tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32495750538401409992024-03-25T14:28:38.766-07:00South West FootballSteve Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12007249319480103932noreply@blogger.comBlogger1512125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249575053840140999.post-37964692286158087892024-03-25T14:23:00.000-07:002024-03-25T14:28:07.435-07:00REID ON TARGET ON NORTHERN IRELAND DEBUT<p> Former Exeter City and Torquay United striker Jamie Reid became the latest South Devon born striker to score in international football, as he found the back of the net for Northern Ireland in their 1-1 draw with Romania. </p><p>Reid, who hails from Torquay, joined Paignton's Kieffer Moore who has represented Wales and Newton Abbot's Ollie Watkins who, of course, has broken into the England squad. </p><p>He only had to wait seven minutes until opening his account for Michael O'Neill's side after Liverpool's Conor Bradley broke down the right and then fed Southampton midfielder Shea Charles who squared the ball to Reid, who calmly slotted home. <br /></p><p>At the age of 29, Reid, currently with Stevenage in League One, also becomes the second oldest player to score on his debut for the province. <br /></p>Steve Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12007249319480103932noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249575053840140999.post-78425128971643628202024-03-23T16:24:00.000-07:002024-03-23T16:27:30.092-07:00TALKING POINTS FROM TORQUAY UNITED VERSUS HAMPTON & RICHMOND BOROUGH<p> 1. Asa Hall and Dean Moxey were immense at the back. </p><p>For all of this season, Torquay United have been crying out for a wise old head at the back, but against Hampton and Richmond with Asa Hall and Dean Moxey, who have a combined age of 75, in the centre of defence, the Gulls kept their sixth clean sheet of the season in the league - and only their second in the current calendar year. </p><p>Not only did skipper Hall convert United's 28th minute penalty, he also showed great leadership qualities throughout. In addition to this, he was a commanding aerial presence - winning numerous headers - allied with good positional sense. </p><p>Meanwhile, Moxey once again proved himself to be excellent at reading the game and made a crucial goal line clearance to deny Hampton wide man Ruaridh Donaldson on 57 minutes. </p><p>2. Brad Ash lead the line well. </p><p>In the absence of Aaron Jarvis and Duane Ofori-Acheampong, it was left to Brad Ash to lead United's forward line as a lone striker. It's a role that requires a certain type of forward to play as the player in question has to play with their back to goal and rely on support from their attacking midfielders to make it work. </p><p>However, Ash excelled in that position and went close to scoring on a number of occasions and it was a foul on him that won the penalty, which was converted by Asa Hall, that proved to be decisive. <br /></p><p>3. Devon Day boosts attendance. </p><p>With Plymouth Argyle and Exeter City not in action due to the international break, a number of fans of the Pilgrims and the Grecians headed to Plainmoor to offer their support to the Gulls in the light of the news of Clarke Osborne's intention to place the club in Administration. </p><p>Their presence boosted the attendance, which stood at 3,029 - a figure that also included 66 Hampton and Richmond fans - which was the highest crowd of the day in the National League South. </p><p>Also present was former United caretaker boss Neil Warnock, who would no doubt have been impressed by the resilience on display. <br /></p><p>4. Other results go in the Gulls' favour. </p><p>The importance of United's win was further underlined by the fact all of the teams below them in the National League South table failed to win. Truro City, Taunton Town, Havant & Waterlooville and Dover Athletic all lost while Dartford and Eastbourne Borough both drew. </p><p>This sequence of results leaves the Gulls five points clear of the drop zone. <br /></p><p><br /></p>Steve Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12007249319480103932noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249575053840140999.post-89648207375377318262024-03-18T13:47:00.000-07:002024-03-18T13:51:16.202-07:00DEVON DAY <p> Football in Devon will unite on this coming Saturday in solidarity with Torquay United as supporters of Plymouth Argyle and Exeter City will attend the Gulls' National League South fixture with Hampton and Richmond Borough. </p><p>United have been deducted ten points after former chairman and owner Clarke Osborne announced his intention to place the club in administration, which has plunged the Gulls into a relegation battle. </p><p>However, as Argyle don't have a fixture in the Championship due to the international break and Exeter's away trip to Leyton Orient being postponed due to international call-ups. <br /></p><p>Both the Pilgrims and the Grecians have been in Administration in recent years , the Pilgrims in 2011 and the Grecians in 2003, and have since emerged stronger - and it's hoped that United will eventually be able to do the same. </p><p>Another bumper crowd would be a major boost to United; It's also worth noting that they allowed the Grecians to keep all of the gate receipts from a friendly at St James Park on the eve of the 2003-04 season - shortly after they had just been relegated from the Football League at a time when their Supporter's Trust had recently taken ownership of the club. <br /></p>Steve Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12007249319480103932noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249575053840140999.post-40954773034802799742024-03-15T13:17:00.000-07:002024-03-15T13:17:20.545-07:00REID RECEIVES CALL-UP FOR NORTHERN IRELAND <p> As a reward for his fine form with Stevenage in the 2023-24 season, former Exeter City and Torquay United striker Jamie Reid has been named by Michael O'Neill in the latest Northern Ireland squad for their friendlies against Romania and Scotland. <br /></p><p>Reid, now 29, was capped twice by the province at Under-21 level in 2013 - and he will be hoping to add a senior cap to his collection. </p><p>After starting his career at St James Park, Reid enjoyed the first truly prolific spell of his career once he joined the Gulls, his hometown club, in 2017. He memorably found the back of the net 33 times in the 2018-19 season, as United secured the National League South title - and he also won the division's player of the year award in the process. <br /></p><p>Reid netted a further 21 goals in all competitions in the 2019-20 campaign, which was cut short due to the Covid 19 pandemic, before earning a move to the EFL with Mansfield Town in the summer of 2020. </p><p>Whilst at Field Mill, he found harder to come by, but a move to Stevenage in 2021 re-ignited his career, as his goals helped fire Boro to promotion from League Two in the 2022-23 season. Reid then continued his fine form into the current 2023-24 campaign, which has seen him find the back of the net 21 times in 38 appearances in all competitions to date. </p><p>It is often said that strikers who are prolific for Torquay United rarely are for anyone else. This has proved to be true for a whole range of forwards from Robin Stubbs to Rodney Jack to David Graham, but Reid has proved to be the exception to this rule. <br /></p><p>Other players named in the squad include Plymouth Argyle goalkeeper Conor Hazard, Liverpool full-back Conor Bradley and Middlesbrough centre back Paddy McNair. <br /></p>Steve Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12007249319480103932noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249575053840140999.post-10029361257223532042024-03-10T09:56:00.000-07:002024-03-10T10:32:07.606-07:00TALKING POINTS FROM TORQUAY UNITED VERSUS DARTFORD<p> 1. A first win for Aaron Downes as a manager. </p><p>At the third time of asking, Torquay United secured their first win of Aaron Downes' reign as interim manager. </p><p>Following creditable draws against Aveley and Weymouth, the Gulls ended a run of nine games without a victory in emphatic fashion. It was also only their second win of 2024, and timely one as the threat of a ten-point deduction should the club enter Administration hangs over the club. <br /></p><p>2. Aaron Jarvis and Brad Ash's race to 20 goals continues. </p><p>By finding the back of the net for the Gulls against the Dart's, Aaron Jarvis and Brad Ash have now both netted twice in their last three appearances. </p><p>Jarvis opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 48th minute after he had been fouled by Joash Nembhard and Ash scored United's third on 52 minutes, when he reacted quickest to the rebound after Jarvis had seen his initial shot parried away by Dartford keeper Billy Terrell. </p><p></p><p>The duo have also taken their respective tallies for the season to 11, as they look to make up for the time that they lost through injury as they look to reach 20 goals for the season in their remain ten games of the regular campaign. </p><p>Former United boss Leroy Rosenior, a former striker himself, would surely have been impressed by their display. </p><p>3. Two in two for Arkell Jude-Boyd. </p><p>By netting United's second goal of the afternoon, QPR loanee Arkell Jude-Boyd made it two in two, as he followed up his first for the club against Weymouth with another goal against Dartford. <br /></p><p>After a move which started when Jarvis flicked on a goal kick from Mark Halstead to Jack Stobbs, whose cross found Lewis Collins, who then squared the ball to Jude-Boyd who duly slotted home. </p><p>In recent years, the Gulls have had several talented youngsters on loan from QPR, most notably Sinclair Armstrong and Stephen Duke-McKenna, and Jude-Boyd looks set to join that list. </p><p>4. Austen Booth produces his finest performance to date. </p><p>When he signed for his hometown club, centre back Austen Booth was achieving a life-long ambition, and against Dartford he delivered arguably his finest performance to date for the Gulls. </p><p>Booth, 25, won a number of key tackles and also looked comfortable in possession when playing the back out of defence, and he appears to be making a seamless transition to full-time football. </p><p>5. Duane Ofori-Acheampong's first goal of his second spell at Plainmoor. </p><p>By rounding off the scoring with United's fourth goal against Dartford, substitute Duane Ofori-Acheampong found of the back of the net for the first time in his second spell with the Gulls. </p><p>It was also his first goal for United since he netted against Bristol Rovers on New Year's Day 2015. <br /></p><p><br /></p>Steve Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12007249319480103932noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249575053840140999.post-40766016302729161712024-03-08T09:11:00.000-08:002024-03-08T09:11:27.338-08:00DOWNES