TAUNTON Town head of football Rob Dray does not see tonight's Somerset Premier Cup second round tie as an unwelcome distraction ahead of Saturday's crunch league fixture at Swindon Supermarine, but as a chance for some members of his squad to "play themselves into a bit of form".

Tonight's visitors to the Cygnet Health Care Stadium (for a 7.45pm kick-off) are National League South side Bath City, but they are understood to be sending a team of academy players.

The Peacocks' Bridgwater & Taunton College players are unavailable, with college football also taking place on Wednesdays, which means that - aside from a recall for defender Owen Irish, who has been on loan at Bridgwater Town - Dray will name a first team line-up.

West Bromwich Albion loanee Owen Windsor has returned to his parent club while Ryley Towler, on loan from Bristol City, is also unavailable tonight.

Nonetheless Dray, whose side sit fifth in the Southern League Premier South table and visit fourth-placed Supermarine on Saturday, does not believe tonight's fixture is a nuisance.

"We want to name a strong squad," he said.

"They will bring a young side but we have to approach the game the right way - we want to do well in this competition.

"Rather than having training tonight, it's a chance for some players to play themselves into a bit of form, and for others to get some more minutes."

Taunton fans are unlikely to see top scorer Andrew Neal - who has missed the last two games with a knee injury - feature tonight, however.

Dray added: "He had a scan yesterday, and while we're waiting on definite confirmation, it's not looking catastrophic - more like a strain.

"It's difficult to say [when he might return] but we're more positive than we were 24 hours ago; it's not looking like anything long term."