1. Hampton and Richmond were another 'Guiseley' in the Gulls' midst.
Torquay United's final home league defeat of the 2017-18 campaign came against part-time Guiseley and their first home league loss of the 2018-19 came against another part-time outfit in the form of Hampton and Richmond. Overcoming determined part-time opposition like Guiseley, who United failed to beat in six attempts - a sequence which included five defeats, has been an achilles heel for the Gulls in the past three years prior to their relegation to National League South. Both Hampton & Richmond's goals were as a result of set pieces as they dug in to come away from Plainmoor with all three points. It's a problem that United need to solve, in addition to dealing dealing with the extra burden of being the biggest club in the league.
2. United need goals badly.
As mentioned in a previous article on this site, former Gulls manager Dave Smith to win promotion in the lower leagues you need to score goals, and United have now gone 397 minutes since they last scored a goal - when Ruairi Keating headed home Liam Davis' cross against East Thurrock in the 53rd minute. Indeed it was Keating who came closest to scoring for United against Hampton & Richmond in the 58th minute, after coming off the bench at half-time, with a shot that hit the post and bounced clear.
So far this season this season, United manager Gary Owers hasn't managed to find a strike partnership that works so far this season from a combination that includes Keating, Jamie Reid and Brett Williams - who were all retained from last season - and new summer signing Andre Wright.
On Saturday against Hampton and Richmond, Owers opted for a 4-3-3 formation, with Williams playing as the central of the three frontmen with Reid and Jason Banton either side of him.
If there's anything that we can learn from that is that Williams isn't suited to playing as a loan striker - a role that requires a particular set of skills.
What Owers wouldn't give for two strikers who could deliver the returns of Elliot Romain and Rhys Healey, who found the back of the net four and seven times respectively whilst on loan at Plainmoor last season. Nevertheless, the Gulls' goal scoring statistics need to change, and change quickly, if United are going to challenge at the right end of the table where many believe a team of their stature as a former Football League club should be challenging.
3. Relying on the defence isn't enough.
Following on from the previous point about goal scoring, Saturday's defeat to Hampton and Richmond was the first time that United have conceded more than one goal in a game this season.
As they are currently finding goals hard to come by - conceding them at the other end leaves them facing an uphill task.
Their clean sheet against Gloucester City on Easter Monday was their fifth in seven league matches for the Gulls, but they cannot be expected to be relied upon to keep one every week.
4. Captaincy switch.
After deciding to drop current skipper Brett Williams to the bench for Easter Monday's clash against Gloucester City, Gary Owers handed the captain's armband to midfielder Asa Hall.
With Williams currently struggling for form - the question remains whether Hall might end up keeping the role permanently to help to allow Williams to focus on re-discovering his goal scoring touch. However, if Hall does retain the armband for next Saturday's visit of Hemel Hempstead it won't be the first time he has captained a side at Plainmoor, as he skippered his previous club Barrow for their visit to Plainmoor in the National League last February.
5. The growing unpopularity of Gary Owers.
Following their defeat to Hampton and Richmond, the Gulls side left the field to a chorus and chants of 'Owers Out'. This was then followed on Easter Monday against Gloucester City with an incident involving the use of flares on the pitch from the United fans who made the journey to Evesham and another unsavoury incident towards the end of the match which saw a fan throw a cup of hot coffee over Owers.
Sandwiched in between these two events was a poll run by Devon Live on whether Owers should be sacked, which prompted a response of 95% saying yes.
The actions of thIf the Gulls current poor form continues then not only will Owers come under increasing pressure, but General Manager Geoff Harrop and Chairman Clarke Osborne will also be facing the same pressure from the fans.
Monday 27 August 2018
Wednesday 22 August 2018
TISDALE VERSUS TAYLOR
It will be the case of the 'old' meeting the 'new' when Exeter City travel to Milton Keynes Dons on Saturday - an encounter that will see Grecians manager Matt Taylor face his predecessor Paul Tisdale.
As well as Tisdale, City will also be coming up against a number of other faces that are highly familiar with the Grecians faithful - including Jordan Moore-Taylor, Ryan Harley, Robbie Simpson and former loanee Lawson D'ath.
Off the field, City will also be crossing swords with former assistant manager Matt Oakley and goalkeeping coach Mel Gwinnett and Steve Perryman - who recently joined the Dons as a non-executive director.
These connections serve to add spice to a meeting between two sides that are currently unbeaten in League Two this season - the Grecians are currently top of the league whilst the Dons lie in fifth.
It also has the potential to illustrate the influence that Tisdale had over the Grecians following his 12 years in charge at St James Park - which is currently being continued thus far by Taylor - and the kind of impact he could have at Stadium:mk.
If ever there was a club that needed a change of image then it's the Dons; formed out of the demise of the 'old' Wimbledon in 2003 - the club have enjoyed a difficult existence since and are known in some circles as 'Franchise FC'.
This is reflected by the magazine When Saturday Comes, who include the Dons in their pre-season preview in which they quiz fans of each of the 92 clubs in the Premier League and the Football League alongside the caption ' no questions asked'.
