Sunday 31 March 2019

FIVE THINGS WE LEARNED FROM TORQUAY UNITED VERSUS WEALDSTONE

1. Mind the gap.

At the start of what could be a crucial seven days for Torquay United, the Gulls got off to the best possible start with a win over Wealdstone - which opens up a four-point gap between themselves and fellow title chasers Woking. This sets United up nicely for their forthcoming against play-off chasing Chelmsford City on Tuesday night and their eagerly anticipating 'six-pointer' against Woking.

2. Jamie Reid edges closer to the 30-goal mark.

Had Jamie Reid converted his 73rd minute penalty, which was saved by Wealdstone keeper Jonathan North, he would have become the first Torquay United to find the back of the net 30 times in one season since Robin Stubbs in the 1964-65 campaign. His 37th minute effort was his 29th of the season, but he will now have wait a little longer to hit the 30-goal mark.

3. Keating the creator.

After starting the game on the left wing, Ruairi Keating made an important contribution to the Gulls' cause - providing the assists for United's first and second goals by Kalvin Kalala and Jamie Reid.
For the first goal, after skipper Asa Hall played the ball to him, Keating picked out Kalala with a cross that the Frenchman volleyed home. With United's second, Keating played a ball over the top which Reid ran onto and broke clear of the Wealdstone defence before slotting home.
He has now undoubtedly proved that he can create goals as well as score them.


4. Is Ben Wynter the best right-back in National League South?

Early on in the season, many of the Plainmoor faithful were unsure about right-back Ben Wynter following a number of indifferent displays under previous manager Gary Owers. However, since the arrival of Gary Johnson as manager, Wynter's playing fortunes have been transformed and he's now equally comfortable defensively as he is going forward - like many modern day full-backs.
If anyone can think of a better right-back than him in National League South, please send their answers on a postcard? - you can also phone, text or tweet as well!

5. Kalvin Kalala is approaching double figures.

One of only a handful of new faces brought to Plainmoor by Gary Johnson, after starting the season under Johnson at Cheltenham Town, Kalvin Kalala netted his eighth goal of the season with the Gulls' opener against Wealdstone. He now needs two more goals to join Jamie Reid (29), Saikou Janneh (17) and Jake Andrews (10) in hitting double figures for the season - a unprecedented feat in United's recent history.

Extra time - Olaf Koszela, in signing his first professional contract before the game becomes the first Torquay United who was born after their final relegation decider against Barnet in the 2000-01 season to sign as a pro with the club.