Thursday, 3 January 2019

FOR THE RECORD

After beating the club record for successive wins against Truro City on New Year's Day, Torquay United now have the record for the number of unbeaten matches in the club's history.

The Gulls recorded their ninth win in succession against the White Tigers and they also extended their unbeaten run in the Vanarama National League South to 15 matches. Should they avoid defeat against Slough Town on Saturday - then they would have extended their run to a club record 16th game, beating a record which has stood since the 1990-91 season.

Certain parallels can be found with the Gulls' side that set the original record and the current side. The 1990-91 United vintage were managed by Dave Smith who, like current United manager Gary Johnson, was a serial promotion winner - having won four promotions as a manager before his arrival at Plainmoor (Johnson has won five and is seeking a sixth with the Gulls).

It was also a Gulls' side that had promotion in their sights; in 1990-91 United topped the 'old fourth Division at the end of October 1990 with a side spearheaded by a prolific strike duo of Tommy Tynan and Dean Edwards, scorers of 38 goals in all competitions over the course of that campaign, who were as every bit as important to Smith's side as Jamie Reid and Saikou Janneh, who found the back of the net 30 between them the season - are to Johnson's class of 2019.

Whilst records are all very well and good, promotion from the Vanarama National League South at the first attempt remains the ultimate prize. With fellow title chasers not in league action as they are due to face Premier League side Watford in the FA Cup third round, United know another win will help to pile the pressure on the Cards once they return to league action.

Another three points will put the Gulls five points and will leave Woking with three games in hand, as a title race that looks set to be every bit as intriguing as the Premier League battle between Liverpool and Manchester City, although many Tottenham Hotspur fans will probably tell you the North London giants could yet have a say.