Six proved to be the magic number for Derek Adams and Plymouth Argyle as the Pilgrims finally edged into the League One Play-offs with victory over fellow promotion hopefuls Bradford City.
It was Argyle's sixth consecutive win, which lifts the Pilgrims into the Play-off zone for the first time this season. A first half strike from Antoni Sarcevic proved to be enough to separate the two sides - the Bantams were also reduced to ten men when Charlie Wyke was sent off late on following an aerial challenge with Sonny Bradley.
With 11 games to go - the Pilgrims now have 53 points and another 20 points should be enough to seal their place in the end of season showdown, but sensibly Adams has said that Argyle will be taking each game as it comes.
It's a sensible approach, especially for a team that only had five points to their name at the end of September.
Also since Adams was appointed as the successor to John Sheridan in the summer of 2015, the Pilgrims have won more games (66) than any other of the 92 clubs in the Premier League and the Football League - including Manchester City the next in the list on 65.
Regardless of what happens between now and the beginning of May - Argyle will definitely be playing in League One next season, a status which was in the balance as recently as December.
Monday 26 February 2018
Wednesday 21 February 2018
COULD DEREK ADAMS BE A FUTURE SCOTLAND MANAGER?
During Plymouth Argyle's recent fine run which has seen them find themselves in with a shout of reaching the League One play-offs, manager Derek Adams quipped that he would end up managing in the Champions League if they managed the feat.
Following their 4-2 victory over AFC Wimbledon on February 13th, 2018, during a sequence that also saw the Pilgrims defeat leaders Shrewsbury Town and Blackburn Rovers, Adams quipped when asked if Argyle could feature in the end of season showdown: "I'll be managing in the Champions League. If I get Argyle in the play-offs, I'll be managing in the Champions League,"
At the time of writing, the Pilgrims are in seventh place in the League One table, one point and one place off the play-offs, so a top six finish is not beyond the realms of possibility or reality for Argyle, as things stand.
This would represent an incredible turnaround for Adams and the Pilgrims after they only won four of their opening 17 matches of the 2017-18 season, but could the Scotsman manage at a more prestigious level than Europe's premier club competition and lead his country to a World Cup.
Two former Pilgrims' managers have previously led countries to the World Cup finals. Billy Bingham managed the feat twice with Northern Ireland in 1982 and 1986. In the latter tournament he was also joined by Tony Waiters, who won promotion with the Pilgrims in the 1974-75 season, who guided Canada to the finals of the competition for the first and only time in their history to date.
As one of seven Scottish managers currently managing in the English Premier League and Football League (David Moyes West Ham United, Paul Lambert Stoke City, Alex Neil Preston North End, Graham Alexander Scunthorpe United, Darren Ferguson Doncaster Rovers and Steve Evans Mansfield Town), it is not beyond the realms of possibility that Adams could be on the radar of the SFA for future reference.
His career CV currently includes leading Ross County to the 2010 Scottish Cup final, winning the Scottish PFA manager of the year award in the 2011-12 season, guiding Argyle to promotion from League Two and taking Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool to a replay in the third round of the FA Cup in the 2016-17 campaign.
The present incumbent of the Scotland manager's job is someone is very familiar to Adams in the form of Alex McLeish, who he would have watched as a young boy at Aberdeen where his father, George, worked as a youth coach at Pittodrie under Sir Alex Ferguson (Adams senior was also Ferguson's first ever signing for East Stirlingshire).
Adams will no doubt be taking a keen interest in McLeish's second spell in charge of Scotland, and he could well turn to be one of successors in the future - and re-establishing the Pilgrims in the Championship could well turn out to be part of the journey in achieving that feat.
Following their 4-2 victory over AFC Wimbledon on February 13th, 2018, during a sequence that also saw the Pilgrims defeat leaders Shrewsbury Town and Blackburn Rovers, Adams quipped when asked if Argyle could feature in the end of season showdown: "I'll be managing in the Champions League. If I get Argyle in the play-offs, I'll be managing in the Champions League,"
At the time of writing, the Pilgrims are in seventh place in the League One table, one point and one place off the play-offs, so a top six finish is not beyond the realms of possibility or reality for Argyle, as things stand.
