1. Liam Davis' goal - his third for the club.
Think Torquay United under Gary Johnson and you think goals - goals from either Jamie Reid or one of the many attacking midfielders currently in United's squad. However, on this occasion, the decisive goal came from a different, if not unlikely, source namely left-back Liam Davis.
After being teed up by Jake Andrews in the 56th minute, Davis found the back of the net with a shot from an acute angle to score only his third goal for the club - which ultimately sealed the three points for Johnson's men. Interestingly his two previous goal scoring efforts for the Gulls - against Bath City at home in National League South and away to Ebbsfleet United earlier this month - both came in midweek fixtures.
2. Shaun MacDonald's save.
Three minutes prior to Davis' goal, MacDonald made a crucial one-handed save to deny Wrexham's Paul Rutherford. His save was not only instrumental in keeping the scores level at that point, it also helped to give United a springboard to go on and win the game through Davis. MacDonald was recalled for the match in place of Brazilian Lucas Covolan and the competition between the pair for the goalkeeper's jersey this season looks set to continue to be an intriguing one.
3. The pitch is holding up well.
If South Devon experienced the kind of weather that it is currently experiencing 12 months ago last night's clash with Wrexham and Saturday's meeting with Barrow would probably have been called off. However, thanks to the efforts of groundsman Julian Gouldthorpe - not to mention the assistance provided by managing director George Edwards (Edwards arrived at Plainmoor at 6am on the morning of the Barrow fixture to help ensure that the game went ahead) - both games were able to go ahead without the need for a pitch inspection to be held on either occasion.
4. Saikou Janneh is in the building.
After weeks of speculation, the Plainmoor faithful finally got to see Saikou Janneh in action following his return on loan from Bristol City. Janneh, 19, found the back of the net 18 times last season as United clinched the National League South title and he had chances to find the target on occasions after replacing Kalvin Kalala in the 63rd minute. Janneh has already scored for the Gulls against National League opposition as he netted for United in their FA Trophy first round defeat against Boreham Wood last season, and he has every chance of adding to that tally during his second loan spell at Plainmoor.
5. Gulls starting to look like real contenders.
With five wins in six league encounters, United moved up to sixth place in the table with a result that further strengthens their promotion credentials. If they can get another win away to FC Halifax Town on Saturday, that will surely put the proverbial cat amongst the pigeons as far as the promotion race goes and will give more and more observers reason to sit up and take notice.
Wednesday 30 October 2019
Monday 28 October 2019
YOUNGY'S RETURN
For the first time since his move to Wrexham in the summer of 2018, Luke Young is set to return to Plainmoor to face Torquay United with the Dragons - we will out look back at Young's career to date.
Amongst the hopes and aspirations of the thousands upon thousands of wannabe professional footballers in this country is to be able to make their professional debut for their home town club.
For a then 17-year old Luke Young that dream became a reality on January 29th, 2011 when he was sent on by the then Plymouth Argyle manager Peter Reid in a 2-1 defeat at the hands of AFC Bournemouth as a late substitute in place of Northern Ireland international Rory Patterson. Reid, a former midfielder of some distinction with Bolton Wanderers, Everton, Queens Park Rangers and Manchester City and winner of 13 England caps, delivered a positive assessment of Young's late cameo against the Cherries.
"Rory took a knock, but the boy Young has got good feet. He's a bit slight, but he's a good little footballer," said Reid. "I knew Rory was struggling, so I just wanted to have a look at him."
For Young, his professional debut was something that he had been working towards for a long time. He had first joined the Pilgrims' the Centre of Excellence at the age of nine. The game was certainly in his blood as his father Mark was a former apprentice with Torquay United who later turned out for Plymouth Parkway and Torpoint Athletic in the Jewson South Western League.
Young's early days at Home Park coincided with a period of turbulence for Argyle. Following his full debut away to Brighton and Hove Albion, the Pilgrims entered Administration and the resulting ten-point deduction ensured their relegation from League One to League Two.
Despite the uncertainty that would surround the club until James Brent's takeover of the club was ratified in October 2011, Young would be finish the 2010-11 season with five appearances to his name and later signed his first professional contract in the summer of 2011.