During Tisdale's 12-year reign at St James Park, the Grecians gained a reputation of playing a passing game that was easy on the eye and for developing young players who they sold on for large transfer fees such as Matt Grimes, Ollie Watkins and Ethan Ampadu.
At Stadium:mk the potential exists for Tisdale to re-apply these principles to the Dons; during their short existence they have unearthed current Spurs and England midfielder Dele Alli and the possibility of producing other such talents - on a more frequent basis - remains strong.
If Tisdale succeeds then it could become harder for the wider footballing public to ignore the Dons and as Taylor's brief reign at St James Park has shown so far he can leave a strong legacy.
As well as Tisdale, City will also be coming up against a number of other faces that are highly familiar with the Grecians faithful - including Jordan Moore-Taylor, Ryan Harley, Robbie Simpson and former loanee Lawson D'ath.
Off the field, City will also be crossing swords with former assistant manager Matt Oakley and goalkeeping coach Mel Gwinnett and Steve Perryman - who recently joined the Dons as a non-executive director.
These connections serve to add spice to a meeting between two sides that are currently unbeaten in League Two this season - the Grecians are currently top of the league whilst the Dons lie in fifth.
It also has the potential to illustrate the influence that Tisdale had over the Grecians following his 12 years in charge at St James Park - which is currently being continued thus far by Taylor - and the kind of impact he could have at Stadium:mk.
If ever there was a club that needed a change of image then it's the Dons; formed out of the demise of the 'old' Wimbledon in 2003 - the club have enjoyed a difficult existence since and are known in some circles as 'Franchise FC'.
This is reflected by the magazine When Saturday Comes, who include the Dons in their pre-season preview in which they quiz fans of each of the 92 clubs in the Premier League and the Football League alongside the caption ' no questions asked'.
During Tisdale's 12-year reign at St James Park, the Grecians gained a reputation of playing a passing game that was easy on the eye and for developing young players who they sold on for large transfer fees such as Matt Grimes, Ollie Watkins and Ethan Ampadu.
At Stadium:mk the potential exists for Tisdale to re-apply these principles to the Dons; during their short existence they have unearthed current Spurs and England midfielder Dele Alli and the possibility of producing other such talents - on a more frequent basis - remains strong.
If Tisdale succeeds then it could become harder for the wider footballing public to ignore the Dons and as Taylor's brief reign at St James Park has shown so far he can leave a strong legacy.
Friday 17 August 2018
CAREER BEST FIGURES REQUIRED
When asked about what he believed to be the most essential ingredient for a promotion winning side, former Torquay United manager Dave Smith replied: "score goals, lots of them."
Smith achieved three promotions during his managerial career, a figure which includes leading Plymouth Argyle to promotion to what is now the Championship in the 1985-86 season, and he also laid the foundations for the Gulls' side that triumphed in the 'old' Division Four play-offs in 1991.
One hallmark of that side, which was also true of Leroy Rosenior's automatic promotion winning side of 2003-04, was that it possessed a strike partnership that yields between 30 and 40 goals in Tommy Tynan (19) and Dean Edwards (19) - David Graham netted 23 in the 2003-04 campaign, whilst Jo Kuffour scored 11.
However, Kevin Hodges' 1998 play-off final side came within a whisker of emulating their achievements - they were denied automatic promotion of the final day of the 1997-98 season with a defeat against Leyton Orient before losing to Colchester United in the play-off final - by doing things slightly differently.
Although Rodney Jack finished the campaign as United's top scorer with 16 goals, the responsibility for finding the back of the net was spread evenly throughout the team.
Right wing-back Andy Gurney found the back of the net nine times, left wing-back Paul Gibbs and Kevin Hill - in his debut season after joining from Torrington - scored seven and Jon Gittens and loan signing Jason Roberts found the back of the net six times.
For messrs Jack, Gurney, Gibbs, Hill and Gittens, their respective tallies that season was their highest goal scoring returns for a season to date. In fact every member of the United squad found the back of the net that season apart from central defender Jamie Robinson.
Fast forward to the present day Torquay United, and if Brett Williams, Ruairi Keating, Jamie Reid and Andre Wright can't score 30-40 between them then it would be helpful if a few others could chip in with their career best figures to date to aid their promotion cause.
Smith achieved three promotions during his managerial career, a figure which includes leading Plymouth Argyle to promotion to what is now the Championship in the 1985-86 season, and he also laid the foundations for the Gulls' side that triumphed in the 'old' Division Four play-offs in 1991.
One hallmark of that side, which was also true of Leroy Rosenior's automatic promotion winning side of 2003-04, was that it possessed a strike partnership that yields between 30 and 40 goals in Tommy Tynan (19) and Dean Edwards (19) - David Graham netted 23 in the 2003-04 campaign, whilst Jo Kuffour scored 11.
However, Kevin Hodges' 1998 play-off final side came within a whisker of emulating their achievements - they were denied automatic promotion of the final day of the 1997-98 season with a defeat against Leyton Orient before losing to Colchester United in the play-off final - by doing things slightly differently.
