Walsh.

Yeovil Town FC, from the National League, one above the level where the Peacocks currently play, and once famous giant killers themselves, were in town to replay the fourth qualifying round match that had been drawn 0-0 at Huish Park three days earlier.

Apart from being able to claim the bragging rights for the best team in Somerset the prize for the winner was a cheque for £9k and a trip to face League One side MK Dons and another payday, all of which adds to the importance of the competition to teams at all levels.

Taunton Town had 72 hours to prepare for their biggest game of the season- so far, and what a great shift chairman Kevin Sturmey, who has devoted his life to the club, along with the staff off and on the pitch put in to make sure everything was ready.

The pitch looked in perfect condition, neatly mown in stripes and all the lines carefully painted- well done once again Rob Hake who has found a new lease of life since joining up with the Peacocks.

The stage was set for the big match - and as in all knock out cup competitions league form counted for nothing.

The Taunton players looked slightly nervous in the opening stages maybe aware that the hopes and dreams of the town rested on their shoulders, but once seasoned professional Lloyd James, who started his career at Southampton playing alongside Gareth Bale, stepped up and cooly slotted home a penalty, the Peacocks realised they were more than a match for the Glovers.

Somerset County Gazette: Picture: Debbie Gould/TTFC Photographers

Yes there were chances at both ends and home keeper Jack Bycroft safely gathered several dangerous balls to repel any dangers, but once they took the lead there was no looking back and whatever Yeovil threw at them the home defence coped with.

At the end of the game the Taunton Town players re-emerged onto the pitch much to the delight of those who had gone along to watch, and it was clear from their faces just how much it meant to them.

Goal scorer Lloyd James, who has enjoyed a few successes during a long playing career at the top level, said: “You can see just how much it means to everyone- its just brilliant and I think we deserved it. This is massive to us. It’s not just for the players it’s for the people behind the scenes, the people you don’t see. Everyone chips in at this club and football is about nights like this.

“We are a team and everyone is part of it, both on and off the pitch and you need that, and if we all stick together like we do then we will keep pushing on.

At the end of the evening 2,000 people walked away from the Cygnet Stadium feeling happy and looking forward to the game at Milton Keynes on November 5, while the 300 Yeovil Town supporters departed empty handed.

This was a night to savour and remember at the end of which Taunton went into as the underdogs but came out as the top dogs.