This would represent an incredible turnaround for Adams and the Pilgrims after they only won four of their opening 17 matches of the 2017-18 season, but could the Scotsman manage at a more prestigious level than Europe's premier club competition and lead his country to a World Cup.
Two former Pilgrims' managers have previously led countries to the World Cup finals. Billy Bingham managed the feat twice with Northern Ireland in 1982 and 1986. In the latter tournament he was also joined by Tony Waiters, who won promotion with the Pilgrims in the 1974-75 season, who guided Canada to the finals of the competition for the first and only time in their history to date.
As one of seven Scottish managers currently managing in the English Premier League and Football League (David Moyes West Ham United, Paul Lambert Stoke City, Alex Neil Preston North End, Graham Alexander Scunthorpe United, Darren Ferguson Doncaster Rovers and Steve Evans Mansfield Town), it is not beyond the realms of possibility that Adams could be on the radar of the SFA for future reference.
His career CV currently includes leading Ross County to the 2010 Scottish Cup final, winning the Scottish PFA manager of the year award in the 2011-12 season, guiding Argyle to promotion from League Two and taking Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool to a replay in the third round of the FA Cup in the 2016-17 campaign.
The present incumbent of the Scotland manager's job is someone is very familiar to Adams in the form of Alex McLeish, who he would have watched as a young boy at Aberdeen where his father, George, worked as a youth coach at Pittodrie under Sir Alex Ferguson (Adams senior was also Ferguson's first ever signing for East Stirlingshire).
Adams will no doubt be taking a keen interest in McLeish's second spell in charge of Scotland, and he could well turn to be one of successors in the future - and re-establishing the Pilgrims in the Championship could well turn out to be part of the journey in achieving that feat.
Sunday 18 February 2018
FIVE THINGS WE LEARNED FROM TORQUAY UNITED VERSUS DAGENHAM & REDBRIDGE
1. Desperately missing Romain.
On loan striker Elliott Romain was missing from the Gulls' line-up against his parent club Dagenham & Redbridge and it showed. United had been trying to tie-up a permanent deal for Romain, who is on loan at Plainmoor from the Daggers for the remainder of the season and he would have been set to follow several of his teammate out of the Victoria Ground - a list that includes Sam Ling, Morgan Ferrier, Scott Doe and Corey Whitely.
Romain's work rate and hold up play was badly missed by a Gulls' side who never really got going, but whether he would have made a difference had he played no one will ever be sure, nevertheless the saying ' you don't realise what you had until it's gone' sprang to mind for many yesterday.
Hopefully he will be back in the side, and adding to his two goals in four games so far this season on Tuesday night against Sutton United.
2. The fans played their part.
With a crowd of 1,931, of which 82 were of a Dagenham & Redbridge persuasion, the Plainmoor faithful once again showed incredible loyalty to the side in light of their recent troubles.
This also compares favourably with the crowds of United's other relegation rivals, FC Halifax vs Ebbsfleet 1,762, Chester FC vs Eastleigh 1,604, Guiseley vs Maidenhead United 777 and Solihull Moors vs Dover Athletic 679. Gary Owers' side will need the fans to be the Gulls' 12th man between now and the end of the campaign if they are to pull off a third 'Great Escape.'
3. Young players go through peaks and troughs.
In recent weeks, young loanees George Dowling and Aaron Barnes, who are on loan from Bristol City and Charlton Athletic respectively, have been on the score sheet for the Gulls. Dowling scored his second of the season in United's 3-1 win against Barrow at Plainmoor a fortnight ago and Barnes scored his first goal in senior football with a 35-yard strike in a 2-1 victory over Maidenhead United last week.
Against the Daggers Dowling produced a sub-dued display, possibly to avoid receiving a second yellow card to go with the first one that he received in the eighth minute, and Barnes was substituted on 56 minutes for Connor Lemonheigh-Evans.
The United faithful will need to be patient with this pair, and United's other young loanees, and hopefully they will be continuing their footballing education in the Football League next season with a Great Escape with the Gulls on their CVs.
