TAUNTON Town head into Saturday’s FA Cup clash with Billericay Town knowing that a win will take them into the first round proper for the second time in three seasons.

The Peacocks routed St Albans City last Wednesday, with their reward being a fourth round qualifying tie away to the National League South leaders (ko 3pm).

With £25,000 on offer in prize money and Football League clubs entering at the first round stage, Rob Dray - who was yesterday appointed as head of football - has urged his players to make the most of this chance.

“It’s fantastic for the players, the fans and the club,” he said.

“Moments like this don’t come often in a Non-League player or manager’s career, so we’ve got to grab the moment.

“If we perform like we did against St Albans, we’ll be difficult to play against.

“We will have a real go, and try to play on the front foot.”

There’s no doubt that Taunton are underdogs; Billericay are top of the division above (National League South), and ex-Premiership star Jamie O’Hara is in their squad.

The Peacocks are without suspended pair Ryan Brett and Pierce Mitchell, while striker Dan Sullivan is an injury doubt.

Dray, though, is unfazed, adding: “We will go up on Friday night and prepare well; we go there with plenty of confidence.

“They will be difficult to beat, but we’ve done this before.

“We need to play with high intensity and high tempo, and run longer than our opponents.

“Individually, they have more quality – that’s why they’re top of the league above. Only yesterday they brought in a striker [Ross Lafayette] from Sutton in the National League.

“But we can make up for that with hunger, desire and hard work, and we have quality players of our own.”

Dray also described it as “a massive honour” to lead Taunton into this big match.

“In terms of my career it’s up there with the rest of the last two years and the Barrow match [in the FA Cup first round in 2016].

“We’re excited and we want to test ourselves.

“I know [Billericay manager] Dean Brennan through footballing circles, and we crossed swords when he was at Hemel Hempstead; he’s a good guy and a good manager.”

Travelling Taunton fans should be aware that Billericay operate 'no cash' turnstiles; tickets can be bought on Saturday from the hosts' club office or website.

For supporters travelling by car, Billericay offer secure parking for £5; there are also a limited number of seats left on the coach departing Taunton – call 01823 254909 or travel@tauntontown.com for details.

You can follow all the action as it happens tomorrow afternoon in our live blog - see countygazette.co.uk/sport from 2.30pm.