TAUNTON Town welcome local rivals Tiverton Town to the Cygnet Health Care Stadium this afternoon (ko 3pm), for a hotly anticipated Bank Holiday derby clash.

The Peacocks have bounced back from losing their opening two matches, beating Chesham United and Wimborne Town to move up the table.

Saturday's 3-0 victory at Wimborne was an impressive result, given their previous struggles there, and it owed much to Andrew Neal rediscovering his goalscoring touch.

Last season's top scorer, Neal had failed to score in Town's opening three league games, but will now be hoping to go on a run of goals.

Neal is one of several Taunton players to have previously played for Tiverton, with Ed Palmer, Jamie Price, Jamie Short and Matt Wright also having spells with the Yellows.

As for the visitors, they have made a brilliant start to the season, despite the absence of leading striker Levi Landricombe due to a knee injury.

Joint managers Martyn and Scott Rogers have overseen three wins and a draw so far, meaning that they top the early season Premier Division South standings.

And they come into today's match full of confidence after thrashing Beaconsfield Town 6-1 on Saturday – Noah Smerdon scoring twice in that game.

Classy midfielder River Allen – formerly of Plymouth Argyle, Gosport Borough and Truro City – has three goals in Tivvy’s first four games.

Taunton head of football Rob Dray said: "Tiverton have had a good start, they've recruited well and they have momentum.

"But form goes out the window on derby day, it's about who wants it more.

"There should be a good crowd for it, and it may well come down to who holds their nerve."

The Peacocks hope to welcome Pierce Mitchell back into the squad, after he was away for Saturday's match, while Ryan Brett and Josh Grant work their way back to full fitness after injury.