FOCUSING ON THREE POINTS <p> With an extension agreed to their notice of entering Administration and talks with new owners ongoing, Torquay United interim manager Aaron Downes' attentions are firmly focused on achieving all three points in the Gulls' next two fixtures against Dartford and Taunton Town. </p><p>Having earned creditable draws against Aveley at home and away to Weymouth since Downes took over the managerial reins from Gary Johnson - albeit on a temporary basis. However, United need wins to close the gap on the top seven, or even the bottom four should the worst come to the worst and they receive a ten point deduction for entering Administration. <br /></p><p>First up, Dartford, who finished as National League South runners-up in the 2022-23 season, visit Plainmoor in what will be new manager Ady Pennock's first game in charge. It won't be the first time that the paths of Downes and Pennock have crossed; Pennock was in charge of Forest Green Rovers during the 2015-16 season which they ended as runners-up behind a Cheltenham Town side who Downes captained. </p><p>Then there is the Devon-Somerset Derby which sees Taunton Town visit Plainmoor for a game which finally gives the Gulls the chance to face the Peacocks, as the reverse fixture at Wordsworth Drive has already been postponed three times this season. </p><p>Although Downes appears to have been thrown in the deep end as a manager, he had spent a number of years doing an apprenticeship through his role as head of coaching at Cheltenham before serving as assistant manager to Gary Johnson for a number of years. He had also played a number of notable managers including Johnson at Cheltenham, Roy McFarland and John Sheridan during his time at Chesterfield and Martin Ling and Alan Knill from his spell as a player at Plainmoor and he also featured in the Australia squad at the World Under-20 Championship in 2005 under current Spurs boss Ange Postecoglu - all of whom he can draw inspiration from. <br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Steve Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12007249319480103932noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249575053840140999.post-48733993101858559262024-02-25T10:10:00.000-08:002024-02-25T10:10:56.558-08:00TALKING POINTS FROM TORQUAY UNITED VERSUS AVELEY<p> 1. One club United in the face of adversity. </p><p>Throughout its 125 year history, Torquay United have faced a fair amount of adversity during that time. However, the news that the club was to be placed in Administration was new territory for the Gulls. </p><p>Nevertheless, the fans rallied behind the club as a crowd of 3,642 got behind United, which was the highest attendance in either the National League North and South, and only four games in the National League attracted bigger crowds. </p><p>Those who would have witnessed the match would have gone home after seeing arguably the Gulls' best performance for some time, and hopefully most of them will be back for United's next home game against Dartford on March 9. </p><p>2. A promising managerial debut from Aaron Downes. </p><p>Had it not been for a wordly from Aveley left-back Eduiano Vaz, then Aaron Downes would be celebrating a win in his first game in interim charge of Torquay United. </p><p>However, he can still be proud of the fact that he oversaw a passionate and committed performance from his side, which hopefully will be a benchmark going forwards. <br /></p><p>3. Aaron Jarvis and Brad Ash reach double figures for <br /></p><p>Injuries have robbed United of many key players this season, including strikers Aaron Jarvis and Brad Ash - both of whom were in single figures heading into their fixture with Aveley, having scored nine goals each. </p><p>Jarvis headed home his tenth of the campaign on 27 minutes when he connected with a Brett McGavin corner and Ash hit double figures for the 2023-24 campaign eight minutes later when he slotted home following a goalmouth scramble. </p><p>At the start of the season, it was hoped that the duo might have been able to fire United to promotion. However, should they go into Administration and receive a ten-point deduction, they might instead be helping the Gulls retain their National League South status. </p><p>4. Kevin Dawson's return is a welcome presence in midfield. </p><p>When he first arrived on loan from Gloucester City in March 2023, Irish midfielder Kevin Dawson brought plenty of drive and leadership to the Gulls' side as they narrowly missed out on retaining their National League status. </p><p>However, a hamstring avulsion has meant that Dawson hasn't been able to feature since signing for the club on a permanent basis, but his recent return has been a major boost for the Gulls. </p><p>Throughout their clash with Aveley until he was replaced by the returning Jack Stobbs in the 70th minute, Dawson looked comfortable in possession and was a vocal presence, always looking to encourage his teammates. <br /></p><p> <br /></p><p><br /></p>Steve Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12007249319480103932noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249575053840140999.post-58280481993747448152024-02-22T15:15:00.000-08:002024-02-25T08:12:56.401-08:00THE HIGHS AND LOWS OF GARY JOHNSON'S REIGN AS TORQUAY UNITED MANAGER<p> Gary Johnson's spell in charge of Torquay United was the longest of his managerial career, which has lasted the best part of four decades, and it was one that was characterised by a series of highs and lows. </p><p>The highs included a first league title for the Gulls since the 1926-27 season in the 2018-19 campaign when United romped to the National League South title and the Gulls' play-off final defeat to Hartlepool United at Ashton Gate in 2021. Then came the lows as two years later, United were relegated back to the National League South and struggled to reach the heights of 2018-19 in the 2023-24 season. </p><p>When Johnson was first appointed, many eyebrows were raised at his arrival as many fans would have been expecting an appointment along the lines of Steve Tully or Lee Hodges. </p><p>The Gulls' journey under Johnson began with a 2-0 away win over Hungerford United on September 15, 2018, which was followed by a 7-0 rout of Wessex League side Lymington Town in the FA Cup second qualifying round a week later.<br /><br />Then came the first real challenge of Johnson’s then brief reign – the visit of league leaders Woking to Plainmoor for a game he described as a ‘six-pointer’. Despite trailing 2-0 at half-time, United rallied to draw 2-2 - with Jamie Reid netting a brace for the Gulls.<br /><br />Under Johnson, Reid was a player transformed as he finished the 2018-19 campaign with 32 goals to his name. He then went on to score a further 21 in the 2019-20 National League season.<br /><br />Johnson also made good use of his connections with Bristol City, where his son Lee was manager. United had already loaned Jake Andrews and Opi Edwards from the Ashton Gate club, and they would be joined at Plainmoor by Connor Lemonheigh-Evans and Saikou Janneh. He was also joined at Plainmoor by his brother Pete, who became his head of recruitment, and former Gulls defender Aaron Downes, who was appointed as his assistant.<br /><br />It wasn’t until January 19, 2019, that United tasted defeat for the first time in the league when they were beaten 3-2 by Bath City at Twerton Park. By this time, the Gulls had set a new record for unbeaten league games of 16. However, Oxford City would find themselves on the receiving end of the backlash of that loss, as United won 7-2 – after leading 5-0 at half-time. It was also a game that saw Jake Andrews score a hat trick from midfield, while Reid and Janneh netted a brace apiece. </p><p>The second half of the season also saw United produce a ‘fly on the wall’ documentary which – amongst other things - captured the scenes in the dressing room before and after each game. This included a scene when Johnson tore into his charges, giving them the full ‘hairdryer’ treatment when they trailed 1-0 away to East Thurrock on a Tuesday night in February 2019. However, Johnson’s message had the desired effect as United turned things around to win 2-1, with Ruairi Keating scoring a late winner.<br /><br />At the end of March 2019, the Gulls beat Chelmsford City 3-1 at Plainmoor which left them with one hand on the title. A 3-3 draw with second-placed Woking a week later at the Kingfield Stadium – which was secured with a Ben Wynter volley in stoppage time - effectively ended the Cards’ challenge for top spot. This meant that when United beat Eastbourne Borough 2-0 at Plainmoor in front of a crowd of more than 4,500, with goals from Connor Lemonheigh-Evans and Jake Andrews, which saw them confirmed as National League South champions for 2018-19.<br /><br />Defeats against Chippenham Town and Hungerford followed – the latter saw the Gulls receive the trophy in front of a National League South record crowd of 5,351 - before United said goodbye to the National League South with a 4-0 win away to St Albans City. It was a game that saw another record fall as Kalvin Kalala – who Johnson brought to Plainmoor from Cheltenham - opened the scoring with the fastest goal in the club’s history after 10 seconds.<br /><br />Back in the National League, United started the 2019-20 campaign with a 2-1 win over Boreham Wood. It would be a season that would throw up several inconsistencies for the Gulls – partly due to injuries – as United recorded 4-2 wins against eventual champions Barrow and play-off winners Harrogate Town. Nevertheless, they would also lose 5-1 to Stockport County at Plainmoor in November 2019 and were thrashed 6-2 to Yeovil Town on Boxing Day 2018. Bizarrely the heavy defeat to Stockport occurred around a month after the Gulls had beaten the Hatters 4-0 at Edgeley Park – making the aggregate score from both fixtures 5-5.<br /><br />The Covid-19 enforced suspension of the National League saw United end the campaign after 36 matches. The outcome of the season was decided using PPG (points per game) to calculate the league’s final placings, which saw the Gulls finish in 14th place. </p><p>In the extended close season before the start of the delayed 2020-21 campaign, Johnson was busy in the transfer market, as Danny Wright, top scorer in his National League title winning side with Cheltenham, joined as a replacement for the Mansfield Town bound Reid. Other notable new arrivals included Connor Lemonheigh-Evans and Gary Warren, who joined the Gulls permanently following successful loan spells from Bristol City and Exeter City respectively, and experienced left-back Dean Moxey also arrived from Exeter. On the eve of the season, Johnson also made three loan signings in the form of Adam Randell (Plymouth Argyle), Sam Sherring (AFC Bournemouth) and Louis Britton (Bristol City).