Although Rodney Jack finished the campaign as United's top scorer with 16 goals, the responsibility for finding the back of the net was spread evenly throughout the team.
Right wing-back Andy Gurney found the back of the net nine times, left wing-back Paul Gibbs and Kevin Hill - in his debut season after joining from Torrington - scored seven and Jon Gittens and loan signing Jason Roberts found the back of the net six times.
For messrs Jack, Gurney, Gibbs, Hill and Gittens, their respective tallies that season was their highest goal scoring returns for a season to date. In fact every member of the United squad found the back of the net that season apart from central defender Jamie Robinson.
Fast forward to the present day Torquay United, and if Brett Williams, Ruairi Keating, Jamie Reid and Andre Wright can't score 30-40 between them then it would be helpful if a few others could chip in with their career best figures to date to aid their promotion cause.
CAPITAL VENTURES AWAIT ARGYLE AND GRECIANS FOLLOWING CARABAO CUP SUCCESS
As a reward for overcoming Championship opposition in the first round of the Carabao Cup, Plymouth Argyle and Exeter City have been handed away ties that will see them travel to London.
The Pilgrims avenged their 5-0 first round exit at the hands of Bristol City last season by recording a single goal victory as Yann Songo'o headed home a Graham Carey cross on 27 minutes to score the game's decisive goal. They will now travel to Millwall in the second round.
New Exeter City manager Matt Taylor's first League Cup tie in charge of the Grecians ended with success as City defeated Ipswich Town on penalties after drawing 1-1 in normal time. Kaden Jackson had given the Tractor Boys the lead in the 37th minute, but the Grecians hit back on 64 minutes through Troy Brown, who netted against his former club, to ensure that the match would be decided by spot-kicks.
Teddy Bishop's opening penalty for Ipswich was saved by City keeper Christy Pym. whilst Grecians skipper Jake Taylor missed his spot-kick. Pierce Sweeney, Tristan Abrahams and Archie Collins then all converted for City and Luke Chamber and Jackson scored theirs for the Tractor Boys before Trevol Chalobah missed for the visitors.
It was then left to Lee Martin to find the back of the net with the decisive penalty, against his fromer club, which earned the Grecians a trip to face Premier League new boys Fulham.
Unfortunately they won't be joined in the next stage by Yeovil Town who succumbed to Aston Villa despite being giving the former European Cup winners a scare. Dialling Jaiyesimi had a first half goal disallowed for a foul in the build and former Torquay United striker Alex Fisher had a penalty in the second half before ex Plymouth Argyle midfielder Conor Hourihane struck in the 77th minute.
The Pilgrims avenged their 5-0 first round exit at the hands of Bristol City last season by recording a single goal victory as Yann Songo'o headed home a Graham Carey cross on 27 minutes to score the game's decisive goal. They will now travel to Millwall in the second round.
New Exeter City manager Matt Taylor's first League Cup tie in charge of the Grecians ended with success as City defeated Ipswich Town on penalties after drawing 1-1 in normal time. Kaden Jackson had given the Tractor Boys the lead in the 37th minute, but the Grecians hit back on 64 minutes through Troy Brown, who netted against his former club, to ensure that the match would be decided by spot-kicks.
Teddy Bishop's opening penalty for Ipswich was saved by City keeper Christy Pym. whilst Grecians skipper Jake Taylor missed his spot-kick. Pierce Sweeney, Tristan Abrahams and Archie Collins then all converted for City and Luke Chamber and Jackson scored theirs for the Tractor Boys before Trevol Chalobah missed for the visitors.
It was then left to Lee Martin to find the back of the net with the decisive penalty, against his fromer club, which earned the Grecians a trip to face Premier League new boys Fulham.
Unfortunately they won't be joined in the next stage by Yeovil Town who succumbed to Aston Villa despite being giving the former European Cup winners a scare. Dialling Jaiyesimi had a first half goal disallowed for a foul in the build and former Torquay United striker Alex Fisher had a penalty in the second half before ex Plymouth Argyle midfielder Conor Hourihane struck in the 77th minute.
Monday 13 August 2018
ARGYLE'S EVENTFUL START CONTINUES FOLLOWING ADAMS' DISMISSAL
It has been an eventful start of the 2018-19 campaign for Plymouth Argyle after manager Derek Adams was dismissed for a touchline altercation with his opposite number Chris Powell in the Pilgrims' League One clash with Southend United.
The pair became the first Football League managers to be sent off under the new rules that allow referees to issue yellow and red cards to coaches and managers.
Adams claimed he was "grabbed by the throat" by Powell, who said the Argyle boss was rude to one of his players.
The incident followed a foul by Argyle striker Ryan Taylor on Southend full-back Jason Demetriou.
"Demetriou went down holding his face after going up for the ball with Ryan Taylor," said Adams.
"He decided to stay down extremely long. Simon Cox then decided to move across and say something to the fourth official - I then told Simon Cox to shut up and then Chris Powell decided to get himself involved and grabbed me by the throat."
