WHEN I booked my two-week holiday, I (foolishly) did not foresee it coinciding with Taunton Town coming under new management after Leigh Robinson’s departure.

Rob Dray and Matt Villis have taken charge and continued the Peacocks’ encouraging start to the season, culminating in them picking up £9,000 for beating Bitton in FA Cup second round qualifying.

It’s back to Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division South action this weekend, with Taunton handily placed in third after seven games.

They’re one of six teams on 14 points, with Weymouth, Tiverton Town, Merthyr Town, Basingstoke Town and Hendon.

So it’s Hartley Wintney, the Hampshire side who gained promotion via the East Division play-offs last season, who lead the way with 15 points – albeit having played one game more than the chasing pack.

Taunton’s hosts this Saturday, Metropolitan Police, have nine points, the same amount accumulated by Salisbury.

Basement side Chesham United are the only team yet to pick up a league win, but Frome Town, Swindon Supermarine and Wimborne Town are all in the bottom six positions at this early stage.

Brandon Goodship – scorer of 38 goals last season – predictably leads the way in the race for the golden boot (he’s level on eight with Hendon’s Ricardo German), but his Weymouth side haven’t yet looked clear favourites.

They were impressive in beating Taunton last month, but had to fight back from 2-0 down to draw at home to Hartley Wintney two weekends ago.

The Terras should beat struggling Staines Town this Saturday, but it’s by no means guaranteed in what’s shaping up to be an unpredictable league season.

Hartley Wintney against Merthyr, and Tiverton versus Basingstoke, are two big games this weekend – both could give an indication of the teams’ condition heading in to October.

Taunton look well set to challenge for the top placings – unless a long cup run becomes the focus.

Given the big sums offered by the FA prize fund, it’s hard to argue with that.