<br /><br />United started the campaign with a 1-0 home win over pre-season favourites Stockport, with Lemonheigh-Evans netting a last-minute winner, in a match played behind closed doors – due to coronavirus restrictions. They followed this up with a number of other impressive results, including a 5-0 win away to Hartlepool United on October 31, 2019 (which was broadcast live on BT Sport), as the Gulls established themselves amongst the league's front-runners. <br /><br />Other memorable results included a 6-5 FA Cup first round exit to Crawley Town, a 6-1 drubbing of Yeovil Town on Boxing Day and a 4-0 away victory over Boreham Wood in the FA Trophy fourth round – which marked Johnson’s 100th game in charge. <br /><br />Over the course of the campaign, United would score a number of late goals in what became as known as 'Gary time'. <br /><br />The remainder of the season saw the Gulls remain neck and neck with Sutton United, with both sides sharing the lead at various stages. The title race itself was decided in their penultimate game of the season, as United drew 2-2 with Barnet and Sutton beat Hartlepool United (more on them later) 3-0 to claim top spot. <br /><br />Nevertheless, United could at least console themselves with their highest ever finish in the National League of second place - the Gulls' finished third and fourth in the division under Paul Buckle between 2007 and 2009 - as they prepared to face Notts County in the play-offs. The Magpies were promptly dispatched 4-2 after extra time to set up a final with Hartlepool United. <br /><br />The final was played at Ashton Gate to avoid clashing with matches from the delayed Euro 2020 matches being staged at Wembley. The Gulls appeared to have taken the lead on eight minutes through Kyle Cameron, however referee Simon Mather deemed Cameron to have impeded Hartlepool goalkeeper Brad James - even though the replay of the incident showed that contact appeared to be minimal. </p><p>In the second half, Cameron had another effort disallowed for a foul on James, but just when it seemed as though Hartlepool would hold onto win, goalkeeper Lucas Covolan went up for a corner and headed home an equaliser for United to force extra time. <br /><br />There were no further goals in extra time, as the final went to penalties. Despite Covolan saving two Hartlepool penalties, misses from Billy Waters and Danny Wright meant the Gulls remained level at 4-4 after Asa Hall, Joe Lewis, Armani Little and Connor Lemonheigh-Evans all converted.<br /><br />Ryan Donaldson then made it 5-4 to Hartlepool before Matt Buse had his spot-kick saved by James, as the Pools secured their return to the Football League at the expense of the Gulls. <br /><br />The close season saw a number of players leave Plainmoor as Ashton Gate hero Lucas Covolan earned himself a move to the EFL with Port Vale. Kyle Cameron and Aaron Nemane both moved to Notts County and Ben Whitfield joined Stockport County.<br /><br />New arrivals included goalkeeper Mark Halstead from Morecambe, central midfielder Tom Lapslie from Colchester United and a number of young prospects, who included Dan Martin (Cardiff City), Ali Omar (Barnsley), Keelan O’Connell (AFC Bournemouth) and Klaidi Lolos (Plymouth Argyle).<br /><br />Johnson also brought in a number of players following pre-season trials, including Dan Holman, who served under him at Cheltenham Town, and winger Gabby Rogers, a former United youth team player who had been released by Yeovil. <br /><br />United made a slow start to the 2022-23 campaign, losing their opening three home games of the campaign against Altrincham (1-3), Woking (0-4) and Grimsby Town (1-3). However, a 1-0 victory over Southend United in September courtesy of a late winner from Connor Lemonheigh-Evans got the Gulls up and running at Plainmoor. The Southend win also marked goalkeeper Shaun MacDonald’s return to the club, after turning down a new contract in the summer.<br /><br />For the remainder of the season, they would only lose two more home league fixtures (against FC Halifax Town and Solihull Moors).<br /><br />Johnson also used the loan market to good effect, bringing in Sinclair Armstrong and Stephen Duke-McKenna from Queens Park Rangers and Stephen Wearne from Sunderland, who were then managed by Lee Johnson. </p><p>Memorable results from the campaign included completing a first ever league ‘double’ over Yeovil Town (3-0 on Boxing Day at Plainmoor and 2-1 in the return at Huish Park on January 2, 2022) and a 5-1 win over Notts County which saw Lemonheigh-Evans bag his first career hat-trick.<br /><br />In the end, United finished 11th – only falling out of contention for a play-off spot with three games to go. <br /><br />The summer of 2022 saw a number of departures as Connor Lemonheigh-Evans and Joe Lewis both signed for League Two side Stockport County and Armani Little and Shaun MacDonald also headed to the EFL to sign for Forest Green Rovers and Cheltenham Town. Amongst others leaving for pastures new were the long serving Ben Wynter and the experienced Danny Wright. </p><p>To replace them, in came Kieron Evans on a season-long loan from Cardiff City, strikers Aaron Jarvis (Scunthorpe United) and Corie Andrews (AFC Wimbledon), midfielders Brett McGavin (Ipswich Town), Ryan Hanson (Dover Athletic) and Shaun Donellan (Maidenhead United), centre backs Ross Marshall (Stevenage) and Ollie Tomlinson (Plymouth Argyle) and right-back Dylan Crowe (Ipswich Town). <br /></p><p>What came next was a season of struggle which culminated in relegation on the final day of the season, with a 1-1 draw with champions Wrexham. The Gulls also experienced a number of heavy defeats, losing 4-1 at home to Solihull Moors, 6-0 away to Wrexham, 4-0 away to Notts County and 5-1 at home to Chesterfield. Brief high points of the 2022-23 campaign included a 6-1 win over Aldershot Town, which was their first home league win in eight attempts that also saw Aaron Jarvis become the sixth player to score a hat-trick for the Gulls under Johnson - a feat he would emulate in the Gulls' 3-2 win over York City later in the campaign, a 2-2 draw with Derby County in the FA Cup first round and a five-match winning run in March-April 2023 which raised hopes that a 'great escape' could be achieved. </p><p>In the 2023-24 campaign, with the majority of the players who finished the previous campaign signed up, minus Frank Nouble who signed for Yeovil and young defender Nico Lawrence who returned to his parent club Southampton, hopes were high the season would turn out to be a memorable one. However, a 2-2 draw with Dover Athletic and a 3-0 home defeat to Worthing soon proved that the path ahead wouldn't be as smooth as first hoped. </p><p>However, a run of six wins from their seven league fixtures saw optimism of a swift return to the National League rise. Unfortunately, a slump followed which saw Johnson react badly to criticism - making reference to the 'right type of fan' in one of his pre-match pressers. </p><p>At the turn of the year, a run of one win in 11 league matches - plus an FA Trophy exit at the hands of Hereford United - prior to the announcement that Chairman Clarke Osborne will be placing the club in Administration preceded Johnson's decision to call it a day, bringing his reign as the club's third longest serving manager to an end. </p><p>Johnson isn't the first Torquay United manager to see his reign fizzle out after reaching a high point which could have changed the destiny of the entire club had fate been kinder to them. <br /></p><p>In the 1987-88 season, the late Cyril Knowles led the Gulls to the brink of promotion, with defeat in a two-legged play-off final to Swansea City. Despite reaching the Sherpa Van Trophy final against Bolton Wanderers in 1989, United didn't get as close to promotion again under Knowles' reign. </p><p>Fast forward to the 1993-94 campaign, and the Gulls lost out to in the play-offs again under Don O'Riordan, this time to Preston North End in the semi-finals after Darren Moore's controversial red card. A mid-table finish then followed in 1994-95 before O'Riordan was dismissed after an 8-1 defeat to Scunthorpe United in October 1995. </p><p>A decade later, Leroy Rosenior led United to automatic promotion in the 2003-04 season and so nearly kept the Gulls in League One in 2004-05 - a 2-1 defeat to Colchester United on the final day saw the Gulls relegated back to the fourth tier on goal difference. Once back in League Two, Leroy couldn't re-create the same magic in the 2005-06 campaign and left in January 2006. </p><p>Then in the 2011-12 season, after succeeding Paul Buckle following United's League Two play-off final loss to Stevenage Martin Ling once again guided the Gulls to the play-offs, where they were beaten by Cheltenham Town in the semi-finals. In the subsequent 2012-13 campaign, Ling stood down as manager midway through the season due to the health reasons, which later turned out to be depression, and was eventually replaced in the summer of 2013 by Alan Knill. </p><p>Life after Gary Johnson begins with a home fixture with Aveley that sees his assistant Aaron Downes take interim charge for the first time. </p><p>Now is the time to get behind the Gulls and truly be One Club - United.<br /></p><p><br /></p><p> <br /></p><p><br /></p>Steve Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12007249319480103932noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249575053840140999.post-36090478505100042822024-02-21T00:30:00.000-08:002024-02-21T00:30:45.975-08:00ON THIS DAY: HULL CITY 0 TORQUAY UNITED 1 - 2003-04<p>When Torquay drew 1-1 with Hull City at Plainmoor in October 2003, Tigers boss Peter Taylor admitted that his side had ‘got away with murder’ in a match that saw the Gulls play Hull off the park. </p><p>In their return fixture at the KC Stadium 20 years ago today, there was no such luck for Taylor’s men as United came away from Humberside with all three points – courtesy of a 45th minute strike from Martin Gritton - to boost their promotion hopes and provided a serious dent to Hull’s title ambitions in the process. </p><p>United had been beaten a single goal
against fellow Play-off chasers Huddersfield Town at Plainmoor in their previous fixture and headed to
Humberside badly in need of a positive result to stay in the promotion hunt. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Hull – in direct contrast - had won seven out of their last
eight matches and were top of the league. They were also at the beginning of a
rise through the divisions that would take them as far as the Premiership and
an FA Cup appearance. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Nevertheless, it was the Gulls who enjoyed the better of the
opening period, as David Graham and Jo Kuffour stretched the Tigers defence to
