TAUNTON Town boss Rob Dray was content with a point after seeing his side draw 3-3 at home to nearest league rivals Weymouth on Saturday.

Two goals from Andrew Neal and a Matt Buse header ensured the Peacocks go into 2019 with their seven-point lead at the top of the Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division South standings still intact.

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Head of football Dray told the County Gazette: "I think a draw was about right today; we said today that we needed a positive result, and this is a positive result against a very good side.

"I'm pleased; the boys had to dig in, had to show all the other bits to their game today and showed good minerals.

"We had a few with aches and pains after the Tiverton game – it's hard with so many games close together.

"We're the team being chased, the onus was on them [Weymouth] to win today.

"So as long as we didn't lose, it's a good result for us, and now we've played Weymouth twice in the first half of the season."

Ryan Brett was a late withdrawal from the team, Dan Sullivan taking his place, while James Dodd came on as a late substitute for the Peacocks.

Dray added: "Bretty's knee is just a bit sore, he's got a bit of tendonitis; he warmed up and didn't feel right, and we're not going to risk anyone at this stage.

"Sully came in and gave us 70 minutes, having not played for a few weeks, so he's on the right track [fitness-wise].

"[Dodd] is a young boy from Exeter, he comes very highly rated, he's left-footed and can play in a number of positions.

"We chucked him on for the last 10 minutes, and he's fitted in straight away."

Dray hopes to have Brett back for the away game with sixth-placed Merthyr Town on Tuesday (January 1, ko 3pm).

He said: "We're in a good place [going into Tuesday's game].

"[Merthyr] will be tired just as we are – everybody's tired at this time of year.

"It's when you have to dig in mentally, say 'here's what we're going to do' and grind out another result."