TAUNTON Town have announced the return of attacking midfielder Matt Buse, who departed the club in the summer.

The 20-year-old joined the Peacocks in the summer of 2016, and enjoyed a good season - including scoring twice in the 4-2 Somerset Premier Cup final win over Weston-super-Mare.

However, due to his studies at Bournemouth University, Buse left to sign for Evo-Stik Southern League Premier side Gosport Borough.

Gosport have had a troubled campaign amid a rebuilding process, picking up only one point from 15 league games so far, and a transfer was agreed for Buse to rejoin Taunton.

Taunton captain Matt Wright told the Gazette: "He’s a great addition; he brings a lot of energy and chips in with a few goals, as he showed last season."

The paperwork for Buse's transfer has been processed, but Buse will be unavailable for tonight's Evo-Stik Southern League West trip to Slimbridge (ko 7.45pm).

He is, however, set to be included in the squad for home match with Merthyr Town in the Buildbase FA Trophy (ko 3pm).

Regarding Slimbridge, Wright added: "We can't underestimate them, as they're a physical side, and not one of the nicest teams to play.

"We'll have to work hard, and maybe change our game to match them physically - it might not be pretty."

Bristol Manor Farm's defeat to Bideford last night - ex-Peacock Craig Duff scoring - means that Town can go six points clear at the top should they win at Slimbridge.

Wright said: "No one wins the league in October or November, but it would put us in a great position.

"We've had a great reaction to the defeat against Yate, beating teams around us in the table.

"Dan Sullivan has been the missing piece in the jigsaw, and we've been solid at the back with Brett Trowbridge and Shane White slotting in nicely."