4. Jakob Sololik brings United up to 40.
Czech defender Jakob Sololik, formerly with Liverpool, Southend United, Yeovil Town and Plymouth Argyle, became the 40th player to be used by the Gulls during the 2017-18 season.
Sololik has signed a deal until the end of the season and slotted in United's back three in place of the injured Josh Gowling.
With Gowling set to miss out on Tuesday night against with the ankle injury that he sustained against Maidenhead United, the former Czech Republic youth international will get a further chance to stake a claim for a regular spot in the Gulls' back three.
5. Old boy returns to haunt the Gulls.
Over the years, several former players have returned to Plainmoor to haunt the Gulls, ranging from Aaron Downes in the 2015-16 season to Giancarlo Gallifuoco and Josh Rees in more recent times.
However, on Saturday, former Gulls' winger Dan Sparkes added his name to that list, as he produced a virtuoso display which saw him provide the assist for the Daggers' second goal from a free-kick that was headed home by skipper Craig Robson. A number of Sparkes' former teammates have left the Victoria Ground in recent weeks, whether he joins the list himself remains to be seen.
On loan striker Elliott Romain was missing from the Gulls' line-up against his parent club Dagenham & Redbridge and it showed. United had been trying to tie-up a permanent deal for Romain, who is on loan at Plainmoor from the Daggers for the remainder of the season and he would have been set to follow several of his teammate out of the Victoria Ground - a list that includes Sam Ling, Morgan Ferrier, Scott Doe and Corey Whitely.
Romain's work rate and hold up play was badly missed by a Gulls' side who never really got going, but whether he would have made a difference had he played no one will ever be sure, nevertheless the saying ' you don't realise what you had until it's gone' sprang to mind for many yesterday.
Hopefully he will be back in the side, and adding to his two goals in four games so far this season on Tuesday night against Sutton United.
2. The fans played their part.
With a crowd of 1,931, of which 82 were of a Dagenham & Redbridge persuasion, the Plainmoor faithful once again showed incredible loyalty to the side in light of their recent troubles.
This also compares favourably with the crowds of United's other relegation rivals, FC Halifax vs Ebbsfleet 1,762, Chester FC vs Eastleigh 1,604, Guiseley vs Maidenhead United 777 and Solihull Moors vs Dover Athletic 679. Gary Owers' side will need the fans to be the Gulls' 12th man between now and the end of the campaign if they are to pull off a third 'Great Escape.'
3. Young players go through peaks and troughs.
In recent weeks, young loanees George Dowling and Aaron Barnes, who are on loan from Bristol City and Charlton Athletic respectively, have been on the score sheet for the Gulls. Dowling scored his second of the season in United's 3-1 win against Barrow at Plainmoor a fortnight ago and Barnes scored his first goal in senior football with a 35-yard strike in a 2-1 victory over Maidenhead United last week.
Against the Daggers Dowling produced a sub-dued display, possibly to avoid receiving a second yellow card to go with the first one that he received in the eighth minute, and Barnes was substituted on 56 minutes for Connor Lemonheigh-Evans.
The United faithful will need to be patient with this pair, and United's other young loanees, and hopefully they will be continuing their footballing education in the Football League next season with a Great Escape with the Gulls on their CVs.
4. Jakob Sololik brings United up to 40.
Czech defender Jakob Sololik, formerly with Liverpool, Southend United, Yeovil Town and Plymouth Argyle, became the 40th player to be used by the Gulls during the 2017-18 season.
Sololik has signed a deal until the end of the season and slotted in United's back three in place of the injured Josh Gowling.
With Gowling set to miss out on Tuesday night against with the ankle injury that he sustained against Maidenhead United, the former Czech Republic youth international will get a further chance to stake a claim for a regular spot in the Gulls' back three.
5. Old boy returns to haunt the Gulls.
Over the years, several former players have returned to Plainmoor to haunt the Gulls, ranging from Aaron Downes in the 2015-16 season to Giancarlo Gallifuoco and Josh Rees in more recent times.
However, on Saturday, former Gulls' winger Dan Sparkes added his name to that list, as he produced a virtuoso display which saw him provide the assist for the Daggers' second goal from a free-kick that was headed home by skipper Craig Robson. A number of Sparkes' former teammates have left the Victoria Ground in recent weeks, whether he joins the list himself remains to be seen.
