TAUNTON Town hope to get back to winning ways at home to AFC Totton this Saturday (ko 3pm), but will have to do so without striker Lewis Powell.

The forward only joined the Peacocks in June, coming in from Mangotsfield United after a previous stint at the Viridor Stadium in the 2015/16 season.

Manager Leigh Robinson said: “Lewis Powell is definitely leaving, we’re just not sure where [he will go].

“He refused to play on Saturday, saying he was not in the right frame of mind.”

Town have acted quickly to secure his replacement, though, with Omar Simpson coming in from Paulton Rovers.

The 27-year-old striker has previously played at Yeovil Town, Chippenham Town and Frome Town, and also competed for Great Britain in athletics (200m and 400m).

On Simpson, Robinson said: “Pace and dynamism were attributes we were on the lookout for, as we want more of it in the team, alongside Matt Wright as our targetman.

“He played well against us this season [Paulton’s visit to the Viridor in August] and he has raw potential – his pace is the key for us.”

Last weekend saw Town denied a win at Kidlington by a late equaliser, but there were several positives for the boss.

“We were forced into changing the system to a back four, but everyone coped well with it and it gives us another option in the coming weeks.

“Wrighty [Matt Wright] was back on the scoresheet after a little drought for him, and we knocked in a set-piece.

“We had lots of set-piece goals last season, so it was good to get our mojo back there.”

Several of last weekend’s absentees should be back for the Totton game, with Ben Palmer, Les Afful and Michael Meaker returning and Matt Villis in contention after a hamstring injury.

Totton have made a good start this season, sitting fifth in the table, and Robinson said: “It will be a tough game, as they’re much improved from last year.

“They’re a young and energetic side so need to press our home advantage.

“We said on Saturday that away draws are fine, but only if you follow up by winning at home.”