such an extent that Hull keeper Boaz Myhill was called upon to make four
outstanding saves in the first 25 minutes. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Such was the Gulls dominance, it wasn’t until the 34<sup>th</sup>
minute that the Tigers were able to get their first effort on target through Jonathan
Walters when he forced a save from Gulls keeper Kevin Dearden with a near-post
header. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Nevertheless, Torquay made their dominance count when they took
the lead on the stroke of half-time. Graham flicked on a forward ball from Alex
Russell and substitute Martin Gritton – who replaced Kuffour on 33 minutes - quickly
latched onto it and slotted from six-yards. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">After showing their attacking prowess in the opening 45
minutes, the Gulls were forced to display their defensive resilience as their
centre back pairing of Steve Woods and Craig Taylor were forced to repel
efforts from all angles. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Nevertheless, Torquay still showed enough quality to hit the
Tigers on the break as Taylor had a header cleared off the line and Graham
hooked an overhead volley wide. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Arguably Hull’s best chance fell to the Northern Irish
winger Stuart Elliott who headed a Ryan France cross wide, as United’s defence
refused to give an inch. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In the dying minutes of the game, Gritton nearly grabbed a
brace – which would have eased Torquay’s nerves – but missed the target. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Ultimately, it didn’t matter as United held on during four
minutes of stoppage time to beat the league leaders, and a team with a budget
that was far superior to theirs, in their own backyard. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">After scoring 16 times in his first season with the Gulls,
Gritton missed a lot of games due to injury during the 2003-04 campaign, but
the goal he scored against the Tigers proved to be one of his most crucial in a
Torquay shirt. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In an interview with the Sunday Independent in 2015, he
said: “I didn’t play as much as I wanted to that season as I had a bad injury,
but scoring away at Hull and winning 1-0 was a good day.”</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">After the match, Rosenior couldn’t hide his delight at the
way in which side had tackled their big city opponents. </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">He said: “Our first half performance won us the match. I am
delighted by the way we played and it’s great to come here and win.”</p><p>Torquay (4-4-2): Kevin Dearden; Lee Canoville, Steve Woods, Craig Taylor, Brian McGlinchey;
Jason Fowler (Tony Bedeau 62), Matt Hockley, Alex Russell, Kevin Hill; David Graham (Reuben Hazell 90), Jo Kuffour
(Martin Gritton 33)</p>
<p> </p><p><br /><br /></p>Steve Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12007249319480103932noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249575053840140999.post-70225524765904790842024-02-11T09:42:00.000-08:002024-02-11T09:42:44.731-08:00TALKING POINTS FROM TORQUAY UNITED VERSUS SLOUGH TOWN<p> 1. A defeat snatched from the jaws of victory. </p><p>After going down to a late winner in a 3-2 defeat to the Gulls' ultimate bogey side Maidstone United during the week, a positive result against Slough Town would have been the perfect way to follow up that performance. </p><p>Leading 3-2 with ten minutes, the omens looked good for United, but two late goals - including one in injury time - stunned the Gulls and it was the visitors who went home with all three points. </p><p>United looked as though they were crying out for a leader at the back, someone in the mould of Alex Watson or Craig Taylor, or even Gary Warren, a player who only appeared fleetingly during the 2020-21 season, but would probably be one of the first names on the team sheet if he was with the Gulls now. <br /></p><p>Sadly, the result means that United have now only once in their last ten games and are facing an uphill battle to make the play-offs. </p><p>2. A brace for Will Jenkins-Davies. </p><p>It would have been a bittersweet afternoon for Plymouth Argyle loanee Will Jenkins-Davies as he scored a brace for his hometown club, but it wasn't enough to win the game for the Gulls. </p><p>The former Wales youth international has taken his tally for the season to five goals, an impressive return for an attacking midfielder at this stage of the season. The Gulls have been blessed with a number of goal scoring midfielders in recent seasons, names such as Connor Lemionheigh-Evans and Armani Little spring to mind, who both hit double figures during their respective spells at Plainmoor and there still time for Jenkins-Davies to do the same. <br /></p><p></p><p>3. The return of Aaron Jarvis. </p><p>Merely the presence of Aaron Jarvis on the bench for the first time since last October when he collided with an advertising hoarding at Weston Super Mare would have provided the Gulls with a boost. The fact that he was able to get on the pitch was an even bigger plus, which was reflected when he entered the fray as a replacement for Duane Ofori-Acheampong to a standing ovation. </p><p>When he came off the bench, the score was 3-2 to the Gulls and the dream scenario would have been to see him make it 4-2, but it wasn't to be. Nevertheless, a fit Jarvis could yet make a difference further down the line. <br /></p><p>4. Arkell Jude-Boyd making the right-back slot his own. </p><p>Since Ben Wynter's departure for Barnet in the summer of 2022, Gary Johnson has tried a number of players at right-back. However, none of them have made it their own, but QPR loanee Arkell Jude-Boyd looks like breaking that trend. </p><p>As well as being strong defensively, Jude-Boyd also looked comfortable going forward and hopefully he will remain at Plainmoor between now and the end of the campaign. <br /></p>Steve Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12007249319480103932noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249575053840140999.post-24281194289629375072024-02-04T08:28:00.000-08:002024-02-04T08:28:11.620-08:00TALKING POINTS FROM TORQUAY UNITED VS ST ALBANS CITY<p> 1. The pressure on Gary Johnson increases. </p><p>Watching on from the director's box due to a touchline ban, the Gulls' defeat to St Albans City would not have made pleasant viewing for United manager Gary Johnson. Nor would the protest outside the ground calling for him to be dismissed. </p><p>This isn't the first time that the fans have protested at Plainmoor this season. When the Gulls faced Tonbridge Angels last December, over a 100 fans staged a sit in protest at full time against the lack of communication between the club and the support base. </p><p>Saturday's result, of course, sees United drop out of the play-off zone and the club finds itself seemingly at another crossroads. As a full-time club in a mostly part-time league, promotion should be the club's ultimate aim, but a lot of works need to be done to ensure that happens. <br /></p><p>2. Only four subs on the bench. </p><p>With Dean Moxey and Will Jenkins-Davies serving one-match bans and Jack Stobbs and Duane Ofori Acheampong pulled out through injury on Friday, the Gulls only had four players on the bench.</p><p>Club captain Asa Hall was the most senior quartet alongside sub keeper Rhys Lovett and teenage youth products Callum Thomas (more on him below) and Jacob Wellington. </p><p>Moxey and Jenkins-Davies will be available again on Tuesday when United head to Maidstone and fingers crossed Stobbs and Ofori Achempong will be fit too and the long term injury victims Aaron Jarvis and Kevin Dawson should also be available in the not to distant future. <br /></p><p>3. Local boys did alright. </p><p>In amongst the flotsam and jetsam of the Gulls' defeat to St Albans City, local boys Austen Booth and Callum Thomas could come out with the heads held high. </p><p>Booth, the son of former United defender Jon Gittens who was making his debut following his move from Taunton Town, acquitted himself well on his debut, making an off-the-line clearance to deny St Albans' Shaun Jeffers a hat-trick in the 77th minute. </p><p>First year pro Thomas entered the fray on 15 minutes after Finley Craske and coped admirably in the circumstances. He showed good character, which will surely stand him in good stead in the future, as he tried in vain to block Giorgio Rasulo's fourth goal for St Albans from going in. </p><p></p><p>4. Only one win in 2024. </p><p>Such has been United's form in 2024 that their 1-0 win in their last home fixture against Dover Athletic is their only victory since the turn of the year. An upturn in the Gulls' fortunes has now become necessity and something that they will need to rectify quickly. <br /></p>Steve Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12007249319480103932noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249575053840140999.post-46803748996384152162024-02-02T12:39:00.000-08:002024-02-02T12:49:16.589-08:00TORQUAY NEED A RUN TO AID PROMOTION CHALLENGE<p> For a club who have specialised in achieving the unlikely and improbable throughout their history, the question of what could be considered as the 'most Torquay United thing ever' predictably creates much debate and conjecture.