Thursday 15 February 2018
RYAN CALLS TIME ON CAREER
Very often in football there is seldom a right time for a player to say goodbye - and that was sadly the case for former Yeovil Town loanee Ryan Mason when he announced his retirement from the game this week at the age of 26.
Mason hadn't made a senior appearance since January 2017, after sustaining a fractured skull following a collision with Chelsea and England defender Gary Cahill when playing for Hull City against the Blues at Stamford Bridge.
The former Tottenham Hotspur starlet, who won a solitary cap for England against Italy in 2015, had worked tirelessly to get himself fit and ready to play again. However on the evidence of a recent CT scan, as well as guidance provided by a number of world renown neurologists, he decided to call time on his career in the interests of his own health and wellbeing.
It was in the summer of 2009 that Mason arrived at Huish Park on loan from White Hart Lane, along with fellow Spurs' youngster Steven Caulker - who would also grace the top-flight and receive one cap for England.
The pair were amongst several debutants who appeared for the Glovers on the opening day of the 2009-10 season at home to Tranmere Rovers, including former Ipswich hopeful Dean Bowditch - who opened the scoring for Yeovil in their 2-0 victory - and Southampton keeper Alex McCarthy, who had joined the Glovers on loan from Reading.
Over the course of the campaign, Mason made 29 appearances for Yeovil in all competitions and scored six goals - which included a free-kick in his second match against Colchester United, a 25-yard strike against versus Exeter City and a brace against Carlisle United.
Further loan spells with Doncaster Rovers, Millwall, Lorient in France and Swindon Town would follow over the next few years, as he continued his footballing education before making his Premier League debut for Spurs against Arsenal on September 27th, 2014.
During the 2014-15 season, Mason became a regular in Mauricio Pocchettino's side and received his first England call-up by Roy Hodgson in March 2015 for a World Cup qualifier against Lithuania and a friendly against Italy. He would made his one and only appearance for the Three Lions against the Italians on March 31st, 2015 and provided the assist for Andros Townsend - another former Yeovil loanee - in a 1-1 draw.
After falling out of favour at White Hart Lane in the 2015-16 campaign, Mason moved to Hull City for a club record £13million in August 2016. Unfortunately he would only make 20 appearances for the Tigers, as their league clash with Chelsea on January 22nd, 2017 - when he suffered his injury following a clash of heads with Cahill - would prove to be his last in professional football.
Despite being 100% convinced that he would be able to make a return, Mason decided against doing so based on the risks involved.
He said: "I feel happy with the things that I have done. I have lived my dreams and I have achieved absolutely everything that I wanted to.
"I am excited about the future, I feel like I have still got a lot to give."
For Mason, a new and exciting chapter in his life is about to begin.
Mason hadn't made a senior appearance since January 2017, after sustaining a fractured skull following a collision with Chelsea and England defender Gary Cahill when playing for Hull City against the Blues at Stamford Bridge.
The former Tottenham Hotspur starlet, who won a solitary cap for England against Italy in 2015, had worked tirelessly to get himself fit and ready to play again. However on the evidence of a recent CT scan, as well as guidance provided by a number of world renown neurologists, he decided to call time on his career in the interests of his own health and wellbeing.
It was in the summer of 2009 that Mason arrived at Huish Park on loan from White Hart Lane, along with fellow Spurs' youngster Steven Caulker - who would also grace the top-flight and receive one cap for England.
The pair were amongst several debutants who appeared for the Glovers on the opening day of the 2009-10 season at home to Tranmere Rovers, including former Ipswich hopeful Dean Bowditch - who opened the scoring for Yeovil in their 2-0 victory - and Southampton keeper Alex McCarthy, who had joined the Glovers on loan from Reading.
Over the course of the campaign, Mason made 29 appearances for Yeovil in all competitions and scored six goals - which included a free-kick in his second match against Colchester United, a 25-yard strike against versus Exeter City and a brace against Carlisle United.
Further loan spells with Doncaster Rovers, Millwall, Lorient in France and Swindon Town would follow over the next few years, as he continued his footballing education before making his Premier League debut for Spurs against Arsenal on September 27th, 2014.
