Now, as the end of 2013 is nigh-we will now look back at the very best which the year had to offer, as well as looking at some of the faces who could make a big impact in 2014.
Player of the Year: Ed Upson (Yeovil Town)
The year 2013 has proved to be a memorable for Yeovil Town and Ed Upson has played a pivotal role in the south Somerset club's successes in the last 12 months. Last April, he scored the winning goal in the Glovers' Play-Off semi-final second leg victory over Sheffield United, which gave Yeovil a 2-1 aggregate victory over the Blades.
In their first ever fixture in the Championship against Millwall at the New Den on August 3rd 2013, Upson scored the decisive as the Glovers defeated the Lions 1-0. He is currently Yeovil's top scorer with five goals and looks set to continue playing a key role for the Glovers in their battle to consolidate their status in English football's second tier.
Manager of the Year: Gary Johnson (Yeovil Town)
In 2008, Gary Johnson was 90 minutes away from becoming a Premier League manager when he led Bristol City out in the Championship Play-Off final against Hull City. However, the Robins lost 1-0 to the Tigers-courtesy of a Dean Windass strike- and Johnson left Ashton Gate two years later.
Mixed spells at Peterborough and Northampton then followed before he returned to Huish Park in January 2012 where he set about re-creating the magic of his first spell with the Glovers.
Last May, he surpassed his previous achievements at Huish Park-which included winning the FA Trophy as well as the Conference and League Two titles- by leading the Glovers to the Championship for the first time ever. After finishing 4th in the League One table, the Glovers defeated Sheffield United 2-1 over two legs in the Play-Off semi-finals before beating Brentford 2-1 in the final at Wembley.
Goal of the Year: Jason Banton (Plymouth Argyle vs Exeter City March 30th 2013)
Billed as one of the most crucial Devon derbies ever, the 60th league meeting between Plymouth Argyle and Exeter City was decided by a strike from Jason Banton on the stroke of half-time.
It was Banton's sixth goal of his 14 match loan spell at Home Park, which boosted the Pilgrims' survival hopes and dented the Grecians promotion aspirations.
Loan Signing of the Year: Jason Banton (Plymouth Argyle)
When Jason Banton scored the goal mentioned above against Exeter City, he lifted up his shirt which revealed a T-shirt, which bore the message: 'Keep Calm and Pass to Banton.' It was Banton's sixth goal for the Pilgrims, which ensured that he finished the campaign as Argyle's top scorer.
It also helped to earn him the League Two Player of the Month award for March 2013 and his manager John Sheridan the managerial monthly prize.
Ones to Watch in 2014:
Jordan Chapell (Torquay United)
Since making his loan move to Plainmoor from Sheffield United permanent, Jordan Chapell has proved to be one of the few bright spots in an otherwise largely disappointing year for Torquay United. So far this season, he has found the back of the net five times, with his most recent strike coming on October 26th against Portsmouth after 17 seconds-which is the fastest goal ever scored by a Torquay United player. Heading into 2014, Chapell could have a big influence in helping the Gulls in their bid to beat the drop.
Tom Nicholls (Exeter City)
In recent years, Exeter City have produced a number of players through their youth policy who have gone on to have good careers in the game, including Dean Moxey, George Friend and Dan Seaborne, who have all gone to play at Championship level; as well as Liam Sercombe and Scott Bennett who are currently regulars in Paul Tisdale's side. All the signs are suggesting that Tom Nicholls could follow in their footsteps. Following loan spells at Dorchester Town (twice), Hereford United and Bath City, Nicholls is now on the verge of becoming a regular for the Grecians. His recent strike for Exeter in the Devon derby victory over Torquay United demonstrated his undoubted ability.
Ben Purrington (Plymouth Argyle)
It is fair to say that sport is definitely in Ben Purrington's blood. His uncle Richard Hill was part of the England Rugby Union side that won the World Cup in 2003, and now Purrington is starting to create some sporting history of his own.
After making his debut in the Pilgrims' Boxing Day victory over Oxford United, and he made his first start in their 1-1 draw against AFC Wimbledon three days later. Argyle manager John Sheridan has already stated that he will be starting on New Years Day against Torquay.
Tuesday 31 December 2013
Monday 30 December 2013
LOCAL CUP GLORIES
Prior to the double Torquay United completed over Plymouth Argyle in the 2011-12 season, the Gulls hadn't won a league game against the Pilgrims since 1972.
