TAUNTON Town manager Paul West says he will be satisfied with nothing less than a victory from their opening league game of the season on Saturday.

The Peacocks travel to take on Hampshire outfit Gosport Borough in their opening Zamaretto League Division One South and West clash and West can’t wait to get start.

He said: “It’s been a long pre-season and the lads just can’t wait to get started now.

“Things have gone well, although we’ve had a couple of poor results, and the players are ready.

“Gosport are a very good side but we’re not going there looking for a draw.

“I’ll set the side up to play attacking football and we’ll be going all out to start with a win.

“That will be my attitude all season. I was that way as a player and I won’t be any different as a manager.

“It’s important we get a good start. The side struggled to get any momentum last season, which is why they finished near the bottom.”

West singled out the pre-season displays of midfielder James Clough and wide player Darren Rice, who will both start Saturday’s game.

He said: “Darren and James have been outstanding in pre-season.

“They’ve impressed me hugely and thoroughly deserve to start against Gosport.

“They’re local lands and both desperately want to play for the club.”

West said the side will play in a 3-5-2 formation, with Rice one of the wing-backs.

Taunton: Lloyd Irish, Owen Irish, Neil Bailey, Danny Lane, Shaun Anthony, Lewis Irish, Darren Rice, James Clough, John Harris, Nick McCootie, Twaine Plummer, Leon Simpson, Alexis Piper.

TAUNTON Town are also in action next Tuesday, when they take on Paulton Rovers at Wordsworth Drive (7.45pm).

TAUNTON Town won 2-1 at home to Axminster in their final pre-season game on Tuesday. Lewis Irish and Shaun Anthony got the goals.

WELLINGTON are in FA Cup action on Saturday when they ‘host’ Bideford in an extra preliminary round tie at Elmore AFC in Tiverton.