During the 2014-15 season, Mason became a regular in Mauricio Pocchettino's side and received his first England call-up by Roy Hodgson in March 2015 for a World Cup qualifier against Lithuania and a friendly against Italy. He would made his one and only appearance for the Three Lions against the Italians on March 31st, 2015 and provided the assist for Andros Townsend - another former Yeovil loanee - in a 1-1 draw.
After falling out of favour at White Hart Lane in the 2015-16 campaign, Mason moved to Hull City for a club record £13million in August 2016. Unfortunately he would only make 20 appearances for the Tigers, as their league clash with Chelsea on January 22nd, 2017 - when he suffered his injury following a clash of heads with Cahill - would prove to be his last in professional football.
Despite being 100% convinced that he would be able to make a return, Mason decided against doing so based on the risks involved.
He said: "I feel happy with the things that I have done. I have lived my dreams and I have achieved absolutely everything that I wanted to.
"I am excited about the future, I feel like I have still got a lot to give."
For Mason, a new and exciting chapter in his life is about to begin.
Monday 12 February 2018
GULLS' REVIVAL GATHERS MOMENTUM
Good things have come in threes for Torquay United manager Gary Owers this season as the Gulls extended their unbeaten run to a third match with victory away at Maidenhead United.
Aaron Barnes, on loan from Charlton Athletic, opened the scoring on 35 minutes with a stunning strike from 30-yards - his first goal in senior club football.
Maidenhead equalised in the 69th minute through a 25-yard effort from Ryan Upward, but Elliott Romain scored a late winner with three minutes to go - his second in four appearances since joining on loan from Dagenham & Redbridge - to claim a second successive win for the Gulls.
This latest victory follows their draw with leaders Macclesfield Town and last week's victory over fellow strugglers Barrow. The result also moves United up to 22nd in the National League table and within five points of safety.
Next up for Owers' men is a home meeting with Dagenham & Redbridge - in-form striker Romaine's parent club - who are currently experiencing financial problems of their own. Sam Ling, son of former Torquay boss Martin, has joined Leyton Orient - where Ling senior is Director of Football - and Morgan Ferrier has rejoined Boreham Wood, so it will be interesting what kind of side that the Daggers' experienced manager John Still will be able to field.
Aaron Barnes, on loan from Charlton Athletic, opened the scoring on 35 minutes with a stunning strike from 30-yards - his first goal in senior club football.
Maidenhead equalised in the 69th minute through a 25-yard effort from Ryan Upward, but Elliott Romain scored a late winner with three minutes to go - his second in four appearances since joining on loan from Dagenham & Redbridge - to claim a second successive win for the Gulls.
This latest victory follows their draw with leaders Macclesfield Town and last week's victory over fellow strugglers Barrow. The result also moves United up to 22nd in the National League table and within five points of safety.
Next up for Owers' men is a home meeting with Dagenham & Redbridge - in-form striker Romaine's parent club - who are currently experiencing financial problems of their own. Sam Ling, son of former Torquay boss Martin, has joined Leyton Orient - where Ling senior is Director of Football - and Morgan Ferrier has rejoined Boreham Wood, so it will be interesting what kind of side that the Daggers' experienced manager John Still will be able to field.
Monday 5 February 2018
ARGYLE END ROVERS RUN
The last time that Blackburn Rovers travelled to Home Park to face Plymouth Argyle was on the final day of the 1991-92 season for an occasion that saw the two sides heading in opposite directions.
Blackburn won 3-1 on the day to secure a place in the play-offs of the 'old' Second Division - the Championship in new money - whilst the Pilgrims were condemned to relegation - bringing down the curtain on their six-year stay in the division.
Three years later, Rovers pipped Manchester United in the Premier League title and the Pilgrims were relegated to the Football League's basement league for the first time ever.
However, at the weekend, both teams were very much travelling in an upward trajectory as Blackburn were looking to extend an 18-match unbeaten run and Argyle had only lost once in their previous ten league encounters.
On this occasion it was the Pilgrims who continued their own excellent run, as they won 2-0 with first half goals from Reuben Lamieras and Ryan Taylor to move up to 11th in the table.