However, they had beaten the Pilgrims twice in the Autoglass Trophy and the Auto Windscreens Shield during that time.
With the two sides due to meet on New Years Day, in what will be their first fixture of 2014, we will now take a closer look at those successes.
February 2nd 1993 Torquay United 2 Plymouth Argyle 1- Autoglass Trophy
This fixture had been due to take place in December, but was postponed. It saw the Gulls, who were under caretaker control of future Argyle manager Neil Warnock, take on the Pilgrims who were then managed by former England goalkeeper Peter Shilton.
Former and future Greens Kevin Hodges and Kevin Blackwell were named in Torquay's starting eleven, and former Argyle defender Danis Salman was also with the Gulls at that time.
Steve McCall, who would later serve Torquay as a Player-Coach, started for the Pilgrims.
Hodges, who still holds the Pilgrims' all-time appearance- and released by the club weeks' earlier by Shilton- scored the winning goal in the 81st minute after Paul Hall and Dwight Marshall had struck for their respective sides.
The result saw the Pilgrims knocked out of the competition and angered their then Chairman Dan McCauley, himself a former Torquay director, as he described the result as 'an absolute disgrace to the supporters, the club and the city of Plymouth.'
Torquay, meanwhile, were eliminated from the competition in the next round as they lost to West Bromwich Albion.
Torquay United: Kevin Blackwell; Matthew Gardiner, Aaron Davis, Dudley Lewis, Darren Moore, Kevin Hodges, Paul Hall, Adrian Foster, Duane Darby, Paul Trollope, Scott Colcombe
Goals: Hall, Hodges
Plymouth Argyle: Peter Shilton; Steve McCall, Steve Morgan, Keith Hill, Andy Morrison, Adrian Burrows, Warren Joyce, Steve Castle, Kevin Nugent, Dwight Marshall, Paul Dalton.
Goal: Marshall
January 8th 2000 Plymouth Argyle 0 Torquay United 1- Auto Windscreens Shield
The next meeting between the two sides in the competition came seven years later, and, by this time, Kevin Hodges was now manager of the Pilgrims, following a two-year spell in charge at Plainmoor.
Argyle had received a bye in the first round and the Gulls had defeated Gillingham-then managed by Peter Taylor- 3-0 to set up this encounter.
The Pilgrims' line-up included three players who would later find their way to Plainmoor (Martin Gritton, Chris Hargreaves and Lee Phillips) and one former Gull in the form of midfielder Chris Leadbitter. Future Gulls loanee Ian Stonebridge also came on as a substitute.
A first half effort from O'Neill Donaldson proved to be enough to separate the two sides as Torquay secured their place in the next round, where they were beaten by Exeter City.
Argyle went on to gain a small measure of revenge on the Gulls when they beat them 4-0 in the league in March of that year.
However, it would be the Gulls who finished the season as Devon's highest placed league side, as they finished 9th in the Division Three table, with the Pilgrims in 12th place and Exeter in a distant 21st.
Plymouth Argyle: Jon Sheffield, Jon Ashton, Jon Beswetherick, Chris Leadbitter, Adam Barrett, Jamie Morrison-Hill (Ian Stonebridge), Wayne O'Sullivan, Martin Gritton, Lee Phillips, Chris Hargreaves, Paul Wotton
Torquay United: Ryan Northmore, Steve Tully, Kevin Hill (Paul Holmes), Jimmy Aggrey, Gary Neil, Wayne Thomas, Chris Brandon, Brian Healy, O'Neill Donaldson (Tony Bedeau), Michael Griffiths, Mark Platts,
Goal: Donaldson
However, they had beaten the Pilgrims twice in the Autoglass Trophy and the Auto Windscreens Shield during that time.
With the two sides due to meet on New Years Day, in what will be their first fixture of 2014, we will now take a closer look at those successes.
February 2nd 1993 Torquay United 2 Plymouth Argyle 1- Autoglass Trophy
This fixture had been due to take place in December, but was postponed. It saw the Gulls, who were under caretaker control of future Argyle manager Neil Warnock, take on the Pilgrims who were then managed by former England goalkeeper Peter Shilton.
Former and future Greens Kevin Hodges and Kevin Blackwell were named in Torquay's starting eleven, and former Argyle defender Danis Salman was also with the Gulls at that time.
Steve McCall, who would later serve Torquay as a Player-Coach, started for the Pilgrims.
