THERE’s £5,000 in prize money at stake as Taunton Town take on Concord Rangers this Saturday (ko 3pm), the Peacocks hosting a side from two divisions above.
Town go into the Buildbase FA Trophy third round qualifying tie in fine form, having won 3-0 at promotion rivals Evesham United last weekend.
That win made it 14 games unbeaten for Leigh Robinson’s side, a run ended by Tuesday night’s Somerset Premier Cup defeat to Weston-super-Mare.
Robinson opted to rest most of the first team squad, with Saturday’s match in mind, and blooded a host of youngsters, who held the visitors until 55 minutes in.
The manager said: “They did really well, especially as they had never played together.
“They applied themselves very well in the first half, and tired in the second half against a very good side.
“It was good for us to take a look at these young players, while resting the first team.”
One of the more experienced players, Chris McGrath, played alongside son Callum.
Robinson said: “I can’t think of it [father and son playing together] ever happening at Taunton; Chris gained good fitness and Callum did very well.”
Looking ahead to Saturday, the Peacocks will be without midfielder Ryan Brett (suspended for five yellow cards), but otherwise it’s a settled side.
“We’re in such a good place,” Robinson added.
“There’s a good spirit in the dressing room, and we have chemistry and confidence on the pitch.
“At Evesham we had a lot of players at the top of their game.
“A repeat of that gives us a chance against a National League South side; we’ll need everyone at 8 or 9/10 to bridge the gap.”
Town reached this stage of the competition last year, but then they were coming off the back of a draining FA Cup run as they lost at Chelmsford City.
The boss said: “We’re in a better place, more experienced and with fewer games under our belts [this season].
“It’s an occasion we’re all looking forward to, as we showed what we could do at home to Hampton & Richmond, Hemel Hempstead and Barrow last year.
“It would be very good to have a big crowd on Saturday.
“The supporters have been phenomenal in the last few weeks; hopefully they’re enjoying what they’re watching, and the players are feeding off it.”
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