Derek Adams' side are now seven points off the play-offs, and have claimed the joint-highest number of points - 24 - in League One since December 2017 with Rotherham United.
After a difficult start, the Pilgrims have now made themselves at home in League One and with a promising transfer window in January, which saw Jake Jervis join Luton Town for £125,000, a top ten finish is firmly within their sights.
Adams moved to clinch the signature of Wales international Simon Church, and he has also brought in Moses Makasi and Zak Vyner on loan from West Ham United and Bristol City whilst Gregg Wylde and Nathan Blissett have been loaned to Morecambe and Macclesfield Town respectively.
Blackburn won 3-1 on the day to secure a place in the play-offs of the 'old' Second Division - the Championship in new money - whilst the Pilgrims were condemned to relegation - bringing down the curtain on their six-year stay in the division.
Three years later, Rovers pipped Manchester United in the Premier League title and the Pilgrims were relegated to the Football League's basement league for the first time ever.
However, at the weekend, both teams were very much travelling in an upward trajectory as Blackburn were looking to extend an 18-match unbeaten run and Argyle had only lost once in their previous ten league encounters.
On this occasion it was the Pilgrims who continued their own excellent run, as they won 2-0 with first half goals from Reuben Lamieras and Ryan Taylor to move up to 11th in the table.
Derek Adams' side are now seven points off the play-offs, and have claimed the joint-highest number of points - 24 - in League One since December 2017 with Rotherham United.
After a difficult start, the Pilgrims have now made themselves at home in League One and with a promising transfer window in January, which saw Jake Jervis join Luton Town for £125,000, a top ten finish is firmly within their sights.
Adams moved to clinch the signature of Wales international Simon Church, and he has also brought in Moses Makasi and Zak Vyner on loan from West Ham United and Bristol City whilst Gregg Wylde and Nathan Blissett have been loaned to Morecambe and Macclesfield Town respectively.
Sunday 4 February 2018
FIVE THINGS WE LEARNED FROM TORQUAY UNITED VS BARROW
1. Goals scored by midfielders and defenders could be as important as goals scored by strikers.
Of Torquay United's three goal scorers yesterday Sean McGinty scored his third of the season, George Dowling his second and Luke Young netted his fifth of the campaign to draw level with Jamie Reid as the club's top scorer with five. Perhaps the fact that five goals is the highest tally is perhaps symptomatic of the Gulls' struggles this season.
However, if they can chip in with a few more and if the recently returned Brett Williams and Elliot Romain can also score the goals that they threatened to at times yesterday, then the Gulls' fortunes could change dramatically.
2. Josh Gowling's leadership qualities could be vital to any long term revival in the Gulls' fortunes.
Your correspondent couldn't help noticing that before kick off, Josh Gowling gathered the players into a pre-match huddle whilst skipper Sean McGinty was doing the pre-match coin toss with referee Carl Brook and his Barrow counterpart Asa Hall.
Gowling had a reputation as a 'go-to man' during his time at Grimsby Town under Paul Hurst - as a player who could sort problems out before the manager had to deal with them - and if he can continue to perform this role under Gulls' manager Gary Owers then United will be all the better for it. It also brought back memories your correspondent has of Don O'Riordan doing a similar thing during the Gulls' great escape of 1993 under Neil Warnock.
3. The 3-5-2 formation works best for the Gulls.
Since reverting to 3-5-2 for last week's 1-1 draw with leaders Macclesfield Town, the system has continued to pay dividends for the Gulls with yesterday's victory over Barrow.
The formation of choice for Gary Owers has seen Conrad Balatoni, Josh Gowling and Sean McGinty play as a back three, who have clicked as a unit. Then in midfielder you have a midfield trio of Luke Young, George Dowling and Aaron Barnes, with Young as the playmaker, Dowling as the box-to-box player and Barnes as the holding player, who were also highly effective yesterday. Add to that the wing-back partnership of Michee Efete and Liam Davis and the strike duo of Brett Williams and Elliot Romain, United have good understandings all over the pitch.
