Taunton blow !!

Evo-Stik League South West leaders Taunton Town will be without one of their most experienced players for the rest of the season.

Brett Trowbridge, who has been playing in the middle of the back four this season but normally plays in midfield, has a fractured eye socket which will require an operation.

Trowbridge is in his second spell with Taunton, having previously played for Bridgwater Town, Weston-super-Mare and Yate Town.

Taunton have also revealed that Ben Palmer has joined league rivals Bideford AFC (see separate news item).

Palmer wanted regular first-team football and Taunton were unable to guarantee this.

Despite the departure of Ross Staley, who has left to play in Australia, Taunton boss Leigh Robinson insists he has a strong enough squad.

He told his club`s official website: “My job is to put out the best team within our budget and we’re doing that, so I’m happy with the squad.”

Robinson`s side look to extend their unbeaten record to seventeen matches when they play at home to bottom side Bishops Cleeve tomorrow.

With second-placed Salisbury FC surprisingly losing 1-0 at home to struggling Barnstaple Town last weekend, Taunton now have an eight-point lead over their nearest rivals – and also have two crucial games in hand.

“Salisbury were overwhelming favourites to beat Barnstaple, so it shows what can happen,” added Robinson. “We have to turn up and be forcused and if we are the best team in both boxes as I always stress to the players, then I am confident of getting the result.”

Robinson will be without new loan signing Joel Randall, who will be playing for Exeter City` under-18s.

Source Steve Wintney / Pitchero Non League