Powell did not disagree with Adams' version of events, but was unhappy with what the Argyle boss said to his player.
"If he wants to own up and say to anyone what he said then fair play to him, but I know what he said and so does he, so I reacted off that," said Powell.
"It's wrong of me, of course, but you know what I'll do, I'll always back my players and my team.
"I was upset with my own behaviour and at half-time I apologised to my players but I said 'I'll always back you'."
Up until that point the match had been a 'tale of two penalties' rather than a 'tale of two red cards' , as the Pilgrims took the lead from the spot through Graham Carey in the 20th minute after the Shrimpers' Stephen McLaughlin fouled Argyle's Tafari Moore.
Southend equalised with a penalty of their own on 38 minutes, a minute before the red cards were issued, which was scored by Demetriou after Taylor brought down Timothee Dieng.
Saturday's events come a week after their opening day 2-1 defeat to Walsall, which saw Ryan Edwards find the target for the Pilgrims in his return to the side following treatment for testicular cancer.
The pair became the first Football League managers to be sent off under the new rules that allow referees to issue yellow and red cards to coaches and managers.
Adams claimed he was "grabbed by the throat" by Powell, who said the Argyle boss was rude to one of his players.
The incident followed a foul by Argyle striker Ryan Taylor on Southend full-back Jason Demetriou.
"Demetriou went down holding his face after going up for the ball with Ryan Taylor," said Adams.
"He decided to stay down extremely long. Simon Cox then decided to move across and say something to the fourth official - I then told Simon Cox to shut up and then Chris Powell decided to get himself involved and grabbed me by the throat."
Powell did not disagree with Adams' version of events, but was unhappy with what the Argyle boss said to his player.
"If he wants to own up and say to anyone what he said then fair play to him, but I know what he said and so does he, so I reacted off that," said Powell.
"It's wrong of me, of course, but you know what I'll do, I'll always back my players and my team.
"I was upset with my own behaviour and at half-time I apologised to my players but I said 'I'll always back you'."
Up until that point the match had been a 'tale of two penalties' rather than a 'tale of two red cards' , as the Pilgrims took the lead from the spot through Graham Carey in the 20th minute after the Shrimpers' Stephen McLaughlin fouled Argyle's Tafari Moore.
Southend equalised with a penalty of their own on 38 minutes, a minute before the red cards were issued, which was scored by Demetriou after Taylor brought down Timothee Dieng.
Saturday's events come a week after their opening day 2-1 defeat to Walsall, which saw Ryan Edwards find the target for the Pilgrims in his return to the side following treatment for testicular cancer.
Sunday 12 August 2018
FIVE THINGS WE LEARNED FROM TORQUAY UNITED VERSUS EAST THURROCK
1. Is Ruairi Keating the answer to the Gulls' goal scoring conundrum?
One of the leading topics of conversation following United's 1-0 midweek victory over Bath City was 'where were the goals were going to come from' for the Gulls as the season progresses?
However, in the words of former manager Martin Ling 'the answer is in the building', as Ruairi Keating - one of five players still at Plainmoor who started the 2017-18 season still on United's books - struck twice with a goal in each half. Keating capitalised on a misunderstanding in the East Thurrock backline to slot into an empty net two minutes before half-time and completed his brace on 53 minutes when he headed home a cross from Liam Davis and more than justified the faith shown in him by United manager Gary Owers.
2. A hat trick of clean sheets.
Whilst Keating may have completed a brace, the Gulls backline of goalkeeper Shaun MacDonald and centre back trio of Jakob Sokolik, Jean Yves Koue Niate and Kyle Cameron sealed a hat trick as they completed a third game without conceding a goal. MacDonald once again made a number of useful saves to deny East Thurrock's Alfie Egan in the first half and to keep Danilo Orsi-Dadomo and substitute Ashley Miller at bay in the second half. Another player who deserves a mention is midfielder Asa Hall, who filled in for Sokolik when the Czech was substituted through injury in the 70th minute.
3. With back-to-back wins, Plainmoor is becoming a fortress again.
Prior to the start of the current season, the Gulls had won just 21 of their 69 league home games in the previous three National League campaigns - which works at around 30%. However, with back to back home wins under their belts, United have a 100% record in front of their own fans in their 2018-19 National League South campaign thus far.
4. Parallels with the Gulls' first season in the Conference under Paul Buckle.
After a goalless draw on the opening day of the campaign with Chelmsford City, the Gulls have followed up that results with wins over Bath City and East Thurrock - a sequence that bears a resemblance to their opening three games in their first season in the Conference under Paul Buckle.
In the opening three games of the 2007-08 season, the Gulls drew their opening game 0-0 with Grays Athletic before recording wins against Aldershot Town and Northwich Victoria to complete a return of seven points from a possible nine - which is equal to their current points total.
5. Strength in depth.
As well as having to make a decision on whether to recall keeper Alex Bass in place of Shaun MacDonald when the Portsmouth loanee returns from injury, Gulls manager Gary Owers will also have a number of other decisions to make. In defence, George Essuman will also be pushing for a recall when he returns from injury and striker Andre Wright is still yet to feature. When all three players are available for selection, it will give United a greater strength in depth.