In the 2011-12 season, the club's on-field struggles continued as Reid was replaced as manager by Carl Fletcher, initially on a caretaker basis, after the Pilgrims only managed to secure one point from their opening ten league games of the campaign. However, Young played his part in helping the Pilgrims avoid relegation from the Football League as he scored his first goal for the club on New Year's Day 2012 against Torquay United and he also featured for the Pilgrims in their penultimate home game of the campaign against Oxford United where they finally retained their League Two status with a 1-1 draw.
The following close season saw Young sign a new two-year deal with the Pilgrims.
Another managerial change followed in the 2012-13 season as Fletcher was replaced by John Sheridan, and it was under Sheridan's reign that Young's tenure with Argyle would come to an end as it was released perhaps surprisingly at the end of the 2013-14 campaign.
His next move would see him join Torquay United as manager Chris Hargreaves' marquee signing as they made a bid to return to the Football League at the first attempt after being relegated from the Football League for a second time.
Young soon became a big hit at Plainmoor as he proved to be a talismanic figure as the Gulls won six games in a row in August-September 2014, which raised the expectation levels of an immediate return to League Two at the first attempt. This was followed by what arguably proved to be his finest hour in a Gulls' shirt as he scored a stunning 40-yard volley in a 2-1 win against Wrexham on October 4th, 2014. Had it been scored at a more scrutinised level of the game then it would have been a nailed on certainty to win FIFA's Ferenc Puskas award for the best goal scored all year.
Such was his popularity with the United faithful that he won what would prove to be the first of his three player of the year awards whilst with the club in the 2014-15 season.
Once again there was another managerial change for Young in the summer of 2015 as Paul Cox replaced Hargreaves as manager following a takeover by a fan-headed consortium led by Dave Phillips. A knee ligament injury in the 2015-16 pre-season would mean that he wouldn't appear for Cox in a competitive game as Cox resigned after ten games in charge and by the time he returned to full fitness, the Gulls were battling against relegation to National League South under Kevin Nicholson.
Thankfully Young did manage to return to play a part in helping United retain their National League status in their first 'Great Escape', and he would also play a big part in their second 'Great Escape' of the 2016-17 campaign - and won his second player of the year award.
Sadly there was to be no third 'Houdini act' in the 2017-18 season for the Gulls and Young - this time under Gary Owers who replaced Nicholson, who was sacked four games into the campaign, as United were relegated to the National League South. Young was one of the mainstays in the Gulls' side that season and along with central defender Sean McGinty they were the only two players to appear in every game of the 2017-18 campaign.
United's relegation also saw his time at Plainmoor come to an end as he signed for his present side Wrexham in the summer of 2018. In his first season with the Dragons, they reached the National League play-offs where they were beaten by Eastleigh at the Quarter-final stage.
Footnote: When Luke Young appeared for Plymouth Argyle on April 21st, 2012 - a game which the Pilgrims drew 1-1 to retain their Football League status - he lined-up alongside Durrell Berry, who would also find his way to Plainmoor after leaving Home Park, and against future Gulls Asa Hall and Liam Davis, a future team-mate at Plainmoor.
Amongst the hopes and aspirations of the thousands upon thousands of wannabe professional footballers in this country is to be able to make their professional debut for their home town club.
For a then 17-year old Luke Young that dream became a reality on January 29th, 2011 when he was sent on by the then Plymouth Argyle manager Peter Reid in a 2-1 defeat at the hands of AFC Bournemouth as a late substitute in place of Northern Ireland international Rory Patterson. Reid, a former midfielder of some distinction with Bolton Wanderers, Everton, Queens Park Rangers and Manchester City and winner of 13 England caps, delivered a positive assessment of Young's late cameo against the Cherries.
"Rory took a knock, but the boy Young has got good feet. He's a bit slight, but he's a good little footballer," said Reid. "I knew Rory was struggling, so I just wanted to have a look at him."
For Young, his professional debut was something that he had been working towards for a long time. He had first joined the Pilgrims' the Centre of Excellence at the age of nine. The game was certainly in his blood as his father Mark was a former apprentice with Torquay United who later turned out for Plymouth Parkway and Torpoint Athletic in the Jewson South Western League.
Young's early days at Home Park coincided with a period of turbulence for Argyle. Following his full debut away to Brighton and Hove Albion, the Pilgrims entered Administration and the resulting ten-point deduction ensured their relegation from League One to League Two.
Despite the uncertainty that would surround the club until James Brent's takeover of the club was ratified in October 2011, Young would be finish the 2010-11 season with five appearances to his name and later signed his first professional contract in the summer of 2011.
