Before their previous four away games against Barrow, Southport, Wrexham and Solihull Moors, Torquay United had only won two games on their travels all season in the Vanarama National League.
However, the Gulls have now doubled that total to four and in defeating Solihull Moors they have also increased the number of teams that they have done the double over to two - Play-off hopefuls Dagenham & Redbridge are the other team they have defeated at home and away.
With manager Kevin Nicholson not being given the funds to sign a striker on the loan deadline day by owner's Gaming International, greater importance is now placed on scoring goals from defence and midfield.
By netting United's late winner against Solihull Moors on Tuesday night, Dan Sparkes is now the Gulls' joint-top scorer with six goals - a title he currently shares with striker Brett Williams.
The former Braintree wide man is hotly tipped to be amongst the front runners in the Gulls' Player of the Year awards, and despite leaving Solihull's Damson Park on crutches - following a challenge with Regan Charles-Cook, which earned the Moors' defender a red card - could be fit on Saturday against Chester FC.
Other midfield goal-getters include Luke Young, who has netted five times, Aman Verma twice and Sam Chaney once in the FA Cup replay against Woking. In defence, Giancarlo Gallifuoco has found the target three times, whilst Sean McGinty and Ben Gerring - currently on loan at Truro City - have both netted twice.
They will nearly all be required to add to those respective tallies between now and the end of the campaign on 29th April against North Ferriby United.
Young Irish striker Ruairi Keating has proved that he start games effectively after a number of promising cameo appearances from the subs bench.
Keating lead the Gulls' attack at both the Racecourse Ground and Damson Park and earned rave reviews for his work rate, commitment and desire, and if he can add a few more goals then Kevin Nicholson may have quite a player on his hands.
Momentum is a key word in football and by picking up four points from the previous six available, the Gulls are now out of the relegation zone and have the likes of Braintree and Maidstone looking over their shoulder.
Wednesday 29 March 2017
GRECIANS LOOKING TO BUILD ON LATE DRAMA
As the star of TV series such as the Walking Dead, Teachers and This Life, actor Andrew Lincoln is no stranger to gripping drama.
And Lincoln, an old school friend of Exeter City manager Paul Tisdale, was treated to a real life dramatics as he and a number of ex school friends of the Grecians boss witnessed City draw 3-3 with Yeovil Town after trailing by three goals with ten minutes to go.
Remarkably the score was still goalless after 60 minutes, but efforts from Francois Zoko, Shayon Harrison and Alex Lacey gave Yeovil a three-goal cushion going into the final 12 minutes.
David Wheeler pulled one back for the Grecians in the 88th minute before Troy Brown and former Glover Reuben Reid to earn the hosts an unlikely draw.
The point keeps Exeter in the fourth and final Play-off spot in 7th, whilst Yeovil manager Darren Way will probably look on it as two points dropped which - had they been able to secure them - would have moved the Glovers up to 16th in the League Two table.
And Lincoln, an old school friend of Exeter City manager Paul Tisdale, was treated to a real life dramatics as he and a number of ex school friends of the Grecians boss witnessed City draw 3-3 with Yeovil Town after trailing by three goals with ten minutes to go.
Remarkably the score was still goalless after 60 minutes, but efforts from Francois Zoko, Shayon Harrison and Alex Lacey gave Yeovil a three-goal cushion going into the final 12 minutes.
David Wheeler pulled one back for the Grecians in the 88th minute before Troy Brown and former Glover Reuben Reid to earn the hosts an unlikely draw.
The point keeps Exeter in the fourth and final Play-off spot in 7th, whilst Yeovil manager Darren Way will probably look on it as two points dropped which - had they been able to secure them - would have moved the Glovers up to 16th in the League Two table.
Sunday 26 March 2017
ARGYLE CLOSE GAP AT THE TOP TO THREE
Once again for Plymouth Argyle manager Derek Adams put his childhood friendship with his Doncaster Rovers counterpart Darren Ferguson as the Pilgrims completed the double over Rovers.
At the start of play six points separated Argyle and Doncaster, but a 50th minute header from Sonny Bradley proved to be enough to clinch a victory for the Pilgrims that moves them within three points of the South Yorkshire side.