</p><p>Many would point to the Gulls' famous final day 'great escape' at the end of the 1986-87 season against Crewe Alexandra, when Bryn the Police Dog sunk his teeth into Jim McNichol that was swiftly followed by Paul Dobson's equaliser in the subsequent time added on to secure a 2-2 draw which kept United in the Football League. </p><p>However, at first glance, it could appear to be a case of 'canine intervention' which saved the Gulls, but if you examine it more closely, there was only one sub in those days and, as Adie Mann had already replaced Chris Myers, McNichol was forced to carry on even though in today's game, where clubs can name five subs, he would surely have been replaced. Therefore, in reality, United were playing the additional injury time with ten men - as McNichol, although he might have been on the pitch, wasn't in a position to make any significant contribution. </p><p>My personal choice for the most 'Torquay United thing ever' would be the Gulls' play-off triumph over Blackpool in the 1990-91 season. In the semi-finals, United defeated Burnley and a 2-1 victory over the Clarets ruined any hopes that anyone might have had for a dream all Lancashire between Burnley and the Tangerines before going onto win the final themselves - in the most dramatic of circumstances. <br />Despite conceding an early goal from Blackpool midfielder Paul Groves before skipper for the night Wes Saunders - regular captain John Uzzell still hadn't recovered from a hamstring injury sustained on the final day of the regular season against York City - headed home a cross from Mark Loram. <br />A Dean Edwards penalty gave United a 2-1 lead before they were pegged back by an own goal from Chris Curran. The scores remained level at the end of 90 minutes, and also at the end of extra time which sent the final to penalties. The Gulls then triumphed 5-4 on penalties, becoming the first team to do so in a Wembley play-off final, with Gareth Howells scoring the decisive spot-kick - which made him the first goalkeeper to save and score in a penalty shoot-out at Wembley. </p><p>All of this was achieved after being 12th in the table at one stage; they were also on 45 points after 28 league games - the same number that the Gulls of 2024 currently have after playing the same number of matches. However, a strong finish saw them, which included five wins in their last eight games saw them into the play-offs. </p><p>A similar run of form from Gary Johnson's United would further cement their current place within the play-offs, the Gulls are currently seventh- National League South's sixth and final play-off spot. Nevertheless, while United have been a formidable force at home (they currently boast the second best home record in the division, the form away from home hasn't been as strong and they have the 17th best away record at present. United, of course, need to finish as high as possible to ensure home advantage in the semi-finals and final of the end of season showdown. <br /></p><p>Amid the off-field discontent regarding the speculation over the potential move to a new stadium, no one wants the Gulls to become marooned in National League South in the same way that Stockport County (2013-2019) and York City (2017-2022) were in National League North. This group has the potential to ensure that United can return to the National League at the first time of asking, and avoid a similar fate, and it's one they need to grasp. <br /><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Steve Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12007249319480103932noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249575053840140999.post-91103354502526450222024-01-21T09:42:00.000-08:002024-01-21T09:42:33.309-08:00TALKING POINTS FROM TORQUAY UNITED VERSUS DOVER ATHLETIC<p>1. McGavin's eighth of the season.</p><p>When it comes to deciding who scored Torquay United's best goal of the 2023-24 campaign, there's likely to be one competition for Brett McGavin and one for everyone else. </p><p>McGavin's eighth goal of the campaign, which he struck from 30 yards after a cross from Ethon Archer fell into his path in the 59th minute, proved to be the difference. And he almost netted towards the end when his free-kick from the edge of the penalty area on 90 minutes was turned around the post by Dover keeper Daniel Jinadu. If that had gone in, he would have been level with Aaron Jarvis and Brad Ash in United's goalscoring charts. </p><p>2. Dan Martin makes a promising return at left-back. </p><p>Dan Martin's time at Plainmoor has been very much stop, start due to a combination of injuries and illness. However, he returned to the Gulls' starting line-up with an industrious display on the left hand side of United's defence. </p><p>The former Cardiff City youngster was solid defensively and looked strong going forward. He even found himself through on goal in the 56th minute, with a shot that he fired straight at Jinadu in the Dover goal. </p><p>3. Ollie Tomlinson and Dean Moxey looked strong as a centre back pairing. </p><p>Once again, United's centre back pairing of Ollie Tomlinson and Dean Moxey put on a good show in the centre of the Gulls' defence. Admittedly, Dover didn't offer a huge threat in attack, but Tomlinson, not the most physically imposing of centre backs, displayed good positional sense and Moxey once again read the game well and made an important tackle in the 10th minute to deny Dover striker George Nikaj. </p><p>4. Returns for Brad Ash and Tom Lapslie. </p><p>United's injury list in the 2023-24 campaign has been lengthy, with the Gulls missing as many as nine players at one point. </p><p>Two of those who have experienced particularly lengthy absences have been Brad Ash, who hadn't featured for United since their 3-1 win over Weymouth in early December. </p><p>Ash started out as a lone striker while Lapslie returned from the bench as a replacement for skipper Asa Hall. United's record with Lapslie in the side prior to their meeting with Dover had read played 15, won 11, drawn once and lost three times. That record has now been extended to played 16, won 12, draw one and lost three.</p><p>5. Managing expectations. </p><p>Torquay's last spell in National League South saw them dominate teams en route to winning the title. However, after losing ten out their 26 league encounters, United look destined for the play-offs and trail leaders Yeovil Town by 18 points. </p><p>A section of the Gulls's support were calling for manager Gary Johnson to be sacked, many still angry about the club's relegation at the end of the 2022-23 campaign. </p><p>While some fans would have thought that United could have beaten Dover by a bigger margin, it is worth noting that the Lilywhites have drawn twice with Bath City and beaten Aveley, two teams who are both in contention for a play-off place with the Gulls. </p><p>Second place, which would guarantee home advantage for the play-off semi final and the final, should they reach it, is still up for grabs. And with more players set to return from injury, including Aaron Jarvis and Kevin Dawson, there is potential for the Gulls to finish the season with a flourish.</p>Steve Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12007249319480103932noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249575053840140999.post-29011791226733409632024-01-16T12:31:00.000-08:002024-01-16T12:31:44.466-08:00FOSTER LOOKING TO CONTINUE PILGRIMS' PROGRESS<p> After seeing Steven Schumacher leave Home Park to take charge of Stoke City, Plymouth Argyle turned to former England Under-20 coach Ian Foster as his successor. </p><p>Foster, 47, had spent most of playing career in non-league and the lower reaches of the Football League with Hereford, Barrow, Kidderminster Harriers and Chester before moving into coaching. </p><p>As a manager, he started with Galway United in 2009, who he kept in the League of Ireland Premier Division before moving on to Dundalk. While with Dundalk, he led them into the Europa League before returning to England in 2012 to take up a role at Coventry City's Under-18 side and he oversaw the development of James Maddison, Callum Wilson and Cyrus Christie amongst others. </p><p>He was then appointed as first team coach at Portsmouth under Paul Cook. Foster then began coaching for the FA, working with the England Under-17, Under-18, Under-19 and Under-20 sides over a number of years and also served alongside Phil Neville during his spell as England Women's manager. </p><p>In 2023, he left the FA to work as Steven Gerrard's assistant in the Saudi Professional League at Al-Ettifaq before he returned to England to take charge of the Pilgrims.</p><p><br /></p>Steve Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12007249319480103932noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249575053840140999.post-35599749473665282822024-01-07T04:22:00.000-08:002024-01-07T04:22:36.934-08:00TALKING POINTS FROM TORQUAY UNITED VERSUS EASTBOURNE BOROUGH<p> 1. First draw since the opening day. </p><p>United's draw with Eastbourne Borough was their first draw of the 2023-24 season since the opening day of the campaign when they drew 2-2 with Dover Athletic. </p><p>2. Tom Lapslie a big miss.</p><p>There are stats that show the difference between when Tom Lapslie appears for United and when he doesn't. The Gulls have won 11 of the 15 games he has featured in, drawn one and lost three. </p><p>Without Lapslie's drive and dynamism, United lacked any bite in the centre of the park and when they conceded possession, they often struggled to win the ball back. </p><p>3. Three apiece for Dillon De Silva and Will Jenkins Davies.</p><p>By finding the target against Eastbourne, Dillon De Silva and Will Jenkins Davies have taken their respective tallies for the season to three goals. </p><p>4. Gulls below the line. </p><p>Results elsewhere have ensured that United have dropped out of the play-off zone and find themselves in eighth place. </p><p>The Gulls have games in over the teams directly above them, two over seventh placed Aveley and one over sixth placed Bath City - who United are level on points with. However, the Gulls need to win those games, otherwise the plan going forward with become increasingly difficult for the club. </p><p>5. Room for manoeuvre.</p><p>With Shaun Donnellan's transfer to Livingston now confirmed, there is now surely room to bring one or two additions. </p><p>Leading scorers Aaron Jarvis and Brad Ash are currently still injured and Theo Williams has returned to Fleetwood Town following his loan spell, so another attacking option could be the order of the day.</p><p><br /></p>Steve Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12007249319480103932noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249575053840140999.post-33937772963361215172023-12-24T09:23:00.000-08:002023-12-29T05:07:59.822-08:00SCHUEY'S AT THE POTTERS' WHEEL - BUT WHAT DIRECTION WILL ARGYLE TAKE NEXT?<p> 'Can he do it on a cold Tuesday night in Stoke?' has become a well worn footballing cliche since Stoke City won promotion to the Premier League under Tony Pulis in the 2007-08 season and laid the foundations for a decade long stay in the division. </p><p>Now, after making the same journey from Home Park to the Bet365 Stadium that Pulis made in the summer of 2006, Steven Schumacher has becomes the latest manager to accept the challenge of leading the Potters back into the top flight following their relegation at the end of the 2017-18 campaign. </p><p>With a win ratio of 52.78% and after winning the League One title with a record 101 points in the 2022-23 season, it was perhaps only a matter of time before Schumacher was head hunted in the same manner that other Argyle managers such as Paul Sturrock, Tony Pulis, Ian Holloway and his predecessor and good friend Ryan Lowe were in the last two decades. </p><p>Since the summer of 2018, several managers have tried to revive the Potters' fortunes, including Gary Rowett, Nathan Jones, former Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill and Alex Neil, but failed to. However, if Schumacher can implement the formula that served him so well with the Pilgrims. </p><p>Where does this leave the Pilgrims? One man who will have a say in choosing Schumacher's successor will be Director of Football Neil Dewsnip, who was also responsible for selecting Schumacher as Ryan Lowe's replacement when he left to take charge of Preston North End. </p><p>It is unlikely that new boss will be appointed until the New Year, so Dewsnip and first team coach Kevin Nancekivell will be overseeing the first team in the meantime. </p><p>Names already mentioned include John Eustace, who was sacked by