One of the leading topics of conversation following United's 1-0 midweek victory over Bath City was 'where were the goals were going to come from' for the Gulls as the season progresses?
However, in the words of former manager Martin Ling 'the answer is in the building', as Ruairi Keating - one of five players still at Plainmoor who started the 2017-18 season still on United's books - struck twice with a goal in each half. Keating capitalised on a misunderstanding in the East Thurrock backline to slot into an empty net two minutes before half-time and completed his brace on 53 minutes when he headed home a cross from Liam Davis and more than justified the faith shown in him by United manager Gary Owers.
2. A hat trick of clean sheets.
Whilst Keating may have completed a brace, the Gulls backline of goalkeeper Shaun MacDonald and centre back trio of Jakob Sokolik, Jean Yves Koue Niate and Kyle Cameron sealed a hat trick as they completed a third game without conceding a goal. MacDonald once again made a number of useful saves to deny East Thurrock's Alfie Egan in the first half and to keep Danilo Orsi-Dadomo and substitute Ashley Miller at bay in the second half. Another player who deserves a mention is midfielder Asa Hall, who filled in for Sokolik when the Czech was substituted through injury in the 70th minute.
3. With back-to-back wins, Plainmoor is becoming a fortress again.
Prior to the start of the current season, the Gulls had won just 21 of their 69 league home games in the previous three National League campaigns - which works at around 30%. However, with back to back home wins under their belts, United have a 100% record in front of their own fans in their 2018-19 National League South campaign thus far.
4. Parallels with the Gulls' first season in the Conference under Paul Buckle.
After a goalless draw on the opening day of the campaign with Chelmsford City, the Gulls have followed up that results with wins over Bath City and East Thurrock - a sequence that bears a resemblance to their opening three games in their first season in the Conference under Paul Buckle.
In the opening three games of the 2007-08 season, the Gulls drew their opening game 0-0 with Grays Athletic before recording wins against Aldershot Town and Northwich Victoria to complete a return of seven points from a possible nine - which is equal to their current points total.
5. Strength in depth.
As well as having to make a decision on whether to recall keeper Alex Bass in place of Shaun MacDonald when the Portsmouth loanee returns from injury, Gulls manager Gary Owers will also have a number of other decisions to make. In defence, George Essuman will also be pushing for a recall when he returns from injury and striker Andre Wright is still yet to feature. When all three players are available for selection, it will give United a greater strength in depth.
Wednesday 8 August 2018
FIVE THINGS WE LEARNED FROM TORQUAY UNITED VERSUS BATH CITY
1. Results are more important than performances at this stage.
The stats for Torquay United's fledgling Vanarama National League South campaign currently read: played 2, won 1, drawn 1, lost 0, scored one, conceded none. However, the Gulls ride their luck against on Tuesday night against a Bath City that produced a fine, passing display and who hit the bar early in the second half through midfielder Andy Watkins.
Nevertheless, in previous seasons the Gulls' display haven't always been as finely tuned as they could be. In their early encounters of the 2011-12 season under Martin Ling, the Gulls drew 2-2 on the opening day of the campaign - in a game that saw Bobby Olejnik made a number of important saves to ensure that United came away with a point. A fortnight later, the big Austrian was instrumental in ensuring that the Gulls also lost 3-1 to Crawley Town. Ling would eventually guide the Gulls to the play-offs, and Gary Owers will need to oversee a similar level of improve in the United side of 2018-19.
2. Ryan Dickson is the Gulls' new set piece king.
Following Luke Young's summer departure to Wrexham, another former Plymouth Argyle midfield schemer has taken over the mantle of taking United's set pieces. Dickson, a close season arrival from Yeovil Town, took nearly all of the Gulls' free-kicks and corners last night against Bath and was voted as the man of the match by the match sponsors. Much of United's good play went through him and hopefully that will continue to be the case for the remainder of the campaign.
3. Shaun MacDonald's form is providing Owers with a selection headache.
Gary Owers will be facing a selection headache when Alex Bass, currently on loan from Portsmouth, returns to full fitness after Shaun MacDonald's display against Bath City, and also against Chelmsford City. MacDonald was voted in the National League South team of the week for his display in the county town of Essex and he followed it up with another fine display against Bath where he made a number of important saves and clearances. Owers now faces a choice similar to the one facing Leroy Rosenior during the 2003-04 promotion winning season, when he was faced with the choice of playing either Kevin Dearden or Arjan Van Heusden between the sticks.
4. Liam Davis picked the perfect time to score his first goal for the club.
The only thing missing from Liam Davis' first season with the Gulls was a goal, but he picked the perfect time to open his account for the club. Skipper Brett Williams teed up substitute Ruairi Keating for a cross which was blocked. The Bath defence then failed to clear the danger as the ball fell to Davis who fired a low drive into the bottom corner in the 80th minute to score his first goal for nearly five years. This ultimately proved to be the difference in what was a closely fought contest with the Romans to earn Gary Owers a victory against his former club. There appears to be an abundance of talented left-backs in the National League South so far this season, as Bath left-back Anthony Straker was a key player for the Romans and Billericay left-back Callum Kennedy was amongst their stand-out performers in the opening day win over Truro City.