Rovers had chances to find the target themselves as Argyle skipper was twice called upon to make important saves to deny Doncaster's former Torquay United loanee John Marquis during the course of the match.
Both Adams and Ferguson both grew up with Football in their blood, as Adams' father George was the first player to be signed by Ferguson's famous dad Sir Alex during his illustrious managerial career for East Stirlingshire in 1974. However, fast forward to the present day and the battle between the duo to get their hands on the League Two title is set to go right down to the wire.
At the start of play six points separated Argyle and Doncaster, but a 50th minute header from Sonny Bradley proved to be enough to clinch a victory for the Pilgrims that moves them within three points of the South Yorkshire side.
Rovers had chances to find the target themselves as Argyle skipper was twice called upon to make important saves to deny Doncaster's former Torquay United loanee John Marquis during the course of the match.
Both Adams and Ferguson both grew up with Football in their blood, as Adams' father George was the first player to be signed by Ferguson's famous dad Sir Alex during his illustrious managerial career for East Stirlingshire in 1974. However, fast forward to the present day and the battle between the duo to get their hands on the League Two title is set to go right down to the wire.
Thursday 16 March 2017
HOLDING OUT FOR A HERO
A well worn phrase in football is that 'goals change games', and currently Torquay United are on the look out for a striker who will do just that for them as they aim to pull further away from the National League relegation zone.
With that in mind, we will now look at the impact of a number of forwards who have made a big impact for the Gulls late on in a season.
David Graham (2000-01)
When David Graham was first brought to Plainmoor in March 2001 by Colin Lee, many of the Plainmoor faithful would probably have asked 'David who?'
However, Graham had a reasonable pedigree north of the border as he had represented Scotland eight times at Under-21 level. In addition to this, he also had the experience of playing in the UEFA Cup and making a cameo appearance in an Old Firm derby with Glasgow Rangers.
He made his debut in a 1-1 draw with Hull City at home in 31st March 2001 and a week later he opened his account for the Gulls in a 2-1 defeat away to Cardiff City. His second goal for United proved to be one of his most crucial as he netted the Gulls' third goal against Barnet at Underhill on the final day of the 2000-01 season, which gave United an important three-goal cushion following earlier efforts from Jason Rees and Kevin Hill in a game that the Gulls eventually won 3-2.
Graham remained at Plainmoor for another three years, during which time he won the club's Player of the Year award in the 2003-04 season and was named in the PFA Division Three team of the year, but - more importantly - he scored United's second goal in their 2-1 away over Southend United on the final day of the campaign that secured the Gulls their first automatic promotion in 38 years.
Lee Thorpe (2005-06)
Since Adebayo Akinfenwa's departure to Swansea City in the summer of 2005, the Gulls spent much of the 2005-06 campaign crying out for a centre forward who could hold the ball up effectively.
Their wish was finally granted when, in February 2006, manager John Cornforth drafted in Thorpe from Swansea on loan. He then went on to become a pivotal player under Cornforth's successor Ian Atkins in their end-of-season run-in.
As well as he netting a brace in a 4-0 win over Stockport County in the Gulls' penultimate home game, which included a spectacular over-head kick, Thorpe also proved to be an excellent foil for Jo Kuffour as the Gulls won four out of their last five games of the season to retain their league status.
Shaquile Coulthirst (2013-14)
Although he is only player on this list to play for the Gulls in a season which saw them relegated, Shaquile Coulthirst still demonstrated how a move to Torquay United can prove to be beneficial to a player's career. Coulthirst arrived at Plainmoor on loan from Tottenham Hotspur and scored twice in six appearances, which weren't quite enough to save the Gulls from making a return to the National League. However, his displays did leave the United faithful wondering how things might have panned out if he had signed for them earlier in the season.
He later had further loan spells with Southend United and York City before joining Peterborough United in 2016.
With that in mind, we will now look at the impact of a number of forwards who have made a big impact for the Gulls late on in a season.
David Graham (2000-01)
When David Graham was first brought to Plainmoor in March 2001 by Colin Lee, many of the Plainmoor faithful would probably have asked 'David who?'
However, Graham had a reasonable pedigree north of the border as he had represented Scotland eight times at Under-21 level. In addition to this, he also had the experience of playing in the UEFA Cup and making a cameo appearance in an Old Firm derby with Glasgow Rangers.
