Sunday 28 August 2016

THE GULLS HAVE GOALS IN THEM

Yesterday's 2-1 victory over Dover Athletic was the first time that Torquay United have twice or more in a game this season, but the signs are that there is more to come from the Gulls.

Jamie Reid and Dan Sparkes both opened their respective accounts for United, in a game that they could have won by a larger margin than their single goal score line.

Whilst former Northern Ireland Under-21 international Reid, who is currently on loan with the Gulls from Exeter City, hasn't been able to establish himself as a first team regular in Paul Tisdale's side but did manage to score three times in five appearances during a loan spell with Truro City in National League South.

Sparkes will always be remembered for the hat-trick that he scored against United for Braintree in the Iron's 5-1 demolition of the Gulls at Plainmoor in the 2014-15 season. He scored a further seven goals for Braintree during that campaign, as well as another six last season as he helped the Iron to reach the National League Play-offs where they were beaten by Grimsby Town.

Although last season's leading scorer Nathan Blissett hasn't been able to get off the mark yet so far this season, the eight goals in 17 appearances - an average of just under a goal every other game - suggests he has goals in him.

Fellow striker Brett Williams also has plenty of goal scoring pedigree at National League level, having netted 24 times for Aldershot Town during the 2013-14 campaign.

Luke Young netted six goals in his first season at Plainmoor and also found the back of the net four times in his final campaign with Plymouth Argyle, prior to his move to United.

So if the Gulls can get their shooting boots on, the goals will flow and they could start to fly up the National League table.