Hodges, who still holds the Pilgrims' all-time appearance- and released by the club weeks' earlier by Shilton- scored the winning goal in the 81st minute after Paul Hall and Dwight Marshall had struck for their respective sides.
The result saw the Pilgrims knocked out of the competition and angered their then Chairman Dan McCauley, himself a former Torquay director, as he described the result as 'an absolute disgrace to the supporters, the club and the city of Plymouth.'
Torquay, meanwhile, were eliminated from the competition in the next round as they lost to West Bromwich Albion.
Torquay United: Kevin Blackwell; Matthew Gardiner, Aaron Davis, Dudley Lewis, Darren Moore, Kevin Hodges, Paul Hall, Adrian Foster, Duane Darby, Paul Trollope, Scott Colcombe
Goals: Hall, Hodges
Plymouth Argyle: Peter Shilton; Steve McCall, Steve Morgan, Keith Hill, Andy Morrison, Adrian Burrows, Warren Joyce, Steve Castle, Kevin Nugent, Dwight Marshall, Paul Dalton.
Goal: Marshall
January 8th 2000 Plymouth Argyle 0 Torquay United 1- Auto Windscreens Shield
The next meeting between the two sides in the competition came seven years later, and, by this time, Kevin Hodges was now manager of the Pilgrims, following a two-year spell in charge at Plainmoor.
Argyle had received a bye in the first round and the Gulls had defeated Gillingham-then managed by Peter Taylor- 3-0 to set up this encounter.
The Pilgrims' line-up included three players who would later find their way to Plainmoor (Martin Gritton, Chris Hargreaves and Lee Phillips) and one former Gull in the form of midfielder Chris Leadbitter. Future Gulls loanee Ian Stonebridge also came on as a substitute.
A first half effort from O'Neill Donaldson proved to be enough to separate the two sides as Torquay secured their place in the next round, where they were beaten by Exeter City.
Argyle went on to gain a small measure of revenge on the Gulls when they beat them 4-0 in the league in March of that year.
However, it would be the Gulls who finished the season as Devon's highest placed league side, as they finished 9th in the Division Three table, with the Pilgrims in 12th place and Exeter in a distant 21st.
Plymouth Argyle: Jon Sheffield, Jon Ashton, Jon Beswetherick, Chris Leadbitter, Adam Barrett, Jamie Morrison-Hill (Ian Stonebridge), Wayne O'Sullivan, Martin Gritton, Lee Phillips, Chris Hargreaves, Paul Wotton
Torquay United: Ryan Northmore, Steve Tully, Kevin Hill (Paul Holmes), Jimmy Aggrey, Gary Neil, Wayne Thomas, Chris Brandon, Brian Healy, O'Neill Donaldson (Tony Bedeau), Michael Griffiths, Mark Platts,
Goal: Donaldson
Sunday 29 December 2013
GRECIANS END 2013 WITH DERBY WIN OVER THE GULLS
Last season, Exeter City failed to claim victory in any of their competitive fixtures against Plymouth Argyle, Torquay United and Bristol Rovers.
Now, after claiming a festive 3-1 win over the Gulls, the Grecians have now recorded wins against all three of their main local rivals in the 2013-14 campaign.
It is often said that goals can change matches and if Karl Hawley had converted the early penalty for Torquay, which was awarded after Billy Bodin was felled by Liam Sercombe; who was making his 200th appearance for the Grecians, then it could have been a different story.
Despite Torquay's early pressure, the Grecians took the lead -against the run of play- on 38 minutes when Tom Nichols long-range effort beat Torquay custodian Michael Poke.
Exeter doubled their lead in the second half when David Wheeler capped off a superb solo run by slotting the ball comfortably past Poke on the hour mark.
The Gulls threatened a comeback when Hawley eventually found the back of the net when he turned home a cross from substitute Elliot Benyon, but it proved to be in vain as Alan Gow wrapped up all three points with a late finish with five minutes of normal time remaining.
As a consequence of the result, the Grecians move up to 11th in the table whilst Torquay drop back into the relegation zone.
Now, after claiming a festive 3-1 win over the Gulls, the Grecians have now recorded wins against all three of their main local rivals in the 2013-14 campaign.
It is often said that goals can change matches and if Karl Hawley had converted the early penalty for Torquay, which was awarded after Billy Bodin was felled by Liam Sercombe; who was making his 200th appearance for the Grecians, then it could have been a different story.
