SOMERSET CCC’s T20 quarter-final win may have been the headline news on Monday, but down in Devon, Taunton Town were pulling off a significant result of their own.

Of course the Peacocks fans were desperate for a result against Tiverton, and the 3-1 win was a mirror reflection of the 2017 playoff semi-final result that went the Yellows’ way.

Manager Leigh Robinson said he was more concerned with whether Taunton finished above Tiverton in the final league standings than one result, but they certainly laid down a marker here.

Their hosts were unbeaten in the league until this point, and so this was a great psychological victory for the Peacocks, which sees them sit second in the table – behind early leaders Weymouth – at the end of August.

There was a return to form for the Taunton defence, too, led by Keith Emmerson – the centre-back having marshalled the backline so well away to Weymouth before being forced off injured.

Of course, improved individual performances helped, but so too did the return to a 3-5-2/3-4-3 system against Tiverton.

Personally I think it gives the side better balance, offering greater protection against counter-attacks (a real weak spot against Hendon) and giving more attacking opportunities to Pierce Mitchell and Nuno Felix at wing-back.

Nonetheless, being able to switch between formations during the season is a bonus, helped by such versatile players as Ben Adelsbury, Shane White and now Brett Trowbridge, who returns to the club.

The Peacocks have a run of four home matches coming up, which may see them favour a more attacking 4-3-3 – Basingstoke Town and Street (in the Southern League Cup on Tuesday) being the first two of those.

The following weekend brings an FA Cup first round qualifying match with either Bemerton Heath Harlequins or Thatcham Town (they drew 0-0 last weekend so will meet again in a replay) at the Viridor Stadium.

It’s a very good opportunity to progress in the competition, and pick up £6,000 from the FA prize fund.