4. Michee Efete's versatility is a great asset.
Since he was brought to Plainmoor on loan by then caretaker manager Robbie Herrera from Norwcih City, Michee Efete has played as a right-back, centre-back and - more recently - as a right wing-back. With his pace and athleticism, as well as good composure on the ball, he played all three roles successfully and he played a key role in setting up Luke Young for United's third goal yesterday. He surely must be one of the favourites for both the club's Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year awards, and will most probably be loaned out to a club in either League One or Two by the Canaries next season.
5. Winning games against the teams around them will be crucial for the Gulls.
Following yesterday's win, the Gulls now have 24 points and are seven points behind Barrow, who occupy the final place above the Vanarama National League relegation zone with 31.
In their remaining fixtures, United have to play fellow strugglers Guiseley and FC Halifax Town at home and have to travel to Leyton Orient, Chester FC, Solihull Moors and Hartlepool United.
Their results in the aforementioned fixtures will be crucial in aiding their survival prospects and those teams in question will also have games to play against each other. Another factor to take into consideration is Hartlepool's current financial worries. If the Pools were to go into Administration, the associated ten-point deduction would put them level on points with the Gulls, as they currently have 34.
Of Torquay United's three goal scorers yesterday Sean McGinty scored his third of the season, George Dowling his second and Luke Young netted his fifth of the campaign to draw level with Jamie Reid as the club's top scorer with five. Perhaps the fact that five goals is the highest tally is perhaps symptomatic of the Gulls' struggles this season.
However, if they can chip in with a few more and if the recently returned Brett Williams and Elliot Romain can also score the goals that they threatened to at times yesterday, then the Gulls' fortunes could change dramatically.
2. Josh Gowling's leadership qualities could be vital to any long term revival in the Gulls' fortunes.
Your correspondent couldn't help noticing that before kick off, Josh Gowling gathered the players into a pre-match huddle whilst skipper Sean McGinty was doing the pre-match coin toss with referee Carl Brook and his Barrow counterpart Asa Hall.
Gowling had a reputation as a 'go-to man' during his time at Grimsby Town under Paul Hurst - as a player who could sort problems out before the manager had to deal with them - and if he can continue to perform this role under Gulls' manager Gary Owers then United will be all the better for it. It also brought back memories your correspondent has of Don O'Riordan doing a similar thing during the Gulls' great escape of 1993 under Neil Warnock.
3. The 3-5-2 formation works best for the Gulls.
Since reverting to 3-5-2 for last week's 1-1 draw with leaders Macclesfield Town, the system has continued to pay dividends for the Gulls with yesterday's victory over Barrow.
The formation of choice for Gary Owers has seen Conrad Balatoni, Josh Gowling and Sean McGinty play as a back three, who have clicked as a unit. Then in midfielder you have a midfield trio of Luke Young, George Dowling and Aaron Barnes, with Young as the playmaker, Dowling as the box-to-box player and Barnes as the holding player, who were also highly effective yesterday. Add to that the wing-back partnership of Michee Efete and Liam Davis and the strike duo of Brett Williams and Elliot Romain, United have good understandings all over the pitch.
4. Michee Efete's versatility is a great asset.
Since he was brought to Plainmoor on loan by then caretaker manager Robbie Herrera from Norwcih City, Michee Efete has played as a right-back, centre-back and - more recently - as a right wing-back. With his pace and athleticism, as well as good composure on the ball, he played all three roles successfully and he played a key role in setting up Luke Young for United's third goal yesterday. He surely must be one of the favourites for both the club's Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year awards, and will most probably be loaned out to a club in either League One or Two by the Canaries next season.
5. Winning games against the teams around them will be crucial for the Gulls.
Following yesterday's win, the Gulls now have 24 points and are seven points behind Barrow, who occupy the final place above the Vanarama National League relegation zone with 31.
In their remaining fixtures, United have to play fellow strugglers Guiseley and FC Halifax Town at home and have to travel to Leyton Orient, Chester FC, Solihull Moors and Hartlepool United.
Their results in the aforementioned fixtures will be crucial in aiding their survival prospects and those teams in question will also have games to play against each other. Another factor to take into consideration is Hartlepool's current financial worries. If the Pools were to go into Administration, the associated ten-point deduction would put them level on points with the Gulls, as they currently have 34.
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