Birmingham City to make way for Wayne Rooney, Notts County manager Luke
Williams and former Pilgrims boss Neil Warnock, who managed the club
between 1995-1997, have already been linked with the post. </p><p>Whoever the Pilgrims choose to appoint will be inheriting a core of talented young players that include summer signings Bali Mumba and Morgan Whittaker, goalkeeper Michael Cooper once he returns from injury and young central midfielder Adam Randell. </p><p><br /></p><p> <br /></p><p> <br /></p><p><br /></p>Steve Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12007249319480103932noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249575053840140999.post-78998805660422561572023-12-16T13:44:00.000-08:002023-12-16T14:00:59.477-08:00TALKING POINTS FROM TORQUAY UNITED VERSUS HEMEL HEMPSTEAD<p>1. Dean Moxey scores winner in 'Gary time'</p><p>When it needed someone to step up when it mattered most, United skipper Dean Moxey duly delivered as he arrived to turn home Brett McGavin's cross in the 89th minute to seal a 3-2 for Torquay United against Hemel Hempstead Town. </p><p>Moxey arrived at the back post, just when it was looking as though the Gulls might have to settle for a post, and found the back of the net for the first time this season to secure a fifth straight win for United. </p><p>If ever you needed your captain to step up to the plate, then that was it.</p><p>2. The resurgence of Ryan Hanson.</p><p>After experiencing a challenging 2022-23 campaign, central midfielder Ryan Hanson is now beginning to put a consistent run of form together. </p><p>The former Hull City youngster scored United's first goal as he slotted home after Theo Williams had seen his shot blocked. </p><p>He also had a hand in the Gulls' second goal, as it was his through ball found Theo Williams, who saw his effort parried away by Hemel keeper Craig King before Ethon Archer bundled home United's equaliser. </p><p>3. Ethon Archer is turning out to be a real find. </p><p>A few eyebrows were raised by the Plainmoor faithful when United manager Gary Johnson signed Ethon Archer from Isthmian League side Three Bridges. However, Archer is now showing why Johnson was prepared to take a punt on him.</p><p>As well as scoring his first goal for the club when he bundled home the rebound from Theo Williams' saved effort, Archer proved to be a thorn in the side of Hemel Hempstead and was a constant threat for the Gulls. </p><p>Expect him to make many more appearances between now and the end of the campaign. </p><p>4. Theo Williams was a focal point up front.</p><p>With Aaron Jarvis and Brad Ash both absent through injury, it was left to Theo Williams to lead United's forward line against Hemel Hempstead. </p><p>The Fleetwood Town loanee, who flanked by EthonArcher and Lewis Collins, proved to be an effective focal point for the Gulls' attack, and played a key role in United's first two goals. </p><p>It was from his blocked shot that Ryan Hanson netted United's first goal and it was he who forced the save from which Archer bundled home United's leveller. </p><p>It will be a role that he will be set to continue in in the coming weeks and months. </p><p>5. United now up to second. </p><p>As results elsewhere went in their favour, the Gulls have now moved up to second in the National League South table. </p><p>United started the day in fourth place, but Maidstone United's 5-1 defeat to Worthing and Hampton and Richmond's goalless draw with league leaders Yeovil Town sees United sitting in second place, which will give them a big advantage in the play-offs should they find themselves occupying it at the end of the season.</p><p>Second spot will guarantee the Gulls home advantage in the play-off semi-finals and then in the final itself should they progress. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Steve Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12007249319480103932noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249575053840140999.post-54951548261937712282023-12-08T06:21:00.000-08:002023-12-08T06:21:30.849-08:00TON UP FOR RANDELLPlymouth Argyle midfielder Adam Randell picked the perfect way to mark his 100th appearance for the Pilgrims, as he struck with a 90th minute winner against Stoke City. <div><br /></div><div>For a boyhood Argyle fan Randell, who progressed through the club's youth ranks, the script could not have been written any better as he secured a 2-1 win over his hometown club. </div><div><br /></div><div>Randell joins a long line of Plymouth-born players who have endeared themselves to the 'Green Army' over the years and established themselves as first team regulars. The list includes the likes of Steve Davey, John Uzzell, Mickey Evans, Paul Wotton, Steve Adams, Joe Mason, not to mention Randell's teammate Michael Cooper. </div><div><br /></div><div>After signing his first professional contract in 2018, Randell made a smattering of appearances for the Pilgrims before joining Torquay United on a season-long loan deal in the 2020-21 campaign. He finished the season as the Gulls' young player of the year and also featured in their National League Play-off final defeat to Hartlepool United. </div><div><br /></div><div>On his return to Home Park, he soon became a regular in the Argyle line-up as he helped the Pilgrims to win promotion from League One with a record points haul of 101 and the final of the EFL Trophy in the 2022-23 campaign. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Steve Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12007249319480103932noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249575053840140999.post-8986472494029423922023-12-03T09:20:00.000-08:002023-12-03T09:20:14.188-08:00TALKING POINTS FROM TORQUAY UNITED VERSUS TONBRIDGE ANGELS<p>1. Dean Moxey's excellent display in the heart of United's defence. </p><p>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. </p><p>He also played an important role in keeping Tonbridge Angels' leading scorer Jordan Greenidge quiet. </p><p>2. Brad Ash makes it eight for the campaign. </p><p>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. </p><p>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. </p><p>Ash is now almost half way to equalling his tally of 18 goals from last season with Weymouth, who United face on Tuesday night. </p><p>3. Lewis Collins' cross for Dillon De Silva's opener. </p><p>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. </p><p>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.</p><p>4. McGavin's industriousness in midfield.</p><p>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. </p><p>However, against Tonbridge Angels, he displayed a different side to his game, producing arguably his best display in terms of work rate. </p><p>In addition to looking get on the ball and find a pass, he also made a number of important tackles and won numerous headers. </p><p>5. The sit-in protest. </p><p>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.</p><p>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. </p><p>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.</p><p><br /></p>Steve Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12007249319480103932noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249575053840140999.post-38678836591455701432023-11-19T09:31:00.000-08:002023-11-19T09:31:38.545-08:00TALKING POINTS FROM TORQUAY UNITED VERSUS YEOVIL TOWN FA TROPHY<p> 1. The Glovers winning run comes to a halt. </p><p><span> All good things come to an end and that proved to be the case for Yeovil Town as their club record 14-match winning run ended with defeat to Torquay United in the FA Trophy second round. </span></p><p><span>The Glovers' run included a 3-1 win over the Gulls at Plainmoor on November 7, where they displayed their credentials as potential National League South champions. </span></p><p><span>However, against a much changed Yeovil side, United produced what could be described as a 'statement display' - as the Gulls look to close the 13 point gap that exists between them and the Glovers in the National League South table. With the way the play-offs are structured in National Leagues North and South, finishing second in the table as possible provides home advantage for the semi-finals and the final, which should United maintain the performance levels that they showed yesterday will certainly be in their sights. </span><br /></p><p></p><p>2. Callum Dolan's dynamic midfield display. </p><p>It could be argued that the Gulls' league meeting with the Glovers earlier this month was won and lost in the midfield, with Yeovil pair Jordan Young and Sonny-Blu Lo-Everton emerging as stand-out performers. </p><p>However, in their FA Trophy re-match, it was United who dominated in the centre of the park as Callum Dolan, Brett McGavin and Ryan Hanson, and out of the aforementioned trio Dolan was outstanding performer. </p><p>The Fleetwood Town loanee played a key role in setting up Dillon De Silva for his opening goal and then he doubled the Gulls' lead on 49 minutes with a shot from the edge of the penalty area. He could have helped himself to a brace if his 20-yard effort early in the game hadn't been disallowed for a foul in the build-up. <br /></p><p></p><p>3. Dillon De Silva's early opener. </p><p>After missing much of the 2023-24 campaign with injury, winger Dillon De Silva marked his first start since the beginning of September with the game's opening goal. </p><p>The Sri Lankan international latched onto a cross field ball from Callum Dolan and then cut inside onto his left foot before slotting past Glovers' keeper Joe Day to give the Gulls a perfect start. </p><p>During his loan spell from QPR in the 2022-23 season, De Silva found the back of the net four times, and if he continues to display the form that he showed against Yeovil then he will surely better that tally. </p><p>4. Dylan Crowe excels as a left-back. </p><p>Throughout the history of the game there have been a number of right footed players who have excelled as left backs. Notable names include Pat Van Den Hauwe, Denis Irwin and Philipp Lahm, and Dylan Crowe put in a great shift on the left hand side of the Gulls defence. </p><p>The former Ipswich Town and England youth prospect, who is a right back by trade, looked to get forward at every opportunity and also looked very assured defensively, keeping Jordan Young, who was a key performer in Yeovil's National League South victory over the Gulls, quiet. </p><p>Earlier in the season, Crowe was loaned out to Havant and Waterlooville, but he seems to returned to Plainmoor with a greater sense of purpose based on this showing. He also has some competition for the left-back slot with the loan acquisition of Archie Harris from AFC Bournemouth. <br /></p><p>5. 