In the 2011-12 season, the club's on-field struggles continued as Reid was replaced as manager by Carl Fletcher, initially on a caretaker basis, after the Pilgrims only managed to secure one point from their opening ten league games of the campaign. However, Young played his part in helping the Pilgrims avoid relegation from the Football League as he scored his first goal for the club on New Year's Day 2012 against Torquay United and he also featured for the Pilgrims in their penultimate home game of the campaign against Oxford United where they finally retained their League Two status with a 1-1 draw.
The following close season saw Young sign a new two-year deal with the Pilgrims.
Another managerial change followed in the 2012-13 season as Fletcher was replaced by John Sheridan, and it was under Sheridan's reign that Young's tenure with Argyle would come to an end as it was released perhaps surprisingly at the end of the 2013-14 campaign.
His next move would see him join Torquay United as manager Chris Hargreaves' marquee signing as they made a bid to return to the Football League at the first attempt after being relegated from the Football League for a second time.
Young soon became a big hit at Plainmoor as he proved to be a talismanic figure as the Gulls won six games in a row in August-September 2014, which raised the expectation levels of an immediate return to League Two at the first attempt. This was followed by what arguably proved to be his finest hour in a Gulls' shirt as he scored a stunning 40-yard volley in a 2-1 win against Wrexham on October 4th, 2014. Had it been scored at a more scrutinised level of the game then it would have been a nailed on certainty to win FIFA's Ferenc Puskas award for the best goal scored all year.
Such was his popularity with the United faithful that he won what would prove to be the first of his three player of the year awards whilst with the club in the 2014-15 season.
Once again there was another managerial change for Young in the summer of 2015 as Paul Cox replaced Hargreaves as manager following a takeover by a fan-headed consortium led by Dave Phillips. A knee ligament injury in the 2015-16 pre-season would mean that he wouldn't appear for Cox in a competitive game as Cox resigned after ten games in charge and by the time he returned to full fitness, the Gulls were battling against relegation to National League South under Kevin Nicholson.
Thankfully Young did manage to return to play a part in helping United retain their National League status in their first 'Great Escape', and he would also play a big part in their second 'Great Escape' of the 2016-17 campaign - and won his second player of the year award.
Sadly there was to be no third 'Houdini act' in the 2017-18 season for the Gulls and Young - this time under Gary Owers who replaced Nicholson, who was sacked four games into the campaign, as United were relegated to the National League South. Young was one of the mainstays in the Gulls' side that season and along with central defender Sean McGinty they were the only two players to appear in every game of the 2017-18 campaign.
United's relegation also saw his time at Plainmoor come to an end as he signed for his present side Wrexham in the summer of 2018. In his first season with the Dragons, they reached the National League play-offs where they were beaten by Eastleigh at the Quarter-final stage.
Footnote: When Luke Young appeared for Plymouth Argyle on April 21st, 2012 - a game which the Pilgrims drew 1-1 to retain their Football League status - he lined-up alongside Durrell Berry, who would also find his way to Plainmoor after leaving Home Park, and against future Gulls Asa Hall and Liam Davis, a future team-mate at Plainmoor.
Sunday 27 October 2019
FIVE THINGS WE LEARNED FROM TORQUAY UNITED VERSUS BARROW
1. Jamie Reid returns to the top of the National League goal scoring charts.
Jamie Reid's brace for United against Barrow yesterday saw him return to the top of the National League goal scoring charts - at the expense of Scott Quigley, who failed to find the target for the Bluebirds. Reid's double moves him up to 12 league goals for the campaign - 13 in all competitions if you include his FA Cup goal against Boreham Wood - which places him above Quigley, who has 11.
2. Armani Little fashions impressive goal scoring feat.
After being a stand-out performer in pre-season injury had so far prevented Armani Little from hitting the same heights in the regular campaign. However, on his return from injury Little appeared to have found his perfect role in the side playing in the 'number 10' role behind Jamie Reid, which further emphasised by his display against Barrow which saw him bag a brace. Such was the quality of his performance, there was an understandable sense of disappointment when he was forced to leave the field towards the end with a hamstring injury.
3. Matt Buse and Frank Vincent continue to impress in the centre of midfield.
At the start of the season, Matt Buse - a pre-season arrival from Taunton Town - wasn't even making the Gulls' subs bench and Frank Vincent - who re-joined United on a season-long loan from AFC Bournemouth - was filling in at left-back whilst Liam Davis recovered from abdominal surgery.