Despite Torquay's early pressure, the Grecians took the lead -against the run of play- on 38 minutes when Tom Nichols long-range effort beat Torquay custodian Michael Poke.
Exeter doubled their lead in the second half when David Wheeler capped off a superb solo run by slotting the ball comfortably past Poke on the hour mark.
The Gulls threatened a comeback when Hawley eventually found the back of the net when he turned home a cross from substitute Elliot Benyon, but it proved to be in vain as Alan Gow wrapped up all three points with a late finish with five minutes of normal time remaining.
As a consequence of the result, the Grecians move up to 11th in the table whilst Torquay drop back into the relegation zone.
Saturday 28 December 2013
TORQUAY-EXETER TRIVIA
Ahead of Torquay United's and Exeter City's Devon derby clash tomorrow, we will now look at few statistics that the Gulls share with the Grecians.
111:
Tomorrow's match will be the 111th competitive meeting between the two sides in all competitions.
6:
The number of different competitions that the Gulls and the Grecians have played each other in: Division Three South, Division Three (now League One), Division Four (now League Two), League Cup, Associate Members Cup (now Johnstone's Paint Trophy) and the Conference.
2:
The number of managers who have managed both club's. Jack Edwards (Grecians 1963 to 1965 & Gulls 1971 to 1973) and John Cornforth (Grecians 2002-2003 & Gulls 2006).
34:
The number of matches that Torquay have won against Exeter since their first meeting in 1927.
43:
The number of matches Exeter have won against Torquay since their first meeting in 1927.
126:
The total number of goals scored by the Gulls against the Grecians since 1927.
168:
The total number of goals scored by the Grecians against the Gulls since 1927.
111:
Tomorrow's match will be the 111th competitive meeting between the two sides in all competitions.
6:
The number of different competitions that the Gulls and the Grecians have played each other in: Division Three South, Division Three (now League One), Division Four (now League Two), League Cup, Associate Members Cup (now Johnstone's Paint Trophy) and the Conference.
2:
The number of managers who have managed both club's. Jack Edwards (Grecians 1963 to 1965 & Gulls 1971 to 1973) and John Cornforth (Grecians 2002-2003 & Gulls 2006).
34:
The number of matches that Torquay have won against Exeter since their first meeting in 1927.
43:
The number of matches Exeter have won against Torquay since their first meeting in 1927.
126:
The total number of goals scored by the Gulls against the Grecians since 1927.
168:
The total number of goals scored by the Grecians against the Gulls since 1927.
Dates to Remember:
August 27th 1927:
The first ever league meeting between Torquay United and Exeter City, after Torquay-then know as the Magpies- were elected to the Football League. The final result was 1-1.
October 3rd 1987 & August 26th 2002
The dates of Lee Sharpe's first and last matches in English football. On October 3rd 1987, he was handed his debut for the Gulls against the Grecians by Cyril Knowles as a 16-year old. Fast forward 15 years to 2002, and he made his final appearance in England for Exeter against Torquay, which brought down the curtain on a career that saw him represent Manchester United and Leeds, and receive eight England caps.
Thursday 26 December 2013
ARGYLE PULL LEVEL WITH GRECIANS THANKS TO BOXING DAY CRACKER
John Sheridan's Plymouth Argyle drew level on points with Exeter City thanks a victory in a five goal thriller over League Two high flyers Oxford United.
Caolan Lavery opened the scoring for the Pilgrims early in the second half before Asa Hall equalised for the U's. Reuben Reid then struck twice; firstly from the penalty spot in the 81st minute, and struck again on 87 minutes with his 11th of the season before a Curtis Nelson reduced Oxford's deficit to a single goal.
The win moves Argyle level on points with Exeter City, who lost 1-0 to Cheltenham Town; courtesy of a 13th minute strike from former Grecians' striker Jamie Cureton. However, City remain above the Pilgrims on goal difference.
Exeter's opponents on Sunday, Torquay United, picked up a useful point with a 1-1 draw with Bristol Rovers at Plainmoor.
A sixth minute penalty from on-loan striker John Marquis- his third goal in five matches- which was awarded after a Billy Bodin free-kick was handled by the Rovers' wall, set the Gulls on their way before former Yeovil striker Matt Harrold headed home his fifth goal of the season on 25 minutes, as the points were shared.