5. Support for the Gulls remains strong.
Despite United's relegation to National League South last season, support for the Gulls remains strong, which was evidenced last night with the match attendance of 2,151 - a figure that was the sixth highest across the Vanarama National League, North and South divisions. Only Wrexham vs AFC Fylde (5,777), Chesterfield vs Aldershot (4,930), Leyton Orient vs Ebbsfleet United (4,710), Hartlepool United vs Harrogate Town (3,623) and York City versus Stockport County in National League North (3,218) attracted higher attendances and, with the Gulls currently unbeaten, a similar crowd could follow on Saturday against East Thurrock United.
The stats for Torquay United's fledgling Vanarama National League South campaign currently read: played 2, won 1, drawn 1, lost 0, scored one, conceded none. However, the Gulls ride their luck against on Tuesday night against a Bath City that produced a fine, passing display and who hit the bar early in the second half through midfielder Andy Watkins.
Nevertheless, in previous seasons the Gulls' display haven't always been as finely tuned as they could be. In their early encounters of the 2011-12 season under Martin Ling, the Gulls drew 2-2 on the opening day of the campaign - in a game that saw Bobby Olejnik made a number of important saves to ensure that United came away with a point. A fortnight later, the big Austrian was instrumental in ensuring that the Gulls also lost 3-1 to Crawley Town. Ling would eventually guide the Gulls to the play-offs, and Gary Owers will need to oversee a similar level of improve in the United side of 2018-19.
2. Ryan Dickson is the Gulls' new set piece king.
Following Luke Young's summer departure to Wrexham, another former Plymouth Argyle midfield schemer has taken over the mantle of taking United's set pieces. Dickson, a close season arrival from Yeovil Town, took nearly all of the Gulls' free-kicks and corners last night against Bath and was voted as the man of the match by the match sponsors. Much of United's good play went through him and hopefully that will continue to be the case for the remainder of the campaign.
3. Shaun MacDonald's form is providing Owers with a selection headache.
Gary Owers will be facing a selection headache when Alex Bass, currently on loan from Portsmouth, returns to full fitness after Shaun MacDonald's display against Bath City, and also against Chelmsford City. MacDonald was voted in the National League South team of the week for his display in the county town of Essex and he followed it up with another fine display against Bath where he made a number of important saves and clearances. Owers now faces a choice similar to the one facing Leroy Rosenior during the 2003-04 promotion winning season, when he was faced with the choice of playing either Kevin Dearden or Arjan Van Heusden between the sticks.
4. Liam Davis picked the perfect time to score his first goal for the club.
The only thing missing from Liam Davis' first season with the Gulls was a goal, but he picked the perfect time to open his account for the club. Skipper Brett Williams teed up substitute Ruairi Keating for a cross which was blocked. The Bath defence then failed to clear the danger as the ball fell to Davis who fired a low drive into the bottom corner in the 80th minute to score his first goal for nearly five years. This ultimately proved to be the difference in what was a closely fought contest with the Romans to earn Gary Owers a victory against his former club. There appears to be an abundance of talented left-backs in the National League South so far this season, as Bath left-back Anthony Straker was a key player for the Romans and Billericay left-back Callum Kennedy was amongst their stand-out performers in the opening day win over Truro City.
5. Support for the Gulls remains strong.
Despite United's relegation to National League South last season, support for the Gulls remains strong, which was evidenced last night with the match attendance of 2,151 - a figure that was the sixth highest across the Vanarama National League, North and South divisions. Only Wrexham vs AFC Fylde (5,777), Chesterfield vs Aldershot (4,930), Leyton Orient vs Ebbsfleet United (4,710), Hartlepool United vs Harrogate Town (3,623) and York City versus Stockport County in National League North (3,218) attracted higher attendances and, with the Gulls currently unbeaten, a similar crowd could follow on Saturday against East Thurrock United.
Friday 3 August 2018
ADAMS AIMING TO GUIDE ARGYLE TO PLAY-OFFS AND POSSIBLY BEYOND
The 2017-18 season proved to be a tale of two campaigns for Plymouth Argyle.
An immediate return to League Two seemed like a realistic possibility in the first half of the season - the Pilgrims were rooted to the bottom of the division in December - before they made a late charge for the play-offs that saw Derek Adams' team fall narrowly short with a seventh place finish.
Towards the end of the campaign Argyle found themselves down the bare bones of their squad with Adams only being able to choose from his matchday 16, but the Pilgrims' boss has looked to address this problem ahead of the new campaign.
In goal, Harry Burgoyne was drafted in on a season long loan deal from Wolverhampton Wanderers to challenge resident goalkeeper Kyle Letheren and rookie keeper Michael Cooper. However when Burgoyne's first team prospects were dealt a blow by a broken ankle in training, Adams acted quickly to bring Matt Macey on loan from Arsenal; Macey follows in the footsteps of Alan Miller and current Argyle goalkeeper coach Rhys Wilmot in making the journey from the Gunners to the Pilgrims on loan.
