IT was one in, one out in Taunton Town’s striker department this week, as Lewis Powell rejoined the club but Jordan Rogers left for local rivals Tiverton Town.

Powell scored 23 goals in just 25 games for the Peacocks after joining them in December 2015, and last season netted 32 league goals for Mangotsfield United.

Rogers, who was Town’s top scorer last campaign, is trying his luck one league higher, Tiverton having won promotion to the Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division this year.

He joins defender Alex Hoyle and midfielder Matt Buse in leaving the club, Buse announcing his departure to join Gosport Borough this week.

A significant chunk of last season’s squad has agreed to stay at the Viridor Stadium, however.

Last season’s skipper Brett Trowbridge, Ollie Chamberlain, Pierce Mitchell, Ben Palmer and Matt Villis have all extended their stay, as has Peacocks stalwart Owen Irish, who said: “I’m really pleased to agree my 10th year at the club.”

With Lloyd Irish, Shane White and Matt Wright having already signed up for another season, that leaves Craig Duff, Josh Searle, Ross Staley and Craig Veal as the players still to signal their intent for the upcoming campaign.

UPDATE: Taunton Town announced that Craig Duff and Ross Staley had agreed terms to stay, on Thursday evening.

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TAUNTON will face league opposition twice in a week next month, as they begin their pre-season friendly fixtures.

Two days after the visit of Bristol Rovers (July 18, ko 7.45pm), Exeter City will come to the Viridor Stadium on Thursday, July 20 (ko 7.45pm).

The Grecians, who narrowly missed out on promotion to League One last season, are set to send their first team squad to take on the Peacocks.

Taunton’s other friendly matches see them host Southern Premier side Weymouth (July 25, ko 7.45pm), travel to Western League outfit Willand Rovers (July 28, ko 7.30pm), and hit the road again to face Peninsula League team Bovey Tracey (August 8, ko tbc), with their Southern League campaign beginning four days later.

Two further pre-season matches are still set to be announced.

The club’s AGM, due to take place on the date of the Exeter City match, is to be rescheduled, with a new date to be confirmed in due course.

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THE Peacocks are forming an Under-12s side for the Junior Premier League, with trials being held tomorrow.

The new team is part of the club’s newly launched youth football development programme, in partnership with Bridgwater and Taunton College.

The trials are being held at Bishop Fox’s School tomorrow, from 7pm to 8.30pm (astroturf trainers only – no football boots).

To register a place at the trials, or for more information, email youth@tauntontown.com or call 07804 974144.

Trials have already been held for Under-13s up to Under-16s, and two welcome evenings for all selected players and their parents will be held at the Viridor Stadium next month.

Under-12s and 13s are invited on Thursday, July 6, while Under-14s, 15s and 16s will be welcomed on Thursday July 27 (both evenings commence at 7pm).

The club also wants to hear from players at Under-14, 15 or 16 level who have not yet been in contact but would like to register.

Players who sign up to play for Taunton Town in the Junior Premier League can also continue to play for their local youth team and the Taunton and District Schools side if desired.