Here's a quiz question for you, which three players who featured in the FA Trophy final in 2008 are set to be appearing in FA Vase action next Saturday?
As you've probably guessed it all three of those players appeared for Torquay United against Ebbsfleet United.
And those three players are Kevin Hill and Lee Phillips, who are set to star for South West Peninsula League side Exmouth Town in their Buildbase FA Vase tie against Blackfield and Langley of the Wessex League who can count former Gulls striker Tim Sills amongst their numbers.
During the 2007-08 season, Sills and Phillips led the line for Torquay in their first season as a Conference club and Sills finished the campaign as the Gulls' top scorer with 23 goals - whilst Phillips found the back of the net 12 times before joining Rushden & Diamonds in the following summer.
A year later, Sills would score the second of United's two goals in their 2-0 Conference Play-off final victory over a Cambridge United side that included Phillips, and in 2014 he was part of the Gosport Borough side that lost to the U's in the FA Trophy final.
For Hill the 2007-08 campaign proved to be the final campaign of his 11 years at Plainmoor, which started in 1997 when he made the move to United from Western League side Torrington.
The FA Trophy final marked his 474th appearance for the Gulls, which saw him eclipse the long standing club appearance record previously held by Dennis Lewis before he joined Dorchester Town.
For all three players, the Vase represents one final shot at glory and it is not beyond the realms of possibility that one, or even two, of these players could be lining up under the Wembley Arch at the end of the season.
Sunday 27 November 2016
Wednesday 23 November 2016
MOORE TREBLE GIVES TORQUAY WELCOME BOOST
A first career hat-trick for Kieffer Moore saw him become Torquay United's top scorer for the 2016-17 season and help the Gulls to record their first league win since early October 2016 against Solihull Moors.
Moore, who joined United on loan from Forest Green Rovers and scored on his debut for his hometown club against Wrexham last Saturday, opened the scoring on 30 minutes when latched onto a ball from fellow loan signing Jamie Reid and comfortably slotted home.
In the second half, Moore completed his brace the hour mark when he nodded home a cross from Dan Sparkes into an unguarded net from eight-yards, which moved him level on three goals with Reid, Nathan Blissett and Giancarlo Gallifuoco for the campaign.
Sparkes was once again the provider for Moore in the 71st minute when his precision cross from the left wing, as Moore dived at full stretch to power home from six-yards to become the first Gulls' player to score a treble since Elliot Benyon in the FA Cup second round against Stockport County in the 2009-10 season.
The challenge now for Torquay manager Kevin Nicholson is to build on this result in United's next two fixtures away at Tranmere Rovers and Dagenham & Redbridge, not to mention to try to keep the Torquay-born Moore at Plainmoor beyond his initial 28-day loan stint.
Moore, who joined United on loan from Forest Green Rovers and scored on his debut for his hometown club against Wrexham last Saturday, opened the scoring on 30 minutes when latched onto a ball from fellow loan signing Jamie Reid and comfortably slotted home.
In the second half, Moore completed his brace the hour mark when he nodded home a cross from Dan Sparkes into an unguarded net from eight-yards, which moved him level on three goals with Reid, Nathan Blissett and Giancarlo Gallifuoco for the campaign.
Sparkes was once again the provider for Moore in the 71st minute when his precision cross from the left wing, as Moore dived at full stretch to power home from six-yards to become the first Gulls' player to score a treble since Elliot Benyon in the FA Cup second round against Stockport County in the 2009-10 season.
The challenge now for Torquay manager Kevin Nicholson is to build on this result in United's next two fixtures away at Tranmere Rovers and Dagenham & Redbridge, not to mention to try to keep the Torquay-born Moore at Plainmoor beyond his initial 28-day loan stint.
Sunday 20 November 2016
MOORE SECURES POINT FOR GULLS ON DEBUT
It has been quite a week for Kieffer Moore up until now.
Last Tuesday, he made his international debut for England C' from the substitutes bench, as a 90th minute replacement for Lincoln City midfielder, in a match that saw the non-league Three Lions defeat Estonia Under-23s 2-1 in the International Challenge Trophy.
The team also stayed in a Talinn hotel that was once frequented by the now former US Presidential candidate Hilary Clinton, but later on that achievement would soon be trumped.
On his return to the UK Moore joined his hometown club Torquay United on loan from his present club Forest Green Rovers, and netted for the Gulls on his debut against Wrexham to secure a point for Kevin Nicholson's side as he turned home a Luke Young corner with two minutes to go.
Not only did he play a vital part in helping to seal a 1-1 draw for United - he was voted as man of the match for his efforts.
Like fellow loanee Jamie Reid, Moore supported the Gulls as a boy and was part of the club's centre of excellence before it was first closed by former Chairman Mike Bateson in 2004.
Since then, his route back to Plainmoor has taken in spells with Paignton Saints in the South Devon League, Truro City, Dorchester Town, Yeovil Town and Viking in Norway.
It maybe early days yet, but hopefully his playing stint on the English Riviera will last longer than the 28 days of his current loan deal.
