TAUNTON Town manager Gary Domone has vowed to stay loyal to the players who have turned the club into promotion contenders.

Domone admits there are funds available to bring in new players following the departure of prolific striker Steve Cook, but does not see the need to sign new players for the sake of it.

Taunton struggled to stave off relegation last season but are now second in Division One (S&W) of the British Gas Business Southern League after losing just two matches.

Domone said: "There is a bit of money available but I won't be rushed into making new signings.

"The current squad have got us to where we are and they deserve the chance to take us further.

"Yes, we lost an important player when Steve Cook went but we were already top when he joined us.

"I want to see where we can go over Christmas, because there are some very important games over that period, and we will reassess things in January."

Taunton are on the road on Saturday when they travel to play Buckinghamshire side Chesham Utd.

Chesham are managed by former Watford and England striker Luther Blissett who, at the age of 48, has registered for them as a player in the last week.

Meanwhile, Taunton will be without striker Ryan Havard who has joined Southern League Premier Division outfit Yate Town on a month's loan.

Talented Portuguese striker Sonyo da Mata will be in the squad despite appearing for a Weymouth XI against Swansea in a friendly this week.

Da Mata was contacted by the Conference highflyers after impressing them with displays this season.

Adam Faux is out after suffering a recurrence of a knee injury while defender Dean Coppard is rated as 50/50 due to a calf problem.

TAUNTON Town defender Sam Jones is expected to return to action by the start of February despite suffering a blow this week. Jones, who broke his leg at the beginning of October, was due to come out of plaster this week but will remain on until the beginning of January.