Yeovil Town remain in the Championship relegation zone after losing 3-0 to Bournemouth at Dean Court. A Matt Ritchie brace and a third from ex Torquay midfield schemer Eunan O'Kane helped to give the Cherries their first back-to-back victories in the Championship since 1990.
Caolan Lavery opened the scoring for the Pilgrims early in the second half before Asa Hall equalised for the U's. Reuben Reid then struck twice; firstly from the penalty spot in the 81st minute, and struck again on 87 minutes with his 11th of the season before a Curtis Nelson reduced Oxford's deficit to a single goal.
The win moves Argyle level on points with Exeter City, who lost 1-0 to Cheltenham Town; courtesy of a 13th minute strike from former Grecians' striker Jamie Cureton. However, City remain above the Pilgrims on goal difference.
Exeter's opponents on Sunday, Torquay United, picked up a useful point with a 1-1 draw with Bristol Rovers at Plainmoor.
A sixth minute penalty from on-loan striker John Marquis- his third goal in five matches- which was awarded after a Billy Bodin free-kick was handled by the Rovers' wall, set the Gulls on their way before former Yeovil striker Matt Harrold headed home his fifth goal of the season on 25 minutes, as the points were shared.
Yeovil Town remain in the Championship relegation zone after losing 3-0 to Bournemouth at Dean Court. A Matt Ritchie brace and a third from ex Torquay midfield schemer Eunan O'Kane helped to give the Cherries their first back-to-back victories in the Championship since 1990.
Tuesday 24 December 2013
SEASON'S GREETINGS
Good afternoon folks, and it's that time of the year when we wish all our readers a very Merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year.
We'd also like to say that we hope your respective teams win their festive fixtures, and conquer the weather at the same time following the recent rain that has hit the South West of England.
As the year draws to a close, we will be looking back at the highlights of 2013 as well as looking ahead to 2014 to see what that brings us.
Season's Greetings to you all.
South West Football
We'd also like to say that we hope your respective teams win their festive fixtures, and conquer the weather at the same time following the recent rain that has hit the South West of England.
As the year draws to a close, we will be looking back at the highlights of 2013 as well as looking ahead to 2014 to see what that brings us.
Season's Greetings to you all.
South West Football
Sunday 22 December 2013
A FIRST FOR CAOLAN
Caolan Lavery's first goal in senior professional football helped Plymouth Argyle to secure a crucial victory over Bury.
The Northern Ireland Under-21 international, currently on loan at Home Park from Sheffield Wednesday, struck in the 11th minute for the Pilgrims before Chris Sedgwick equalised for the Shakers with a stunning lob in the 49th minute. However, Argyle struck back to clinch victory when Reuben Reid fired home with his ninth of the season from close range with 12 minutes to go.
It was also Lavery's first start during his loan period, which expires on January 1st 2014.
To date, Lavery, who was born in Canada; but qualifies to represent Northern Ireland through his parents, has made three appearances for the Owls and is a key member of their Development Squad, which is managed by former Argyle winger David Byrne.
His previous taste of League Two football came last season when he had a brief stint at Southend United. Prior to his move to Argyle, he had been lined up for a loan move to Scunthorpe United, which failed to materialise following the sacking of Brian Laws.
If he can maintain the level of performance that he showed against the Shakers for Argyle, then there is every chance that Pilgrims' boss John Sheridan will be keen to extend his loan agreement beyond New Year's Day.
The Northern Ireland Under-21 international, currently on loan at Home Park from Sheffield Wednesday, struck in the 11th minute for the Pilgrims before Chris Sedgwick equalised for the Shakers with a stunning lob in the 49th minute. However, Argyle struck back to clinch victory when Reuben Reid fired home with his ninth of the season from close range with 12 minutes to go.
It was also Lavery's first start during his loan period, which expires on January 1st 2014.
To date, Lavery, who was born in Canada; but qualifies to represent Northern Ireland through his parents, has made three appearances for the Owls and is a key member of their Development Squad, which is managed by former Argyle winger David Byrne.
His previous taste of League Two football came last season when he had a brief stint at Southend United. Prior to his move to Argyle, he had been lined up for a loan move to Scunthorpe United, which failed to materialise following the sacking of Brian Laws.
If he can maintain the level of performance that he showed against the Shakers for Argyle, then there is every chance that Pilgrims' boss John Sheridan will be keen to extend his loan agreement beyond New Year's Day.
COME ON AUSSIE
Australian sport has been undergoing a resurgence of late.