He made his debut in a 1-1 draw with Hull City at home in 31st March 2001 and a week later he opened his account for the Gulls in a 2-1 defeat away to Cardiff City. His second goal for United proved to be one of his most crucial as he netted the Gulls' third goal against Barnet at Underhill on the final day of the 2000-01 season, which gave United an important three-goal cushion following earlier efforts from Jason Rees and Kevin Hill in a game that the Gulls eventually won 3-2.
Graham remained at Plainmoor for another three years, during which time he won the club's Player of the Year award in the 2003-04 season and was named in the PFA Division Three team of the year, but - more importantly - he scored United's second goal in their 2-1 away over Southend United on the final day of the campaign that secured the Gulls their first automatic promotion in 38 years.
Lee Thorpe (2005-06)
Since Adebayo Akinfenwa's departure to Swansea City in the summer of 2005, the Gulls spent much of the 2005-06 campaign crying out for a centre forward who could hold the ball up effectively.
Their wish was finally granted when, in February 2006, manager John Cornforth drafted in Thorpe from Swansea on loan. He then went on to become a pivotal player under Cornforth's successor Ian Atkins in their end-of-season run-in.
As well as he netting a brace in a 4-0 win over Stockport County in the Gulls' penultimate home game, which included a spectacular over-head kick, Thorpe also proved to be an excellent foil for Jo Kuffour as the Gulls won four out of their last five games of the season to retain their league status.
Shaquile Coulthirst (2013-14)
Although he is only player on this list to play for the Gulls in a season which saw them relegated, Shaquile Coulthirst still demonstrated how a move to Torquay United can prove to be beneficial to a player's career. Coulthirst arrived at Plainmoor on loan from Tottenham Hotspur and scored twice in six appearances, which weren't quite enough to save the Gulls from making a return to the National League. However, his displays did leave the United faithful wondering how things might have panned out if he had signed for them earlier in the season.
He later had further loan spells with Southend United and York City before joining Peterborough United in 2016.
Sunday 12 March 2017
KEATING PROVES LIFE IS BUT A ROLLERCOASTER FOR THE GULLS
Irish striker Ruairi Keating rose from his sick bed and the subs bench to help secure what could be a crucial three points for Torquay United in their quest to stay in the National League against fellow strugglers Southport.
Luke Young gave the Gulls a first half lead in the 36th minute with his fourth goal of the campaign, but United found themselves pegged back early in the second half as the Sandgrounders equalised through a 20-yard strike from Jim Stevenson.
Louis Almond went close for the hosts and Gulls leading scorer Brett Williams was denied by a point blank save from Sandgrounders keeper Craig King before Keating, nephew of Irish singer Ronan, struck with his first goal in English football to clinch a valuable three points for Kevin Nicholson's side.
Keating hadn't travelled with the United squad and wasn't expected to play any part due to a sickness bug and had only joined up with his teammates on the day of the game.
The result moves the Gulls out of the relegation zone, at the expense of Woking, and they now require another 13 points from their remaining ten fixtures to equal their points total of last season of 51 which saw them retain their National League status.
Luke Young gave the Gulls a first half lead in the 36th minute with his fourth goal of the campaign, but United found themselves pegged back early in the second half as the Sandgrounders equalised through a 20-yard strike from Jim Stevenson.
Louis Almond went close for the hosts and Gulls leading scorer Brett Williams was denied by a point blank save from Sandgrounders keeper Craig King before Keating, nephew of Irish singer Ronan, struck with his first goal in English football to clinch a valuable three points for Kevin Nicholson's side.
Keating hadn't travelled with the United squad and wasn't expected to play any part due to a sickness bug and had only joined up with his teammates on the day of the game.
The result moves the Gulls out of the relegation zone, at the expense of Woking, and they now require another 13 points from their remaining ten fixtures to equal their points total of last season of 51 which saw them retain their National League status.
Sunday 5 March 2017
ROLE REVERSAL FOR PILGRIMS AND TANGERINES
When Plymouth Argyle last faced Blackpool at Home Park on March 27th, 2010, they were two sides going in very different directions.
