TAUNTON Town face two games in three days this Bank Holiday weekend, away to Wimborne Town on Saturday, and then at home to fierce rivals Tiverton Town on Monday (both ko 3pm).

The Peacocks picked up their first win of the season at the third attempt last weekend, which boss Rob Dray admitted had given them “a significant lift” after two previous defeats.

Dray’s squad has been freshened up by the loan signings of Harry Kite (from Exeter City), Zac Smith and Bradley Webb (both Bristol City), while key midfielder Ollie Chamberlain returns after missing the last match through suspension.

Dray said: "It [getting the first win] was a significant lift to everybody.

"Our muscle memory kicked in, we remember how we win games, and it clicked for us.

"There are still a few things to iron out.

"We trained hard last [Tuesday] night, we had everyone in, and it was good to work on our shape and how to stop conceding sloppy goals.

"Kite, Smith and Webber are good players and they're fantastic lads – they've been a breath of fresh air.

"Smith has played for Bristol City Under-23s, but he thanked us for playing him on Saturday – he's a credit to himself and his family.

"There'll be a little bit of movement, but Naby Diallo and Dan Sullivan are core players in our squad.

"With Ryan Brett we have to be so careful and patient, to get him back into the swing of things.

"It's important for us to have a strong squad with the games we have coming up, in the league and FA Cup.

"Josh Grant is still struggling a bit [with injury], Pierce Mitchell is away on Saturday but should be in the squad on Monday.

"Matty Holmes [Wimborne manager] is a really genuine person, his experience is second to none and he always puts a good side out.

"It's never easy going to Wimborne, with the way the pitch slants, but this time of year is probably the best time to go."

As for the derby on Monday, 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."

Opposition in focus

The Magpies have lost Toby Holmes (30 league goals last term) to Salisbury, and they’re yet to pick up a win from their opening three games.

A 0-0 home draw with Hartley Witney was followed by a 1-0 loss at Blackfield & Langley, and then a 1-1 draw away to Hendon last Saturday.

Kieran Roberts scored their equaliser at Hendon from the penalty spot, after a second-half double substitution from manager Matty Holmes tipped things in their favour.

Their games with Taunton tend to be tight; last season they lost 4-2 away, before holding the Peacocks 1-1 at home.

Tiverton have made a great 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 two wins and a draw so far – 2-2 against Hayes & Yeading United on the opening day, then a brilliant 2-1 win at Poole Town and 3-1 away to Walton Casuals.

Both wins have seen them finish strongly, scoring in the 88th and 92nd minutes to beat Poole, and then knocking in three goals in the last 20 minutes against Walton.

Classy midfielder River Allen – formerly of Plymouth Argyle, Gosport Borough and Truro City – has two goals in Tivvy’s first three games, with ex-Truro striker Jared Lewington also on board.