250 not out for Gary Johnson. </p><p>Saturday's tie also marked United manager Gary Johnson's 250th game in charge of the Gulls in all competitions, and it was probably quite apt that it saw him secure a win over his former club. </p><p>With 117 wins, 49 draws and 84 defeats, Johnson has a win ratio of 46.80% and he is only the third United manager to have overseen that number of games. Only Frank Brown (279) and Eric Webber (680) have overseen more. <br /></p>Steve Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12007249319480103932noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249575053840140999.post-56496052215835026842023-11-06T13:26:00.000-08:002023-11-06T13:26:03.352-08:00TORQUAY UNITED AND YEOVIL TOWN: A RECENT HISTORY<p>Unless you are a fan of one of their traditional rivals, namely Exeter City, Plymouth Argyle or Weymouth, then it is difficult to dislike either Torquay United and Yeovil Town. </p><p>However, since the 2019-20 campaign, the pair have played in the same league as each after only previously crossed swords as divisional opponents in the 2003-04 season, which was Yeovil's maiden campaign as a Football League club. <br /><br />In their first meeting of the season in September 2003 at Huish Park, Torquay returned to Devon as 2-0 victors with goals from David Graham and Jo Kuffour. <br /><br />When the two sides met again at Plainmoor later on that season in front of a near capacity crowd of 6,156 in April 2004. The Glovers raced into a two-goal lead with Darren Way and Jake Edwards finding the target before United skipper Craig Taylor pulled one back with a free-kick shortly before half-time. The Gulls drew level in the second half through Steve Woods who slotted home after seeing his 59th penalty saved by Steve Collis. <br /><br />At the end of the campaign, the Gulls clinched automatic promotion for the first time in 38 years, while Yeovil finished eighth - narowly missing out on a Play-off spot.<br /><br />The following 2004-05 season saw the pair were drawn together in the first round of the LDV Vans Trophy. On that occasion, only two league places separated the two sides as the Gulls lay 23rd in League One, after winning automatic promotion in the previous 2003-04 campaign, and the Glovers were top of League Two.<br /><br />A crowd of 1,610 poured into Plainmoor to see Torquay take the lead through Jo Kuffour on 17 minutes before Latvian international Andrejs Stolcers, who had represented his country in Euro 2004 during the close season, levelled for the visitors three minutes before half-time.<br /><br />Early in the second half, two goals from skipper Craig Taylor and Bayo Akinfenwa, his first for the Gulls, in the 53rd and 59th minutes respectively gave Torquay a 3-1 lead.<br /><br />However, the Glovers, famed for claiming a number of higher division scalps during their non-league days, weren’t to be undone as strikes from Adrian Caceres and Bartosz Tarachulski saw Yeovil level at 3-3 and sent the tie into extra time.<br /><br />With four minutes remaining, and the game set to be heading for penalties, Akinfenwa scored a late winner for the Gulls.<br /><br />Then, as part of his celebration, ran into the Family Stand behind the goal and sat down in an empty seat, a decision which earned him a red card as Torquay played out the final four minutes with ten men, but they still hung on to their slender advantage to win.<br /><br />Torquay would exit the competition in the next round following a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Northampton Town and at the end of the season.<br /><br />The two sides would swap divisions at the end of the season as a 2-1 defeat at Colchester on the final day of the campaign saw the Gulls relegated to League Two, whilst the Glovers clinched the League Two title with a 3-0 victory over Lincoln City in their final fixture.<br /><br />Two years later, both Torquay and Yeovil would experience further contrasting fortunes as the Gulls lost their Football League status for the first time in 80 years whereas the Glovers found themselves one game away from a place in the Championship after reaching the League One Play-Off final where they were beaten by Blackpool.<br /><br />Their paths would cross again in the first round of the following season’s FA Cup, the most recent encounter between the two sides, which saw Torquay win 4-1 as Chris Todd and Danny Stevens both scored doubles to cancel out Marcus Stewart’s opener for Yeovil.<br /><br />In the 2012-13 season, by which time the Gulls had re-established themselves as a Football League club, they met again in the rebranded Johnstone's Paint Trophy at Plainmoor. They drew 2-2 with Ryan Jarvis netting a brace for United and James Hayter doing the same for the Glovers before Yeovil won 5-4 on penalties. At the end of the campaign, Gary Johnson, then in his second spell in charge at Huish Park, guided the Glovers to an unlikely promotion to the Championship, as they beat Brentford 2-1 in the League One Play-off final, while Torquay avoided relegation from League Two. </p><p>However, the subsequent 2013-14 season would see the Gulls relegated from the Football League for a second time. Nevertheless, they wouldn't face Yeovil in a competitive fixture until the 2019-20 campaign, which followed their National League South title triumph under Gary Johnson. The Glovers had gone into a sharp decline since their promotion to the Championship and experienced three relegations between 2014 and 2018 - which saw them return to non-league football after 16 years in the Football League. <br /><br />At Huish Park on Boxing Day 2019, Yeovil recorded their biggest ever win over the Gulls with a thumping 6-2 win, which was followed by a 2-0 victory at Plainmoor on New Year's Day. The Glovers would finish the 2019-20 campaign in 4th place - which cemented their place in the Play-offs in a National League that was decided by PPG (Points per game) following its suspension due to the Covid-19 pandemic, where they were beaten by Barnet. <br /><br />The following 2020-21 campaign saw the Gulls enact a modium of revenge on Yeovil, as hit the Glovers for six on Boxing Day 2020 at Plainmoor - in a game that saw them lead 4-0 at the half-time interval. It was Torquay's biggest ever win over the Glovers, but Yeovil secured a 2-1 win over United in their re-match at Huish Park on January 2, 2021. The Gulls would go on to reach the National League Play-off final, where they were beaten 4-3 on penalties by Hartlepool United after drawing 1-1 in normal time. </p><p>The two sides once again met on Boxing Day in 2021-22, which saw United win 3-0, with goals from Ben Wynter, Jack Sparkes and Joe Lewis in a game which also saw the Glovers reduced to ten men after Sonny-Blu Lo-Everton was dismissed for an off-the-ball challenge on Tom Lapslie. </p><p>In the return fixture on January 2, 2022, the Gulls came from behind to win 2-1 at Huish Park. A long range strike from Jordan Barnett had given Yeovil the lead before Connor Lemonheigh-Evans scored directly from a corner and substitute Dan Holman slotted home in the 89th minute, as the Gulls completed their first ever double over the Glovers. United would finish the season in 11th place, and the Yeovil one place below in 12th. </p><p>When the two sides met again in the 2022-23 season, both sides were fighting to avoid relegation by the time they met once again on Boxing Day. Mark Ellis headed the Gulls in front in the first half before Malachi Linton came off the bench to equalise in the second half. </p><p>The return fixture on New Year's Day saw Yeovil win 2-0 with late goals from Matty Worthington and Jordan Maguire-Drew. </p><p>At the end of the campaign, the Gulls and the Glovers were relegated to National League South, Torquay finished 21st and Yeovil finished 22nd, and both sides find themselves in contention for promotion back to the National League in 2023-24. <br /></p><p><br /></p>Steve Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12007249319480103932noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249575053840140999.post-40216006405369388392023-11-05T08:43:00.001-08:002023-11-05T08:43:39.659-08:00TALKING POINTS FROM TORQUAY UNITED VERSUS BATH CITY<p> 1. Shaun Donnellan's goal. </p><p>Goals for Shaun Donnellan seem to be like buses, after only finding the back of the net once in the 2022-23 campaign, he has now scored in two successive home games. </p><p>There may have an element of fortune in his goal against Bath City, his shot took a wicked deflection off the head of Romans' skipper Kieran Parselle before flying past keeper Will Buse, but in the context of the Gulls' season it could turn out to be hugely important. </p><p>As well as ending a run of two straight defeats, it also moves United up to fifth in the National League South table. </p><p>2. Ollie Tomlinson stood out at the back. </p><p>Young centre back Ollie Tomlinson was voted as the sponsor's man of the match on the back of a display which saw him keep the National League South's leading scorer Scott Wilson quiet. </p><p>Over the course of the season, Tomlinson has arguably emerged as United's most improved player and manager Gary Johnson will be hoping that he can repeat his performance to silence Yeovil's Rhys Murphy. </p><p>3. First glimpse at Plainmoor of Fleetwood loanees. </p><p>Saturday's match with Bath was the first time that many of the Plainmoor faithful would have caught a glimpse of United's loan signings Callum Dolan and Theo Williams, who both arrived from Fleetwood Town, who are currently managed by Gary Johnson's son, Lee. </p><p>Dolan, who had already made his debut away to Hampton and Richmond Borough, was making his home bow while Williams was appearing for the Gulls for the first time when he replaced Brad Ash on 56 minutes. </p><p>In the first half, Dolan always looked to get on the ball and forced a save from Bath City keeper in the 12th minute a shot from the edge of the area, and showed good energy levels through out. Williams also asked one or two questions of the Romans' defence with his pace, as they both look set to become fine additions to the Gulls' squad. </p><p>4. What difference could Aaron Jarvis have made? </p><p>A recurring question on the mind of many Gulls' fans between now and until Christmas time when he makes his return from a knee injury will be 'what difference would Aaron Jarvis had made?' </p><p>Jarvis is currently United's leading scorer with nine goals and could well