TAUNTON Town have had a week off due to waterlogged pitches but they have added two new players to the squad in an effort to boost their title challenge ahead of Didcot’s visit on Saturday.

The club brought in 34-year-old defender Keith Emmerson last week after his departure from Southern League Premier side Farnborough.

And on Monday they announced that 18-year-old midfielder Joel Randall has come in from Exeter City on a work experience deal.

Manager Leigh Robinson said: “Keith has a lot of experience and knowhow, has won this league before, and he has the fitness of a 24-year-old.

“We plan to play Joel at left wing-back to replace Ross Staley; he’s right-footed but has always played on the left.

“He’s a strong runner with an eye for goal.

“He has done well with Exeter Under-21s, but wants to learn the rigours of the men’s game; he will be a good asset for us for the rest of the season.”

Robinson expects Brett Trowbridge to be out for at least eight weeks after he suffered a depressed fracture of the eye socket against Mangotsfield United, and he’s likely to need an operation.

Shane White is available for selection again, however, after serving his three-match ban.

The Peacocks welcome Didcot Town to the Viridor Stadium (ko 3pm, pitch condition permitting), having won the reverse fixture 4-0 in November.

Robinson said: “They’re one of a clutch of sides from third to mid-table and they’re on a good run.

“Last time we came back from a two-week break was at AFC Totton, we were really fresh [and Taunton won 4-0], so we hope for the same again.”

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In other news, Taunton have officially been expelled from the Southern League Cup after failing to raise a side for their match at Frome Town.

The league's board of directors met yesterday to make the final decision, with the Peacocks' expulsion meaning that Frome Town will play Larkhall Athletic in the quarter-finals.