Now the duo now have several games under their belts as the Gulls central midfield pairing - established in the absence of skipper Asa Hall and Connor Lemonheigh-Evans through injury.
Buse has become something of an unsung hero for the Gulls, having netted against AFC Fylde and Ebbsfleet United, whilst Vincent is still waiting to get off the mark, although he did have one chalked off against Ebbsfleet that had appeared to have crossed the line.
Manager Gary Johnson will have a serious selection dilemma on his hands when Hall and Lemonheigh-Evans become available again.
4. United are seventh in the league table and fifth in the form table.
United's victory over Barrow was their fourth in five league fixtures, and their fifth in six in all competitions, which moves them up seventh in the league table - and back into the play-off zone.
The win also moves them up to fifth in the National League form table over the last six league matches.
5. Saikou's coming back.
Striker Saikou Janneh is set to re-join the Gulls on loan from Bristol City, as he continues his recovery from a knee ligament injury. Janneh, 19, found the back of the net 18 times in all competitions for United last season as they clinched the National League South title. He will soon have the chance to renew his partnership with Jamie Reid and to reunite with Jake Andrews, Opi Edwards and Connor Lemonheigh-Evans.
Jamie Reid's brace for United against Barrow yesterday saw him return to the top of the National League goal scoring charts - at the expense of Scott Quigley, who failed to find the target for the Bluebirds. Reid's double moves him up to 12 league goals for the campaign - 13 in all competitions if you include his FA Cup goal against Boreham Wood - which places him above Quigley, who has 11.
2. Armani Little fashions impressive goal scoring feat.
After being a stand-out performer in pre-season injury had so far prevented Armani Little from hitting the same heights in the regular campaign. However, on his return from injury Little appeared to have found his perfect role in the side playing in the 'number 10' role behind Jamie Reid, which further emphasised by his display against Barrow which saw him bag a brace. Such was the quality of his performance, there was an understandable sense of disappointment when he was forced to leave the field towards the end with a hamstring injury.
3. Matt Buse and Frank Vincent continue to impress in the centre of midfield.
At the start of the season, Matt Buse - a pre-season arrival from Taunton Town - wasn't even making the Gulls' subs bench and Frank Vincent - who re-joined United on a season-long loan from AFC Bournemouth - was filling in at left-back whilst Liam Davis recovered from abdominal surgery.
Now the duo now have several games under their belts as the Gulls central midfield pairing - established in the absence of skipper Asa Hall and Connor Lemonheigh-Evans through injury.
Buse has become something of an unsung hero for the Gulls, having netted against AFC Fylde and Ebbsfleet United, whilst Vincent is still waiting to get off the mark, although he did have one chalked off against Ebbsfleet that had appeared to have crossed the line.
Manager Gary Johnson will have a serious selection dilemma on his hands when Hall and Lemonheigh-Evans become available again.
4. United are seventh in the league table and fifth in the form table.
United's victory over Barrow was their fourth in five league fixtures, and their fifth in six in all competitions, which moves them up seventh in the league table - and back into the play-off zone.
The win also moves them up to fifth in the National League form table over the last six league matches.
5. Saikou's coming back.
Striker Saikou Janneh is set to re-join the Gulls on loan from Bristol City, as he continues his recovery from a knee ligament injury. Janneh, 19, found the back of the net 18 times in all competitions for United last season as they clinched the National League South title. He will soon have the chance to renew his partnership with Jamie Reid and to reunite with Jake Andrews, Opi Edwards and Connor Lemonheigh-Evans.
Monday 21 October 2019
WHY CARL FLETCHER'S ACHIEVEMENTS AS PLYMOUTH ARGYLE MANAGER SHOULDN'T BE FORGOTTEN
Former Plymouth Argyle manager Carl Fletcher will be making his managerial return to Home Park for the first time since his dismissal as Pilgrims boss in January 2013 with Leyton Orient.
Fletcher, 39, has been appointed by Orient as the permanent successor to the late Justin Edinburgh in what will be his first managerial role since his spell in charge of Argyle.
His stint at Home Park, as a player and then as manager, was one of the most turbulent periods in the Pilgrims' history. They suffered back-to-back relegations between 2009 and 2011 as the club suffered a financial collapse of catastrophic proportions as they went into administration, and the ensuing ten points deduction was instrumental in sealing the second of those two demotions.
