TAUNTON Town begin their pre-season campaign tonight (Friday, ko 7.30pm), away to Western League side Willand Rovers.

This week saw them add a home match with Tavistock AFC to their friendly line-up, the game taking place on Tuesday, July 31 (ko 7.45pm) at the Viridor Stadium.

Ahead of the Willand match, manager Leigh Robinson said he was happy with the players’ return to training.

He said: “It’s been all good so far; we’ve been impressed, if not surprised, by how fit the lads are, as they all look after themselves.

“That allows us to focus on tactics in training, as we prepare to play at a higher level this season.”

He also praised Andrew Neal, the striker who joined from Truro City last month, and Matt Villis, the ex-Peacocks player having come on board as a coach.

“[Neal] looks sharp, and he’s played with a lot of the other players before.

“He’s nippy, he’s hungry, and he’s horrible to play against if you’re a defender.

“It’s a different role for Matt, as he has to get used to being on the other side of the fence from playing.

“But he’s definitely enjoying it, he’s committed and I’m sure he’ll be a real asset to us.”

Paul Edwards' step back (due to work commitments) leaves the Peacocks short of a goalkeeping coach, but Robinson added: “There’s nothing any of us can teach Lloyd Irish!

“Matt Villis will keep him sharp with some drills, and if there’s anything specific we need to work on, Paul can come back on an ad hoc basis.”

With most of last year’s squad already committed to the club, Robinson said he is happy with his playing staff and is not actively seeking to fill any positions.

Nonetheless, he’ll have an eye on players becoming available and potential loan deals, and added that a couple of triallists will play tomorrow.

On that match, he added: “Everyone’s chomping at the bit, and we’re in a good place after last season.

“For the first game back, I let the players have one to get back into it and shake off any rustiness.

“So I’m not worried about quality on the ball, but I want to ensure the hunger is still there from last season.”

Taunton travel to Willand without Lloyd Irish, Matt Buse and Michael Meaker, while Dan Sullivan (back) is doubtful.