The Pilgrims were then fighting a battle against relegation from the Championship under Paul Mariner, which they would eventually lose, and Blackpool, managed by Ian Holloway on his first return to Home Park since leaving to manage Leicester in November 2007, harboured outside hopes of making the Play-offs where they would eventually beat Cardiff City to reach the Premier League.
In front of a crowd of 10,614, the Tangerines would triumph 2-0 with goals from Charlie Adam and Stephen Dobbie, but now the roles of the two sides are almost reversed. Argyle are in second place under Derek Adams with one eye on promotion whilst Blackpool are currently mid-table, harbouring hopes of a play-off place and looking to build some stability under Gary Bowyer following a decline that has seen with fall through the leagues.
Their last meeting proved to be significant for a number of reasons and we will now look at few facts from that encounter.
The Pilgrims were then fighting a battle against relegation from the Championship under Paul Mariner, which they would eventually lose, and Blackpool, managed by Ian Holloway on his first return to Home Park since leaving to manage Leicester in November 2007, harboured outside hopes of making the Play-offs where they would eventually beat Cardiff City to reach the Premier League.
In front of a crowd of 10,614, the Tangerines would triumph 2-0 with goals from Charlie Adam and Stephen Dobbie, but now the roles of the two sides are almost reversed. Argyle are in second place under Derek Adams with one eye on promotion whilst Blackpool are currently mid-table, harbouring hopes of a play-off place and looking to build some stability under Gary Bowyer following a decline that has seen with fall through the leagues.
Their last meeting proved to be significant for a number of reasons and we will now look at few facts from that encounter.
- Ian Holloway returned to Home Park as the visiting manager in a competitive game for the first and only time to date.
- Ryan Leonard made his solitary appearance for the Pilgrims as a second substitute before going to enjoy a successful career with Southend United.
- Current Everton teammates Seamus Coleman and Yala Bolasie found themselves marking each other as they lined-up as right-back and left-midfielder for the Tangerines and the Pilgrims respectively. Republic of Ireland international Coleman was on loan at Blackpool at the time from the Toffees, whilst Bolasie had broken into the Pilgrims' side following a loan spell with Barnet and would later have spells with Bristol City and Crystal Palace before moving to Goodison Park for £30million in the summer of 2016.
Thursday 2 March 2017
GULLS AT CROSSROADS AFTER MIDWEEK WASH OUT
To the Cobbold brothers who famously served as Chairmen of Ipswich Town in the 1970s and 1980s, the idea of a crisis was the boardroom at Portman Road running out of wine.
However, for Riviera Stadium Ltd who recently had their takeover of Torquay United ratified by the National League board matters are currently of a much more serious nature.
Heavy rainfall on Tuesday night saw their midweek fixture away to Solihull Moors washed out and as a result the Gulls dropped into the National League relegation zone without kicking a ball as their rivals all won their respective fixtures. This now means that greater importance is now placed on United's next fixture with fellow strugglers Guiseley, managed by former Gulls loanee Adam Lockwood.
A win for the Gulls against the West Yorkshire outfit would lift them back out of the bottom four, but defeat would prove to be far more problematic for Kevin Nicholson's side.
This time last year, United were on 29 points and were 22nd in the league table, six points and one place better off than then.
The Gulls then went on to clinch another 22 points from their remaining 14 fixtures to clinch survival with a total of 51 points.
A similar return will almost certainly be necessary this time around for United as only six points separate them in the 21st place from 17th placed Braintree Town.
However, for Riviera Stadium Ltd who recently had their takeover of Torquay United ratified by the National League board matters are currently of a much more serious nature.
Heavy rainfall on Tuesday night saw their midweek fixture away to Solihull Moors washed out and as a result the Gulls dropped into the National League relegation zone without kicking a ball as their rivals all won their respective fixtures. This now means that greater importance is now placed on United's next fixture with fellow strugglers Guiseley, managed by former Gulls loanee Adam Lockwood.
A win for the Gulls against the West Yorkshire outfit would lift them back out of the bottom four, but defeat would prove to be far more problematic for Kevin Nicholson's side.
This time last year, United were on 29 points and were 22nd in the league table, six points and one place better off than then.
The Gulls then went on to clinch another 22 points from their remaining 14 fixtures to clinch survival with a total of 51 points.
A similar return will almost certainly be necessary this time around for United as only six points separate them in the 21st place from 17th placed Braintree Town.
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