The Kangaroos recently won the Rugby League World Cup, Neil Robertson lifted the UK Championship in snooker, and thus retained his World No.1 ranking in the process; Australia's cricketers then won back the Ashes, and now Torquay United Aussie defender Aaron Downes is also getting in on the act.
Downes, who won the Gulls' Player of the Year award last season, scored his third goal of the season, in Torquay's 1-0 win at Dagenham & Redbridge, a fixture in which he was sent off in last season, which now makes him the Gulls' second highest scorer for the campaign.
Their victory over the Daggers was Torquay's second win on the bounce, and it lifts Alan Knill's side out of the relegation zone ahead of their Boxing Day encounter with Bristol Rovers, a club who Downes had a brief loan spell with during the 2011-12 season.
If the Gulls are going to retain their League Two status come next May, they will need a few more displays of Aussie grit and determination from Downes to help ensure that it happens.
The Kangaroos recently won the Rugby League World Cup, Neil Robertson lifted the UK Championship in snooker, and thus retained his World No.1 ranking in the process; Australia's cricketers then won back the Ashes, and now Torquay United Aussie defender Aaron Downes is also getting in on the act.
Downes, who won the Gulls' Player of the Year award last season, scored his third goal of the season, in Torquay's 1-0 win at Dagenham & Redbridge, a fixture in which he was sent off in last season, which now makes him the Gulls' second highest scorer for the campaign.
Their victory over the Daggers was Torquay's second win on the bounce, and it lifts Alan Knill's side out of the relegation zone ahead of their Boxing Day encounter with Bristol Rovers, a club who Downes had a brief loan spell with during the 2011-12 season.
If the Gulls are going to retain their League Two status come next May, they will need a few more displays of Aussie grit and determination from Downes to help ensure that it happens.
Monday 16 December 2013
BRASS RETURNS NORTH
Torquay United assistant manager Chris Brass will be leaving his post to rejoin his former club, and the Gulls' League Two rivals, Bury.
Brass, 38, has had three spells with the Shakers, as a player, Academy coach and-most recently-as assistant manager to Alan Knill between 2009 and 2011.
Prior to Knill's appointment, he also had a brief spell as Caretaker Manager following the dismissal of Chris Casper.
Aside from a seven-match loan spell with the Gulls during the 1994-95 season, Brass had spent his entire career, both a player and as coach, based in the north with Burnley, who he joined Torquay on loan from, York City, who he managed briefly in the 2003-04 campaign, and Bury before working alongside Knill at Scunthorpe.
In his new role, he will be working as assistant to his former Shakers' teammate David Flitcroft.
His final match with the Gulls; alongside Knill, ended on a high with Torquay beating Southend 1-0, and he will be making a quick return to the South West on Saturday when Bury travel to Home Park to face Plymouth Argyle.
He will be returning to south Devon next year on February 8th, when the Shakers travel to Plainmoor for their away fixture with the Gulls.
Brass, 38, has had three spells with the Shakers, as a player, Academy coach and-most recently-as assistant manager to Alan Knill between 2009 and 2011.
Prior to Knill's appointment, he also had a brief spell as Caretaker Manager following the dismissal of Chris Casper.
Aside from a seven-match loan spell with the Gulls during the 1994-95 season, Brass had spent his entire career, both a player and as coach, based in the north with Burnley, who he joined Torquay on loan from, York City, who he managed briefly in the 2003-04 campaign, and Bury before working alongside Knill at Scunthorpe.
In his new role, he will be working as assistant to his former Shakers' teammate David Flitcroft.
His final match with the Gulls; alongside Knill, ended on a high with Torquay beating Southend 1-0, and he will be making a quick return to the South West on Saturday when Bury travel to Home Park to face Plymouth Argyle.
He will be returning to south Devon next year on February 8th, when the Shakers travel to Plainmoor for their away fixture with the Gulls.
MARQUIS OF PLAINMOOR
Loanee striker John Marquis's second goal in three games for Torquay United ensured that the Gulls ended their three-month wait for a home win against Southend United on Saturday.
Marquis, 20, who is currently on loan at Plainmoor from Millwall, struck in the 59th minute, after being sent through by the returning Billy Bodin; with the decisive goal of the game against Phil Brown's Shrimpers, which secured Torquay's first home win since they defeated Cheltenham Town on September 21st.
