TAUNTON Town have confirmed the signing of a promising young local talent for the upcoming season.
Phil Mendonca has joined the club after impressing during an extended trial period.
The talented former Exeter City youngster who will be 17 next week is looking to re-establish his career with his hometown club after recovering from injury.
Mendonca said: ”I’m really happy to sign for my hometown club, this is where I was born and started to play football, and this is a great club where I can really start and forge my career.
"I can’t wait for the season ahead and continue to develop as a person and as a footballer, as well as experiencing playing in front of the Taunton fans who have been unbelievable towards me so far.”
Mendonca has previously spent five years at Yeovil Town and the past two at Exeter before suffering a ligament injury when on trial at Derby County.
He marked his first appearance in a Town shirt with a cracking goal at Clevedon last week.
Head of football Rob Dray said: ”Really pleased to sign a good local player with a lot of promise. He’s without doubt got bags of potential and if he carries on as he has done, he will make a good contribution to the squad this season but at the same time Phil is only just turning 17 and will need time to mature.
"However, he plays with no fear and has a real edge to his game, something that can’t be coached. I’m looking forward to his journey.”
Taunton Town had their first game at home during pre-season last Friday night.
A goal in each half steered the Peacocks to a 2-0 victory over Willand Rovers at Wordsworth Drive.
The win was Town’s third from three pre-season games and proved relatively comfortable.
The home side had already carved out numerous openings before they took the lead after 31 minutes, Willand keeper George Burton denying Dave Sims-Burgess from close range and Ross Stearn collecting the loose ball to fire home off the underside of the bar.
Town keeper Dan Lavercombe tipped a shot onto the bar just before the break but that was the closest Rovers came to scoring and it was the Peacocks who added a second after 58 minutes after a defensive mix-up let in trialist Aze Akinbobola to tap home into the net.
Despite chances there were no further goals as Town now prepare for the challenge of Exeter City on Tuesday evening.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here