Argyle's defence had undergone a reconstruction over the summer following the departures of Oscar Threlkeld and Sonny Bradley. Joe Riley, who joins from Shrewsbury Town, looks set to fill the void left by Threlkeld at right-back whilst Yann Songo'o, Peter Grant, Scott Wootton and Niall Canavan will battle it out for the centre back positions with Ryan Edwards, who returns to the Pilgrims' fold after recovering from Testicular Cancer. At left-back, new club skipper Gary Sawyer will be competing with Ashley Smith-Brown, a summer recruit from Manchester City.
Of all the Pilgrim's playing departments, the midfielder is arguably the strongest with former Everton starlet Conor Grant will be competing with vice-captain David Fox and Jamie Ness.
Conor Grant with no doubt be looking the career trajectories of fellow Toffees' youth graduates John Lundstram and Ryan Ledson, who have both earned moves to the Championship after dropping down to League One after leaving Goodison Park. With a player with the experience of Fox, a player with the ability to find the right pass at the right time, to learn from, Conor Grant has an excellent role model to learn from both in training and on the pitch, as he looks to continue his footballing education.
And then there's Graham Carey, who is now embarking on his fourth season with the Pilgrims and he will also be looking to equal or better his goal scoring tally of 16 from the 2017-18 campaign. It looks set to be an important season for both the Irishman, who is currently 29, and Argyle.
After looking as though he could be on his way out of Home Park in the first half of the campaign, Ruben Lameiras proved to be a revelation for the Pilgrims in the second half of the season and offers Adams' side another creative option.
Up front, the return to fitness of Ryan Taylor looks set to be crucial and if he can stay fit, and new summer signings Callum Dyson and Freddie Ladapo can step up to the mark should he be absent, then a play-off spot will once again be within Argyle's grasp.
In: Scott Wootton (Manchester United), Joe Riley (Shrewsbury Town), Conor Grant & Calum Dyson (Everton), Freddie Ladapo (Southend United), Niall Canavan (Rochdale), Tafari Moore (FC Utrecht), Peter Grant (Falkirk), Ashley Smith-Brown (Manchester City), Harry Burgoyne (Wolves - loan)
Out: Nathan Blissett (Macclesfield Town), Sonny Bradley (Luton Town), Oscar Threlkeld (Waasland-Beveren), Gary Miller (Carlisle United), Aaron Taylor-Sinclair (Motherwell), Luke McCormick (Swindon Town), Robbert Te Loeke, Callum Rose, Simon Church (retired)
An immediate return to League Two seemed like a realistic possibility in the first half of the season - the Pilgrims were rooted to the bottom of the division in December - before they made a late charge for the play-offs that saw Derek Adams' team fall narrowly short with a seventh place finish.
Towards the end of the campaign Argyle found themselves down the bare bones of their squad with Adams only being able to choose from his matchday 16, but the Pilgrims' boss has looked to address this problem ahead of the new campaign.
In goal, Harry Burgoyne was drafted in on a season long loan deal from Wolverhampton Wanderers to challenge resident goalkeeper Kyle Letheren and rookie keeper Michael Cooper. However when Burgoyne's first team prospects were dealt a blow by a broken ankle in training, Adams acted quickly to bring Matt Macey on loan from Arsenal; Macey follows in the footsteps of Alan Miller and current Argyle goalkeeper coach Rhys Wilmot in making the journey from the Gunners to the Pilgrims on loan.
Argyle's defence had undergone a reconstruction over the summer following the departures of Oscar Threlkeld and Sonny Bradley. Joe Riley, who joins from Shrewsbury Town, looks set to fill the void left by Threlkeld at right-back whilst Yann Songo'o, Peter Grant, Scott Wootton and Niall Canavan will battle it out for the centre back positions with Ryan Edwards, who returns to the Pilgrims' fold after recovering from Testicular Cancer. At left-back, new club skipper Gary Sawyer will be competing with Ashley Smith-Brown, a summer recruit from Manchester City.
Of all the Pilgrim's playing departments, the midfielder is arguably the strongest with former Everton starlet Conor Grant will be competing with vice-captain David Fox and Jamie Ness.
Conor Grant with no doubt be looking the career trajectories of fellow Toffees' youth graduates John Lundstram and Ryan Ledson, who have both earned moves to the Championship after dropping down to League One after leaving Goodison Park. With a player with the experience of Fox, a player with the ability to find the right pass at the right time, to learn from, Conor Grant has an excellent role model to learn from both in training and on the pitch, as he looks to continue his footballing education.
And then there's Graham Carey, who is now embarking on his fourth season with the Pilgrims and he will also be looking to equal or better his goal scoring tally of 16 from the 2017-18 campaign. It looks set to be an important season for both the Irishman, who is currently 29, and Argyle.