Last Tuesday, he made his international debut for England C' from the substitutes bench, as a 90th minute replacement for Lincoln City midfielder, in a match that saw the non-league Three Lions defeat Estonia Under-23s 2-1 in the International Challenge Trophy.
The team also stayed in a Talinn hotel that was once frequented by the now former US Presidential candidate Hilary Clinton, but later on that achievement would soon be trumped.
On his return to the UK Moore joined his hometown club Torquay United on loan from his present club Forest Green Rovers, and netted for the Gulls on his debut against Wrexham to secure a point for Kevin Nicholson's side as he turned home a Luke Young corner with two minutes to go.
Not only did he play a vital part in helping to seal a 1-1 draw for United - he was voted as man of the match for his efforts.
Like fellow loanee Jamie Reid, Moore supported the Gulls as a boy and was part of the club's centre of excellence before it was first closed by former Chairman Mike Bateson in 2004.
Since then, his route back to Plainmoor has taken in spells with Paignton Saints in the South Devon League, Truro City, Dorchester Town, Yeovil Town and Viking in Norway.
It maybe early days yet, but hopefully his playing stint on the English Riviera will last longer than the 28 days of his current loan deal.
Thursday 17 November 2016
WELCOME HOME KIEFFER
Former Yeovil Town striker Kieffer Moore has made a return to his native South Devon to join Torquay United on loan from his current club Forest Green Rovers.
Moore, 24, was part of the Gulls' Centre of Excellence programme prior to its closure under former Chairman Mike Bateson in 2004 and it was with South Devon League side Paignton Saints where he reignited his career before moving on to Truro City in 2012.
Financial problems with the White Tigers meant that he was soon on the move to Truro's then fellow Conference South Dorchester Town. His performances for the Magpies brought him to the attention's of Charlton Athletic who offered him a trial in May 2013.
Although the Addicks didn't offer Moore a permanent deal, he would later be plying his trade in the Championship as Yeovil Town - then recently promoted to the second tier of English football for the first time in their history - offered him a two-year deal following a successful trial.
Despite the fact that the Glovers' stay in the Championship only lasted for one season, Moore didn't disgrace himself as he found the back of the net five times in 24 appearances for Gary Johnson's side.
On their return to League One, Yeovil continued to struggle as Johnson was dismissed and replaced by his assistant Terry Skiverton before Paul Sturrock took charge at Huish Park.
However, Sturrock decided that Moore wasn't to be part of his plans for the South Somerset club as he was released at the end of the 2014-15 season, following their relegation to League Two.
Moore then found himself playing in Norway for Viking FC and returned to England for trials with Exeter City and Leyton Orient before signing for National League side Forest Green Rovers.
Now, after his recent loan move, Moore finds himself back home and it is hoped that he, and a fellow loanee Shawn McClousky, can boost the Gulls' goals for tally, which sees Kevin Nicholson's side second only to North Ferriby United as the division's lowest scorers.
Moore, 24, was part of the Gulls' Centre of Excellence programme prior to its closure under former Chairman Mike Bateson in 2004 and it was with South Devon League side Paignton Saints where he reignited his career before moving on to Truro City in 2012.
Financial problems with the White Tigers meant that he was soon on the move to Truro's then fellow Conference South Dorchester Town. His performances for the Magpies brought him to the attention's of Charlton Athletic who offered him a trial in May 2013.
Although the Addicks didn't offer Moore a permanent deal, he would later be plying his trade in the Championship as Yeovil Town - then recently promoted to the second tier of English football for the first time in their history - offered him a two-year deal following a successful trial.
Despite the fact that the Glovers' stay in the Championship only lasted for one season, Moore didn't disgrace himself as he found the back of the net five times in 24 appearances for Gary Johnson's side.
On their return to League One, Yeovil continued to struggle as Johnson was dismissed and replaced by his assistant Terry Skiverton before Paul Sturrock took charge at Huish Park.
However, Sturrock decided that Moore wasn't to be part of his plans for the South Somerset club as he was released at the end of the 2014-15 season, following their relegation to League Two.
Moore then found himself playing in Norway for Viking FC and returned to England for trials with Exeter City and Leyton Orient before signing for National League side Forest Green Rovers.
Now, after his recent loan move, Moore finds himself back home and it is hoped that he, and a fellow loanee Shawn McClousky, can boost the Gulls' goals for tally, which sees Kevin Nicholson's side second only to North Ferriby United as the division's lowest scorers.
Monday 7 November 2016
AN ACHIEVEMENT BY UNITY
Yeovil Town Ladies waved goodbye to FA Women's Super League Two with a 3-0 win over Sheffield Ladies FC to clinch the league title at the expense of Bristol City Women.
Having secured promotion in their previous fixture against London Bees,the Lady Glovers went into the final round of fixtures knowing that they needed to better the Vixens result against Oxford United Ladies. Any fears of stage fright were put to rest when Lucy Quinn gave them the lead on 15 minutes - a lead which they held until the half-time break.
