Sunday 3 December 2023

TALKING POINTS FROM TORQUAY UNITED VERSUS TONBRIDGE ANGELS

1. Dean Moxey's excellent display in the heart of United's defence. 

United defender Dean Moxey was like a Rolls Royce in the centre of the Gulls' defence. Not only did the Gulls' skipper make a number of crucial blocks, tackles and interceptions, his distribution was also outstanding as he seldom wasted a pass. 

He also played an important role in keeping Tonbridge Angels' leading scorer Jordan Greenidge quiet. 

2. Brad Ash makes it eight for the campaign. 

By scoring the winning goal for the Gulls, Brad Ash took his tally for the season to eight goals, which puts him one behind United's leading scorer Aaron Jarvis, who currently has nine to his name. 

Jack Stobbs teed up sub Dylan Crowe for a cross which found Ash, who struck to restore the Gulls' lead in the 61st minute - Francis Mampolo had cancelled out Dillon De Silva's tenth minute opener two minutes earlier. 

Ash is now almost half way to equalling his tally of 18 goals from last season with Weymouth, who United face on Tuesday night. 

3. Lewis Collins' cross for Dillon De Silva's opener. 

After making his move from Newport County permanent, following an impressive loan spell in the 2022-23 season, Lewis Collins' form for the Gulls had been indifferent, but he produced arguably his best display for United in 2023-24. 

On ten minutes, he latched onto a ball down the left wing from Jack Stobbs before producing a cross which found Dillon De Silva who scored the Gulls' opening goal.

4. McGavin's industriousness in midfield.

Since Brett McGavin's move to playing as a deep lying playmaker in front of the Gulls' back four, the former Ipswich Town starlet has been given more licence to express his ability. 

However, against Tonbridge Angels, he displayed a different side to his game, producing arguably his best display in terms of work rate. 

In addition to looking get on the ball and find a pass, he also made a number of important tackles and won numerous headers. 

5. The sit-in protest. 

Once the 90 minutes were up, around 150 United fans stayed behind as part of a sit in protest against the lack of communication from the club's board of directors.

In response to the threat of the protest, the club have announced an online fan's forum, whereby supporters can email questions to the club. There is also plans for an Independent Supporters Steering Group. Also, CEO George Edwards has met with Torquay United Supporter's Trust chairman Nick Broderick in the past week. 

In addition to this, United chairman Clarke Osborne also gave an interview to the Torbay Weekly editor Jim Parker. The interview itself was ground breaking, as Osborne rarely gives interviews. He is also rarely seen at United matches, which he indicates is down to his various business and family commitments. Nevertheless, if Osborne was to make an appearance on Boxing Day, when the Gulls' face Truro City, it would be seen as a genuine attempt to build bridges with the fanbase.