Rest period has been so vital – Dray

TAUNTON Town’s unbeaten home record in the Premier Division South will again be on the line when they play against Gosport Borough today.

Leaders Taunton go into the match with a six-point lead over second-placed Met Police, despite not playing for ten days.

The Met, however, have games in hand, as do fellow challengers Salisbury and Weymouth.

Taunton head of football Rob Dray said: “We’ve been working on a plan B in training, as we need more options in our playing style. But the most important thing has been the rest after playing six games in 19 days.

“Even our ‘gazelles’ – Matt Buse and Ollie Chamberlain – have been tired.”

Taunton expect to have their talented goalkeeper Lloyd Irish back after a three-week spell in Australia visiting his girlfriend, while vice-captain Shane White may make a surprise return after being sidelined since the new year with a cracked cheekbone.

“Fortunately, Shane’s injury has not been as bad as we thought, but he will have to wear a mask for protection,” added boss Dray.

Gosport, lucky to escape the drop last season after finishing second from bottom, are lying 19th in the table.

Taunton will be chasing the season’s double over the south coast side, having won 2-1 away in November. Borough have not won a game this year.

Salisbury have a stiff-looking task on paper as they travel away to Hartley Wintney, while midtable Swindon Supermarine are away to Harrow Borough.

Meanwhile, Frome, in desperate need of points to escape the relegation zone, could hardly have asked for a more difficult game as they host the Met Police.