The then Argyle manager Peter Reid was then forced to build a squad using free transfers, loan signings and youngsters. The consequences of this were that the Pilgrims were unable to compete successfully in League Two and Reid was dismissed after only winning one point from their opening ten league games.
This resulted in Fletcher, who at the time was club captain and had won the club's player of the year award for the 2009-10 and 2010-11 seasons, being handed the managerial reins on a caretaker basis. His appointment had an immediate effect as they beat Macclesfield Town 2-0 in his first game in charge. He was later handed the role on a permanent basis following James Brent's takeover of the club, which helped to stabilise the club off-the-field.
Despite a number of bumps along the road, he managed to steer the Pilgrims to safety as they drew 1-1 with Oxford United in their penultimate home league fixture to retain their status as a Football League club. Fletcher also made several key signings, including experienced defender Darren Purse and the returning Paul Wotton and Nick Chadwick, who played a key role in keeping Argyle in the division.
However, in the following season he was unable to keep the momentum of his first season going and he was dismissed on New Year's Day 2013 after the Pilgrims lost to Bristol Rovers. Despite receiving this news he still managed to face the media and after giving his views on the game, he announced the news of his dismissal.
Since then Fletcher had a brief playing spell with Barnet in the National League and has worked for Premier League side AFC Bournemouth, his first club, in various roles. These have included Under-18's manager, Under-23's manager and loan manager, which involved dealing with players who the Cherries have loaned out to other clubs.
It's been nearly six years since he took charge of the Pilgrims and without his achievements of the 2011-12 season, then Plymouth Argyle could quite easily be in a very different place today.
If they had been relegated at the end of that campaign, there could have been no play-off campaign under John Sheridan or subsequent promotion in the 2016-17 season under Derek Adams. They might not even be harbouring their current aspirations of promotion under Ryan Lowe, who will be occupying the opposite dug out to Fletcher on Tuesday night.
Fletcher, 39, has been appointed by Orient as the permanent successor to the late Justin Edinburgh in what will be his first managerial role since his spell in charge of Argyle.
His stint at Home Park, as a player and then as manager, was one of the most turbulent periods in the Pilgrims' history. They suffered back-to-back relegations between 2009 and 2011 as the club suffered a financial collapse of catastrophic proportions as they went into administration, and the ensuing ten points deduction was instrumental in sealing the second of those two demotions.
The then Argyle manager Peter Reid was then forced to build a squad using free transfers, loan signings and youngsters. The consequences of this were that the Pilgrims were unable to compete successfully in League Two and Reid was dismissed after only winning one point from their opening ten league games.
This resulted in Fletcher, who at the time was club captain and had won the club's player of the year award for the 2009-10 and 2010-11 seasons, being handed the managerial reins on a caretaker basis. His appointment had an immediate effect as they beat Macclesfield Town 2-0 in his first game in charge. He was later handed the role on a permanent basis following James Brent's takeover of the club, which helped to stabilise the club off-the-field.
Despite a number of bumps along the road, he managed to steer the Pilgrims to safety as they drew 1-1 with Oxford United in their penultimate home league fixture to retain their status as a Football League club. Fletcher also made several key signings, including experienced defender Darren Purse and the returning Paul Wotton and Nick Chadwick, who played a key role in keeping Argyle in the division.
However, in the following season he was unable to keep the momentum of his first season going and he was dismissed on New Year's Day 2013 after the Pilgrims lost to Bristol Rovers. Despite receiving this news he still managed to face the media and after giving his views on the game, he announced the news of his dismissal.
Since then Fletcher had a brief playing spell with Barnet in the National League and has worked for Premier League side AFC Bournemouth, his first club, in various roles. These have included Under-18's manager, Under-23's manager and loan manager, which involved dealing with players who the Cherries have loaned out to other clubs.
It's been nearly six years since he took charge of the Pilgrims and without his achievements of the 2011-12 season, then Plymouth Argyle could quite easily be in a very different place today.
If they had been relegated at the end of that campaign, there could have been no play-off campaign under John Sheridan or subsequent promotion in the 2016-17 season under Derek Adams. They might not even be harbouring their current aspirations of promotion under Ryan Lowe, who will be occupying the opposite dug out to Fletcher on Tuesday night.
YEOVIL AND HARINGEY TO GO AGAIN FOLLOWING WALK OFF
Yeovil Town and Haringey Borough will meet again in the FA Cup fourth qualifying round after their original clash was abandoned amid reports of racist abuse.
