TAUNTON Town's bid to reach the play-off received a major boost this week when top scorer Steve Cook turned down a move to Division One (S&W) rivals Paulton Rovers.

Cook spoke to Rovers this week but was not impressed with what he heard and has decided to stay at Wordsworth Drive.

Taunton's manager Gary Domone was delighted with Cook's decision but was not happy with the things Paulton had to say.

Domone said: "They told Steve we wouldn't make the play-offs and were generally not very complimentary about the club and Steve didn't like that.

"It's obviously a big boost for us because he's our best goalscorer.

"If he had been with us for the whole season we would be higher up the table now."

Meanwhile, Domone said he has decided to throw caution to the wind in the chase to secure a play-off place.

Following a patchy run of form that has seen them win just three times in 12 games, Taunton have slipped out of play-off places.

Bashley have already claimed the one automatic spot with the next four fighting it out to be the second team promoted to the Premier.

"We really have to go all out now," he said.

"We might as well be beaten 5-0 going for a win than losing 1-0.

"We've got some excellent attacking players at the club and we might as well get them all on the pitch."

Another boost for Taunton is the return to action of left-back Sam Jones who returned to the side for last night's (Wednesday) game at home to Newport Isle of Wight.

Jones broke his leg near the start of the season.

This Saturday, Taunton travel to take on play-off rivals Burnham in another vital game. Next Wednedsay they are on the road again when they play Toolstation Premier Division side Bitton in the semi-final of the Somerset Premier Cup.

Team Bath and Yeovil Town contest the other semi.