After making his debut in the Devon derby against Plymouth Argyle in November, Marquis then went on to open his account for the Gulls in their 3-1 defeat against Scunthorpe United.
Earlier in the season, he lined up against Torquay when they hosted Portsmouth-who he was previously on loan with- at Plainmoor in October.
However, despite their win, the Gulls still remain bottom of the League Two; but only on goal difference behind Northampton Town in 23rd spot, as five points separate Torquay and 16th-placed Argyle.
Marquis, 20, who is currently on loan at Plainmoor from Millwall, struck in the 59th minute, after being sent through by the returning Billy Bodin; with the decisive goal of the game against Phil Brown's Shrimpers, which secured Torquay's first home win since they defeated Cheltenham Town on September 21st.
After making his debut in the Devon derby against Plymouth Argyle in November, Marquis then went on to open his account for the Gulls in their 3-1 defeat against Scunthorpe United.
Earlier in the season, he lined up against Torquay when they hosted Portsmouth-who he was previously on loan with- at Plainmoor in October.
However, despite their win, the Gulls still remain bottom of the League Two; but only on goal difference behind Northampton Town in 23rd spot, as five points separate Torquay and 16th-placed Argyle.
Thursday 12 December 2013
FESTIVE POINTS A MUST FOR GULLS
Nearly ten years ago, Torquay United faced Southend United on the final day of the 2003-04 requiring three points to secure automatic promotion for the first time in 38 years.
Goals from Steve Woods and David Graham helped to give the Gulls a 2-1 victory over the Shrimpers and, as their promotion rivals Huddersfield Town had failed to beat Cheltenham Town, Leroy Rosenior's side clinched United's first automatic promotion since the mid-1960's.
However, when Alan Knill's Gulls of 2013-14 take on Southend on Saturday at Plainmoor, in a season defining game; they head into the fixture knowing that three points could be enough to lift them off the bottom of the League Two table.
Saturday's meeting with the Shrimpers is the first of a number of festive fixtures, which includes a visit to Dagenham and Redbridge and a return fixture with Plymouth Argyle on New Year's Day; as well as home clashes with Bristol Rovers and Exeter City on Boxing Day and December 29th respectively.
With home games against fellow strugglers Northampton Town, Bury and Accrington Stanley coming up in the early part of the new year, a minimum of two victories from their next five games would give them an excellent foundation heading into those matches.
The evidence of the importance of the Gulls winning their December and New Year fixtures can be found in the ill-fated 2006-07 season when, under the disastrous Chairmanship of Chris Roberts, Torquay failed to win four fixtures that could have helped save them.
In December 2006 and January 2007, the Gulls only picked up two points from a possible 12 from home matches against Wrexham, Boston United, Macclesfield Town and Bury.
Maximum points from those four games would have given Torquay a fighting chance of beating the drop heading into their final few fixtures of the campaign in question, which is why the Gulls must ensure that they get a healthy points return during the festive period.
Goals from Steve Woods and David Graham helped to give the Gulls a 2-1 victory over the Shrimpers and, as their promotion rivals Huddersfield Town had failed to beat Cheltenham Town, Leroy Rosenior's side clinched United's first automatic promotion since the mid-1960's.
However, when Alan Knill's Gulls of 2013-14 take on Southend on Saturday at Plainmoor, in a season defining game; they head into the fixture knowing that three points could be enough to lift them off the bottom of the League Two table.
Saturday's meeting with the Shrimpers is the first of a number of festive fixtures, which includes a visit to Dagenham and Redbridge and a return fixture with Plymouth Argyle on New Year's Day; as well as home clashes with Bristol Rovers and Exeter City on Boxing Day and December 29th respectively.
With home games against fellow strugglers Northampton Town, Bury and Accrington Stanley coming up in the early part of the new year, a minimum of two victories from their next five games would give them an excellent foundation heading into those matches.
The evidence of the importance of the Gulls winning their December and New Year fixtures can be found in the ill-fated 2006-07 season when, under the disastrous Chairmanship of Chris Roberts, Torquay failed to win four fixtures that could have helped save them.
In December 2006 and January 2007, the Gulls only picked up two points from a possible 12 from home matches against Wrexham, Boston United, Macclesfield Town and Bury.
Maximum points from those four games would have given Torquay a fighting chance of beating the drop heading into their final few fixtures of the campaign in question, which is why the Gulls must ensure that they get a healthy points return during the festive period.