After looking as though he could be on his way out of Home Park in the first half of the campaign, Ruben Lameiras proved to be a revelation for the Pilgrims in the second half of the season and offers Adams' side another creative option.
Up front, the return to fitness of Ryan Taylor looks set to be crucial and if he can stay fit, and new summer signings Callum Dyson and Freddie Ladapo can step up to the mark should he be absent, then a play-off spot will once again be within Argyle's grasp.
In: Scott Wootton (Manchester United), Joe Riley (Shrewsbury Town), Conor Grant & Calum Dyson (Everton), Freddie Ladapo (Southend United), Niall Canavan (Rochdale), Tafari Moore (FC Utrecht), Peter Grant (Falkirk), Ashley Smith-Brown (Manchester City), Harry Burgoyne (Wolves - loan)
Out: Nathan Blissett (Macclesfield Town), Sonny Bradley (Luton Town), Oscar Threlkeld (Waasland-Beveren), Gary Miller (Carlisle United), Aaron Taylor-Sinclair (Motherwell), Luke McCormick (Swindon Town), Robbert Te Loeke, Callum Rose, Simon Church (retired)
Wednesday 1 August 2018
GLOVERS LOOKING TO ACHIEVE BY UNITY UNDER WAY
With their 8-2 opening day defeat at the hands of Luton Town no doubt still fresh in his memory bank, Yeovil Town manager Darren Way will be looking to avoid a repeat result when the Glovers line-up against Bury on Saturday.
However, Yeovil will be heading to East Lancashire without young Welsh central defender Tom James, whom the Glovers have accepted a bid, believed to be in the region of £400,000, from West Bromwich Albion.
Which means that a centre back pairing of new summer signing Gary Warren alongside Bevis Mugabi appears to be on the cards for Way. Nevertheless, former Yeovil defender Craig Alcock is currently available on a free transfer as Way looks to fill the void left by James' departure.
Another area that Way will be looking to strengthen in the centre of midfield, especially whilst he awaits the return from long term injuries of Jake Gray and James Bailey.
Although their memories of their opening day defeat against Luton are something that many of the Huish Park faithful would like to erase, their 6-2 away win over League Two play-off winners Coventry City will surely live long in the memory bank of all who attended of Green and White persuasion.
Yeovil's leading light on that glorious of Easter Monday bank holiday afternoons at the Ricoh Arena was striker Alex Fisher, signed from Motherwell and made his debut as a substitute in the Glovers' fourth round FA Cup tie against Manchester United, who netted a brace.
If Fisher can find themselves amongst the goals next season, Yeovil could yet achieve their first top half league finish since they won promotion to the Championship in the 2012-13 campaign. He also has the potential to compensate for the departure of Otis Khan to Mansfield Town.
In: Nathan Baker (Chelsea - loan), Dialling Jaiyesmi (Norwich City - loan), Carl Dickinson (Notts County), Gary Warren (Inverness Caledonian Thistle), Sessi D'A'meida (Blackpool), Korrey Henry (West Ham United), Reece Cole (Brentford - loan)
Out: Otis Khan (Mansfield Town), Ryan Dickson (Torquay United), Connor Smith (Boreham Wood), Jonny Maddison (Darlington 1883), Oscar Gobern (Eastleigh), Nathan Smith, Artur Krysiak
However, Yeovil will be heading to East Lancashire without young Welsh central defender Tom James, whom the Glovers have accepted a bid, believed to be in the region of £400,000, from West Bromwich Albion.
Which means that a centre back pairing of new summer signing Gary Warren alongside Bevis Mugabi appears to be on the cards for Way. Nevertheless, former Yeovil defender Craig Alcock is currently available on a free transfer as Way looks to fill the void left by James' departure.
Another area that Way will be looking to strengthen in the centre of midfield, especially whilst he awaits the return from long term injuries of Jake Gray and James Bailey.
Although their memories of their opening day defeat against Luton are something that many of the Huish Park faithful would like to erase, their 6-2 away win over League Two play-off winners Coventry City will surely live long in the memory bank of all who attended of Green and White persuasion.
Yeovil's leading light on that glorious of Easter Monday bank holiday afternoons at the Ricoh Arena was striker Alex Fisher, signed from Motherwell and made his debut as a substitute in the Glovers' fourth round FA Cup tie against Manchester United, who netted a brace.
If Fisher can find themselves amongst the goals next season, Yeovil could yet achieve their first top half league finish since they won promotion to the Championship in the 2012-13 campaign. He also has the potential to compensate for the departure of Otis Khan to Mansfield Town.
In: Nathan Baker (Chelsea - loan), Dialling Jaiyesmi (Norwich City - loan), Carl Dickinson (Notts County), Gary Warren (Inverness Caledonian Thistle), Sessi D'A'meida (Blackpool), Korrey Henry (West Ham United), Reece Cole (Brentford - loan)
Out: Otis Khan (Mansfield Town), Ryan Dickson (Torquay United), Connor Smith (Boreham Wood), Jonny Maddison (Darlington 1883), Oscar Gobern (Eastleigh), Nathan Smith, Artur Krysiak
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