Within a minute of the restart for the second half, Annie Heatherson doubled Yeovil's lead before Nicola Cousins added a third goal late on to put the icing on the cake for Jamie Sherwood's side in front of a club record crowd of 1,384.
Their success this season now means that the Lady Glovers will be rubbing shoulders with the likes of Arsenal Ladies, Chelsea Ladies and Manchester City Women in a summer series which starts next Spring before the FA Women's Super League switches from a summer season to a winter programme.
Yeovil's elevated status will also mean that several of the England side that finished third in the Women's World Cup in Canada in 2015, including Steph Houghton, Lucy Bronze, Eni Aluko and Karen Carney, along with Scotland's Kim Little, who recently re-joined Arsenal Ladies from American side Seattle Reign, will be appearing at Huish Park.
Their feat represents remarkable progress which the men's game could probably equated to AFC Bournemouth winning promotion to the Premier League, but as the Cherries have shown it is possible to compete at the highest level with team spirit, organisation and togetherness: traits that sum up Yeovil Town Ladies' club of 'achieve by unity'.
Having secured promotion in their previous fixture against London Bees,the Lady Glovers went into the final round of fixtures knowing that they needed to better the Vixens result against Oxford United Ladies. Any fears of stage fright were put to rest when Lucy Quinn gave them the lead on 15 minutes - a lead which they held until the half-time break.
Within a minute of the restart for the second half, Annie Heatherson doubled Yeovil's lead before Nicola Cousins added a third goal late on to put the icing on the cake for Jamie Sherwood's side in front of a club record crowd of 1,384.
Their success this season now means that the Lady Glovers will be rubbing shoulders with the likes of Arsenal Ladies, Chelsea Ladies and Manchester City Women in a summer series which starts next Spring before the FA Women's Super League switches from a summer season to a winter programme.
Yeovil's elevated status will also mean that several of the England side that finished third in the Women's World Cup in Canada in 2015, including Steph Houghton, Lucy Bronze, Eni Aluko and Karen Carney, along with Scotland's Kim Little, who recently re-joined Arsenal Ladies from American side Seattle Reign, will be appearing at Huish Park.
Their feat represents remarkable progress which the men's game could probably equated to AFC Bournemouth winning promotion to the Premier League, but as the Cherries have shown it is possible to compete at the highest level with team spirit, organisation and togetherness: traits that sum up Yeovil Town Ladies' club of 'achieve by unity'.
PIRATES CLASH POSSIBLE REWARD FOR PEACOCKS
If Taunton Town are able to overcome Barrow in their FA Cup 1st round replay a week tomorrow then they could be facing Bristol Rovers in round two.
The Peacocks drew 2-2 with their National League opponents on Sunday in a game that they led twice as former Plymouth Argyle starlet Matt Wright and ex Pilgrims and Torquay United defender Matt Villis gave them the lead.
However, they were pegged back by Barrow, managed by former Torquay boss Paul Cox, as Byron Harrison netted from the penalty spot and Richie Bennett forced the ball over the line following good work from Liam Hughes, who later dismissed for head-butting Taunton keeper Lloyd Irish.
Should the Peacocks upset the odds in the re-match at Holker Street then they will be playing either Crawley Town or Bristol Rovers away in the next stage of the competition and a meeting with the latter would attract a great deal of interest.
It would also be the first time ever that Taunton have made the second round of the FA Cup, having previously reached the first round for the only previous time in the 1981-82 season.
Taunton's Somerset neighbours Yeovil Town will also need a replay to overcome the now managerless Solihull Moors - Saturday's tie was the final match in charge for Marcus Bignot who recently accepted the Grimsby Town manager's job - and a trip to Exeter City's conquerors Luton Town.
Plymouth Argyle will be at home to either Alfreton Town, managed by former Pilgrims' midfielder Nicky Law, or Newport County after they defeated Mansfield Town 2-1 at Field Mill.
The Peacocks drew 2-2 with their National League opponents on Sunday in a game that they led twice as former Plymouth Argyle starlet Matt Wright and ex Pilgrims and Torquay United defender Matt Villis gave them the lead.
However, they were pegged back by Barrow, managed by former Torquay boss Paul Cox, as Byron Harrison netted from the penalty spot and Richie Bennett forced the ball over the line following good work from Liam Hughes, who later dismissed for head-butting Taunton keeper Lloyd Irish.
Should the Peacocks upset the odds in the re-match at Holker Street then they will be playing either Crawley Town or Bristol Rovers away in the next stage of the competition and a meeting with the latter would attract a great deal of interest.
It would also be the first time ever that Taunton have made the second round of the FA Cup, having previously reached the first round for the only previous time in the 1981-82 season.
Taunton's Somerset neighbours Yeovil Town will also need a replay to overcome the now managerless Solihull Moors - Saturday's tie was the final match in charge for Marcus Bignot who recently accepted the Grimsby Town manager's job - and a trip to Exeter City's conquerors Luton Town.
Plymouth Argyle will be at home to either Alfreton Town, managed by former Pilgrims' midfielder Nicky Law, or Newport County after they defeated Mansfield Town 2-1 at Field Mill.
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