The Glovers were leading 1-0 through a Rhys Murphy penalty at Borouugh's Coles Park ground before Borough manager Tom Loizou instructed his players to walk off the pitch after Borough keeper defender Coby Rowe was allegedly racially abused and their Cameroonian goalkeeper Douglas Pajetat claimed he was spat at and had a bottle thrown at him.
Loizou opposite number Darren Sarll showed solidarity as the Glovers' players joined their Haringey counterparts and walking off the pitch.
Two men have since been arrested - aged 23 and 26 - in Chard and Yeovil in relation to the alleged incident and the Metropolitan Police are heading the investigation with their counterparts in the Avon and Somerset force.
In the wake of the FA Cup first round draw, a home tie against Yeovil's fellow National League outfit Hartlepool United awaits the winner.
This development comes in the same that saw England's Euro 2020 qualifier away to Bulgaria interrupted due to racial abuse directed at England's black players - most notably Aston Villa defender Tyrone Mings who was making his debut for the Three Lions.
The Glovers were leading 1-0 through a Rhys Murphy penalty at Borouugh's Coles Park ground before Borough manager Tom Loizou instructed his players to walk off the pitch after Borough keeper defender Coby Rowe was allegedly racially abused and their Cameroonian goalkeeper Douglas Pajetat claimed he was spat at and had a bottle thrown at him.
Loizou opposite number Darren Sarll showed solidarity as the Glovers' players joined their Haringey counterparts and walking off the pitch.
Two men have since been arrested - aged 23 and 26 - in Chard and Yeovil in relation to the alleged incident and the Metropolitan Police are heading the investigation with their counterparts in the Avon and Somerset force.
In the wake of the FA Cup first round draw, a home tie against Yeovil's fellow National League outfit Hartlepool United awaits the winner.
This development comes in the same that saw England's Euro 2020 qualifier away to Bulgaria interrupted due to racial abuse directed at England's black players - most notably Aston Villa defender Tyrone Mings who was making his debut for the Three Lions.
Sunday 20 October 2019
FIVE THINGS WE LEARNED FROM TORQUAY UNITED VERSUS BOREHAM WOOD
1. Torquay United maintain 100% FA Cup record against Boreham Wood.
By seeing off the challenge of Boreham Wood in the FA Cup fourth qualifying round, Torquay United's FA Cup record against the Wood now reads: played two, won two. The Gulls and the Wood previously met in the first round in the 2002-03 season where a brace from Martin Gritton and further efforts from Alex Russell, Jason Fowler and Jo Kuffour sealed a 5-0 win.
2. Jake's fine left peg.
Jake Andrews' fine strike on 26 minutes, which opened the scoring, was his fifth goal of the 2019-20 campaign - since re-joining the Gulls from Bristol City on a permanent basis. After scoring 12 times last season in all competitions, as United clinched the National League South title, Andrews - who turned 22 last Monday - has now almost reached half of that tally already and few would bet against him hitting double figures by the end of the campaign.
3. Late own goal shouldn't diminish Robbie Cundy's fine display.
Robbie Cundy's own goal deep in injury time, when he inadvertently turned a cross from Kane Smith into the back of his own net, set up a nervy finish for the Gulls - but shouldn't diminish Cundy's overall display. As well as making an important block to deny Sorba Thomas on 44 minutes, he also ensured that Wood striker Kabongo Tshimanga - one of the leading scorers in the National League - had an extremely quiet afternoon.
4. Armani Little showed glimpses of his full potential in first 90 minutes.
After being a stand-out performer in pre-season, with stunning free-kicks against Plymouth Argyle and Swansea City Under-23's, big things were expected from Armani Little once the regular campaign got underway. However, injuries have so far prevented him from enjoying a lengthy run in the team. Nevertheless, after getting a full 90 minutes under his belt - playing in the number 10 role just behind Jamie Reid - he showed more than a few glimpses of the form that he showed to help Woking win promotion from National League South with the Gulls. If he continues in this vein then it will only be a matter of time before he adds his solitary goal of the campaign, which he scored earlier in the season against Barnet.
5. A fourth FA Cup win out of five under Johnson.
After going seven years without a win in the FA Cup, United have now won four out of five under Gary Johnson. Their win over Boreham Wood yesterday joins a list of cup scalps under Johnson that now includes Lymington Town, Brightlingsea Regent and Winchester City. With United now going into Monday's draw as ball number 75 - so it will be interesting to see if another name ends up being added to that list in the first round proper.