have added to his tally against the Romans. However, we will never know for sure, but with a midfield of Callum Dolan, Tom Lapslie and Brett McGavin behind him, he would surely have got plenty of service. </p><p>5. Plainmoor is becoming a fortress. </p><p>United's victory over Bath City was their sixth win in eight league games at Plainmoor, thus earning themselves 18 points, which also sees the Gulls equal the number of home league wins that they recorded in the entirety of the 2022-23 campaign, which saw them relegated from the National League. </p><p>In addition to this, United currently have the third best home record in the National League behind leaders Yeovil Town, who have picked up 23 points at Huish Park, and Farnborough, who have earned themselves 20 points in front of their own fans at Cherrywood Road. <br /></p>Steve Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12007249319480103932noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249575053840140999.post-34071161113675488312023-10-21T15:25:00.001-07:002023-10-21T15:25:23.506-07:00TALKING POINTS FROM TORQUAY UNITED VERSUS WELLING UNITED<p> 1. Aaron Jarvis takes his tally to eight for the season. </p><p>A brace of penalties took Aaron Jarvis' goalscoring tally for the 2023-24 campaign to eight. Jarvis stepped up to convert in the 34th minute after he was felled by Welling goalkeeper James Holden. He then completed his brace on 64 minutes when he struck from the spot after referee Tom Ellsmore spotted that he had been pushed by Wings' right-back Crossley Lema. </p><p>Remarkably, Jarvis' haul of goals includes six successfully taken penalties. However, they all count and the former Luton Town and Scunthorpe United striker is now one goal short of reaching 50% of his 2022-23 campaign of 18 after only 12 games. </p><p>2. Brett McGavin's long range strike. </p><p>Brett McGavin's third goal of the campaign in the 40th minute was also his third from long range. McGavin, who has excelled in his new role as a deep lying midfield playmaker, found the back of the net four times in the 2022-23 season, but is currently one goal away from equalling it. </p><p>3. Donnellan on target. </p><p>After only finding the back of the net against Hampton and Richmond in the FA Cup last season, Shaun Donnellan scored his first league goal for the Gulls against Welling. </p><p>Donnellan connected with a diagonal free-kick from left to right from Jack Stobbs before lobbing Wings' keeper James Holden, who later saw red for a second yellow card. </p><p>4. United's second five goal haul of the season so far. </p><p>The Gulls' five-goal haul against Welling was the second time that they have found the back of the net five times in 2023-24, after also putting five past Hungerford Town in the third qualifying round of the FA Cup. </p><p>It was a display reminiscent of United's previous season in the National League South in the 2018-19 season, when they defeated Oxford City 7-2, Dulwich Hamlet 5-2 and St Albans City and Slough Town 4-0. Hopefully there will be more similar results to come across the remainder of the current campaign. </p><p>5. Coming from behind to win. </p><p>United's win over Welling was also the third time that the Gulls have won this season after falling behind. In August, United came from behind to beat Slough Town and Braintree Town 2-1 on both occasions. However, neither of them were as emphatic as the Gulls' victory over Welling. <br /></p><p>6. The Gulls now up to fourth. </p><p>The result sees United move up three places after Aveley and Maidstone United drew with Truro City and Farnborough respectively and Worthing were beaten by leaders Yeovil Town. </p><p>If the Gulls were to miss out on clinching top spot in National League South at the end of the campaign, finishing second would give them home advantage not only in the semi-finals of the NLS play-offs, but also in the final itself should they reach it. </p><p>However, everything is still to play for as far as winning the league is concerned. <br /></p><p><br /></p>Steve Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12007249319480103932noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249575053840140999.post-38214671664235521682023-10-16T13:55:00.000-07:002023-10-16T13:55:18.510-07:00TALKING POINTS FROM TORQUAY UNITED VERSUS MAIDSTONE UNITED FA CUP <p> 1. Maidstone's first goal. </p><p>If VAR was in use for the FA Cup fourth qualifying round, then it would have been called into action to review Maidstone's opening goal. </p><p>Torquay keeper Mark Halstead appeared to have gathered the ball with both hands when Levi Amantchi pounced to score the Stones' opening goal. However, should Maidstone's opener have been disallowed. </p><p>The laws of the game state that a goalkeeper is deemed to be in control of the ball if the ball is between the hand or any surface (e.g ground, own body) or by touching it with any part of the hands or arms, except if the ball rebounds from the goalkeeper or the goalkeeper has made a save; when holding the ball in an outstretched open hand or bouncing it on the ground or throwing it in the air. A goalkeeper cannot be challenged by an opponent when in control of the ball. </p><p>A similar incident occured during a Premier League fixture between Aston Villa and Leicester City in the 2021-22 season, which Villa won 2-1 - but saw Jacob Ramsey seeing a goal disallowed because of Foxes keeper Kasper Schmeichel had a hand on the ball. </p><p>The reaction of Maidstone fans, who were seated in the far end of Bristow's Bench nearest to the away end - and would therefore had a clear view of the goal, to the scoring of the goal was decidely low key. However without VAR we will never know whether the goal would have been disallowed or not. <br /></p><p></p><p>2. If the Gulls had taken the lead could the outcome had been different? </p><p>For long periods of the first half, Torquay were on top and could, and possibly should, have been in front before Maidstone took the lead. Tom Lapslie had looked well placed to score in the 17th minute and Aaron Jarvis had a hooked shot blocked on the line following a Jack Stobbs corner were amongst the better chances that Torquay created in the first half. <br /></p><p>When the Gulls have taken the lead this season they have gone on to win on four occasions and draw once. However when they have conceded first, they have won twice and slipped to defeat four times. </p><p>3. Free to concentrate on the league. </p><p>Now that United have exited the FA Cup, they are now free to concentrate on their National League <span> </span>South, aside from when they enter the FA Trophy, where promotion remains their ultimate aim. </p><p>Instead of lining up in the FA Cup on November 4, the Gulls will be entertaining fellow promotion hopefuls Bath City, who themselves were eliminated from the cup by fellow National League South side Worthing. </p><p>Just as in the 2018-19 campaign when Torquay clinched the National League South, they had to win promotion and the same is just as true now. </p><p>4. Reinforcements needed. </p><p>In the FA Cup, clubs are allowed to name seven subs on the bench, two more than they are allowed in the league, but United were only able to name five. Amongst them were the returning captain Asa Hall, second choice goalkeeper Rhys Lovett, Ryan Hanson, Dan Martin and rookie pro Callum Thomas. </p><p>With loan duo Will Jenkins-Davies and Luke Pearce have returned to their parent clubs, Plymouth Argyle and Southampton respectively, <br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Steve Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12007249319480103932noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3249575053840140999.post-18462589547622139542023-10-08T09:28:00.003-07:002023-10-08T09:28:55.547-07:00TALKING POINTS FROM TORQUAY UNITED VERSUS MAIDSTONE UNITED <p> 1. Ross Marshall's sending off. </p><p>Ross Marshall's 30th minute dismissal for a shirt tug on Maidstone's Sol Wanjau-Smith meant that the Gulls were playing more an hour - including injury time - with ten men. </p><p>Marshall had already been left in trouble by a poor throw in from Shaun Donnellan, which allowed Wanjau-Smith to get in front him and referee Jack Bloxham deemed that Marshall had denied a clear goal scoring opportunity, and promptly pointed to the penalty spot. <br /></p><p>Gulls boss Gary Johnson also admitted in his post-match interview that it was probably a red card and Marshall is now set to face a three-match ban. </p><p>2. Mark Halstead's penalty save. </p><p>Once the penalty was awarded, Maidstone's leading scorer Levi Amantchi stepped up to take the spot-kick and Gulls' keeper Mark Halstead guessed its direction and palmed it away to safety. </p><p>It was Halstead's third penalty save during his time at Plainmoor; last season he saved a penalty in United's 2-2 draw with Hampton and Richmond, before the Beavers scored from the rebound, and he famously denied Paul Mullin from the spot in the Gulls' 1-1 draw with Wrexham on the final day of the 2022-23 campaign. </p><p>3.Ollie Tomlinson came to the fore in defence. </p><p>One of the few plus points from the Gulls' display against Maidstone was the performance of Ollie Tomlinson in the centre of defence. </p><p>Whilst United were still playing with eleven men, he made an important block to deny Stones' midfielder Michael Petrasso. Once the Gulls were down to ten men, Tomlinson found himself playing in a back three with Shaun Donnellan and Dean Moxey and he duly stepped up to the plate. </p><p>4. United still had chances. </p><p>Despite going down to ten men, United still managed to carve out chances to win the game. In the 45th minute, Aaron Jarvis had an angled effort tipped away by the returning former Gulls keeper Lucas Covolan and early in the second half he connected with a cross from Brett McGavin, but missed the target. His striker partner Brad Ash later looked well placed to score as he found himself in a one-on-one situation with Covolan, but he lifted his shot over the bar. </p><p>On another day, one or more of those chances might have gone in. <br /></p><p>5. The return of Asa Hall. </p><p>Saturday's match also marked the return from injury of United club captain Asa Hall, as he came off the bench to replace Brett McGavin in the 77th minute. </p><p>It was Hall's first appearance since he went off injured against Chippenham Town in United's third game of the campaign, and it will probably get a few games for him to be '90 minute fit'. <br /></p><p>6. A chance to put things right. </p><p>With the two sides due to meet again in the FA Cup fourth qualifying round, the Gulls have a chanc to put things right, and an opportunity to avenge their defeat. <br /></p><p><br /></p>Steve Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12007249319480103932noreply@blogger.com