WITNESSING nine goals at the Viridor Stadium on Tuesday night was an unexpected bonus.

In truth, I was after a glimpse of the lesser-spotted Alpha Sow, the Senegalese international being the Peacocks’ most intriguing signing since... well, you tell me.

Taunton eased into a 7-0 lead over Slimbridge within an hour, allowing Sow to get his longest run-out by far in a claret and blue shirt – 30 minutes!

He may not have got himself on the scoresheet, but he showed plenty of classy touches and a physical presence that terrified the Slimbridge defence, setting up Dan Sullivan’s second goal by making a nuisance of himself.

The priority for Leigh Robinson and his coaching team has been getting Sow up to match fitness, hence his rare appearances since signing.

But he appears to have done enough for Robinson to suggest he has a future at the club.

After the Slimbridge match the manager said: “I don’t think he gave the ball away, or hardly at all; he was good with his back to goal, nice and tidy.

“He’s still quite a way away with his fitness, but you can definitely see there’s a player in there, if we can get him fit in pre-season.”

Now what a bonus that would be as Taunton prepare for the league above.