By seeing off the challenge of Boreham Wood in the FA Cup fourth qualifying round, Torquay United's FA Cup record against the Wood now reads: played two, won two. The Gulls and the Wood previously met in the first round in the 2002-03 season where a brace from Martin Gritton and further efforts from Alex Russell, Jason Fowler and Jo Kuffour sealed a 5-0 win.
2. Jake's fine left peg.
Jake Andrews' fine strike on 26 minutes, which opened the scoring, was his fifth goal of the 2019-20 campaign - since re-joining the Gulls from Bristol City on a permanent basis. After scoring 12 times last season in all competitions, as United clinched the National League South title, Andrews - who turned 22 last Monday - has now almost reached half of that tally already and few would bet against him hitting double figures by the end of the campaign.
3. Late own goal shouldn't diminish Robbie Cundy's fine display.
Robbie Cundy's own goal deep in injury time, when he inadvertently turned a cross from Kane Smith into the back of his own net, set up a nervy finish for the Gulls - but shouldn't diminish Cundy's overall display. As well as making an important block to deny Sorba Thomas on 44 minutes, he also ensured that Wood striker Kabongo Tshimanga - one of the leading scorers in the National League - had an extremely quiet afternoon.
4. Armani Little showed glimpses of his full potential in first 90 minutes.
After being a stand-out performer in pre-season, with stunning free-kicks against Plymouth Argyle and Swansea City Under-23's, big things were expected from Armani Little once the regular campaign got underway. However, injuries have so far prevented him from enjoying a lengthy run in the team. Nevertheless, after getting a full 90 minutes under his belt - playing in the number 10 role just behind Jamie Reid - he showed more than a few glimpses of the form that he showed to help Woking win promotion from National League South with the Gulls. If he continues in this vein then it will only be a matter of time before he adds his solitary goal of the campaign, which he scored earlier in the season against Barnet.
5. A fourth FA Cup win out of five under Johnson.
After going seven years without a win in the FA Cup, United have now won four out of five under Gary Johnson. Their win over Boreham Wood yesterday joins a list of cup scalps under Johnson that now includes Lymington Town, Brightlingsea Regent and Winchester City. With United now going into Monday's draw as ball number 75 - so it will be interesting to see if another name ends up being added to that list in the first round proper.
Thursday 17 October 2019
FA CUP FOURTH QUALIFYING ROUND PREVIEW 2019-20
Ahead of Saturday's FA Cup fourth qualifying round, we will now take a closer look at the South West sides hoping to join Exeter City and Plymouth Argyle amongst others in the first round proper.
Torquay United vs Boreham Wood
Saturday's encounter between Torquay United and Boreham Wood will the third time that the Gulls have faced the Wood in the past calendar year, and their second ever in the FA Cup.
The two sides met in the first round of the FA Trophy last December at Meadow Park where United, then of National League South, lost 3-1 after extra time after drawing 1-1 at the end of normal time.
Their second meeting occurred on the opening day of the 2019-20 campaign where the Gulls won 2-1 with goals from Opi Edwards and Jamie Reid, whilst Tyrone Marsh pulled a late goal back against his former club. Prior to this result, United had lost five of their previous six encounters against Luke Garrard's men.
However, whilst the opening day of the season can be something of a journey into the unknown, with only pre-season fixtures to act as a form guide - both Torquay and Boreham Wood head into the tie in 9th and 11th place in the National League table respectively. They also go into the match on similar runs of form - having both won three of their last six league encounters.
In addition to this, it will be also see two of the National League's leading marksmen in the form of Jamie Reid and Boreham Wood's Kabongo Tshimanga, who are second and third in the National League's top goal scorer charts with ten and nine goals respectively.
It will also be the second time that the two sides have met in the FA Cup - which came in the 2002-03 season when the Gulls won 5-0 with a brace from Martin Gritton and further goals from Alex Russell, Jason Fowler and Jo Kuffour.
Haringey Borough vs Yeovil Town
In their first FA Cup fourth qualifying round tie since the 2002-03 season, Yeovil Town travel to Isthmian League Premier Division outfit Haringey Borough. The Borough, who are based in Tottenham, North London, reached the first round of last season's competition for the first time in their history where they lost 1-0 to AFC Wimbledon.