Monday 9 December 2013
JOHNSON TO FACE SLADE AGAIN
Yeovil manager Gary Johnson will be testing his managerial wits against one of predecessors Russell Slade, again, in the FA Cup third round after the Glovers were paired with Leyton Orient.
During his reign as Yeovil manager, between 2006 and 2009, Slade led the Glovers to the League One Play-Off final in the 2006-07 season, where they were beaten by Blackpool; after famously beating Nottingham Forest in the Semis.
However, last season, Johnson went one better when he guided Yeovil to victory over Brentford last May, as the south Somerset club celebrated their 10th anniversary as a football league club with their first ever promotion to the Championship.
Orient are currently top of League One and will probably be looking upon the tie as a yardstick to assess whether they have what it takes to make the set up to the second tier of English football.
Meanwhile, Plymouth Argyle were dealt a disappointing draw as they were handed an away tie against Port Vale, who they faced in League Two last season.
There is also the strong possibility of their tie being moved as Stoke City, the Valiants Premier League neighbours, were drawn at home to Leicester City.
During his reign as Yeovil manager, between 2006 and 2009, Slade led the Glovers to the League One Play-Off final in the 2006-07 season, where they were beaten by Blackpool; after famously beating Nottingham Forest in the Semis.
However, last season, Johnson went one better when he guided Yeovil to victory over Brentford last May, as the south Somerset club celebrated their 10th anniversary as a football league club with their first ever promotion to the Championship.
Orient are currently top of League One and will probably be looking upon the tie as a yardstick to assess whether they have what it takes to make the set up to the second tier of English football.
Meanwhile, Plymouth Argyle were dealt a disappointing draw as they were handed an away tie against Port Vale, who they faced in League Two last season.
There is also the strong possibility of their tie being moved as Stoke City, the Valiants Premier League neighbours, were drawn at home to Leicester City.
Sunday 8 December 2013
GREENS AND GLOVERS AWAIT FA CUP DRAW
Plymouth Argyle and Yeovil Town will be eagerly awaiting this season's FA Cup third round draw for many positive reasons.
For the Pilgrims, it will be the first time that they have featured in the draw for the competition's third round proper draw since the 2009-10 season when, as a Championship club, they were paired with Newcastle United; when they were beaten 3-0 in a replay after a goalless draw at Home Park .
In the years that followed, prior to the current season, Argyle failed to win a match in the competition and were beaten by non-league opposition in the form of Stourbridge and Dorchester Town in the past two years before they finally got their act together in this campaign to see off Lincoln City and Welling United in rounds one and two.
As a former finalist as a player in the competition-with Sheffield Wednesday in 1993, manager John Sheridan will be looking forward to the draw, as with his assistant Gary Owers, who appeared for Sunderland in the 1992 final against Liverpool.
The Pilgrims will be number 58.
Yeovil Town, meanwhile, will be starting the competition at the third round stage for the first time ever due to their current status as a Championship club.
During their days as a non-league side, the Glovers knocked out more football league opposition than any other club outside the league.
At present, Gary Johnson's men are currently enjoying a three-match unbeaten run in English football's second tier, following wins over Watford and Blackpool, as well as a draw Charlton, they will be fancying their chances of adding to that history, as they go into the draw as number 44.
For the Pilgrims, it will be the first time that they have featured in the draw for the competition's third round proper draw since the 2009-10 season when, as a Championship club, they were paired with Newcastle United; when they were beaten 3-0 in a replay after a goalless draw at Home Park .
In the years that followed, prior to the current season, Argyle failed to win a match in the competition and were beaten by non-league opposition in the form of Stourbridge and Dorchester Town in the past two years before they finally got their act together in this campaign to see off Lincoln City and Welling United in rounds one and two.
As a former finalist as a player in the competition-with Sheffield Wednesday in 1993, manager John Sheridan will be looking forward to the draw, as with his assistant Gary Owers, who appeared for Sunderland in the 1992 final against Liverpool.
The Pilgrims will be number 58.
Yeovil Town, meanwhile, will be starting the competition at the third round stage for the first time ever due to their current status as a Championship club.
During their days as a non-league side, the Glovers knocked out more football league opposition than any other club outside the league.
At present, Gary Johnson's men are currently enjoying a three-match unbeaten run in English football's second tier, following wins over Watford and Blackpool, as well as a draw Charlton, they will be fancying their chances of adding to that history, as they go into the draw as number 44.
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