The Glovers also have a fine pedigree in the competition - which goes back to their famous giant-killing victory over Sunderland in the 1947-48 season. In recent seasons they have also faced top level opposition in the form of Liverpool (2003-04) and Manchester United (2014-15 and 2017-18) in the cup and manager Darren Sarll, who is currently in his first season in charge at Huish Park, will be looking to write his own chapter in Yeovil's cup history.
With the Glovers currently flying high in the National League side at the time of writing and are currently in third place, with the dream of the possibility of an immediate return to the Football League being very much alive. So a good cup run could provide the Glovers with another morale boost following last season's relegation.
Weymouth vs Dover Athletic
After winning the Southern League title in the 2018-19 season, Weymouth are currently fifth in the National League South table and they are now looking to cause something of an upset against Dover Athletic. The two sides are separated by 19 league places, Dover are 14th place in the National League, but the Terras will be looking to defy that figure when the Whites come to the Wessex Stadium.
It will be an interesting contest for a number of Weymouth's more experienced players such as Brett Williams, Josh McQuoid and Yemi Odubade who have spent spells playing at National League level previously in their careers.
Torquay United vs Boreham Wood
Saturday's encounter between Torquay United and Boreham Wood will the third time that the Gulls have faced the Wood in the past calendar year, and their second ever in the FA Cup.
The two sides met in the first round of the FA Trophy last December at Meadow Park where United, then of National League South, lost 3-1 after extra time after drawing 1-1 at the end of normal time.
Their second meeting occurred on the opening day of the 2019-20 campaign where the Gulls won 2-1 with goals from Opi Edwards and Jamie Reid, whilst Tyrone Marsh pulled a late goal back against his former club. Prior to this result, United had lost five of their previous six encounters against Luke Garrard's men.
However, whilst the opening day of the season can be something of a journey into the unknown, with only pre-season fixtures to act as a form guide - both Torquay and Boreham Wood head into the tie in 9th and 11th place in the National League table respectively. They also go into the match on similar runs of form - having both won three of their last six league encounters.
In addition to this, it will be also see two of the National League's leading marksmen in the form of Jamie Reid and Boreham Wood's Kabongo Tshimanga, who are second and third in the National League's top goal scorer charts with ten and nine goals respectively.
It will also be the second time that the two sides have met in the FA Cup - which came in the 2002-03 season when the Gulls won 5-0 with a brace from Martin Gritton and further goals from Alex Russell, Jason Fowler and Jo Kuffour.
Haringey Borough vs Yeovil Town
In their first FA Cup fourth qualifying round tie since the 2002-03 season, Yeovil Town travel to Isthmian League Premier Division outfit Haringey Borough. The Borough, who are based in Tottenham, North London, reached the first round of last season's competition for the first time in their history where they lost 1-0 to AFC Wimbledon.
The Glovers also have a fine pedigree in the competition - which goes back to their famous giant-killing victory over Sunderland in the 1947-48 season. In recent seasons they have also faced top level opposition in the form of Liverpool (2003-04) and Manchester United (2014-15 and 2017-18) in the cup and manager Darren Sarll, who is currently in his first season in charge at Huish Park, will be looking to write his own chapter in Yeovil's cup history.
With the Glovers currently flying high in the National League side at the time of writing and are currently in third place, with the dream of the possibility of an immediate return to the Football League being very much alive. So a good cup run could provide the Glovers with another morale boost following last season's relegation.
Weymouth vs Dover Athletic
After winning the Southern League title in the 2018-19 season, Weymouth are currently fifth in the National League South table and they are now looking to cause something of an upset against Dover Athletic. The two sides are separated by 19 league places, Dover are 14th place in the National League, but the Terras will be looking to defy that figure when the Whites come to the Wessex Stadium.
It will be an interesting contest for a number of Weymouth's more experienced players such as Brett Williams, Josh McQuoid and Yemi Odubade who have spent spells playing at National League level previously in their careers.
Wednesday 9 October 2019
TON UP FOR GULLS UNDER JOHNSON
By making it three wins on the bounce to move into the play-off zone with an away win over bottom placed Ebbsfleet United, Torquay United took their league points haul under Gary Johnson to over one hundred.
Jake Andrews opened the scoring for the Gulls with his fourth goal of the season before Jamie Reid doubled their advantage with his 10th of the campaign - which is the same as his combined goal scoring hauls of the 2016-17 and 2017-18 seasons.
Josh Umerah then reduced Fleet's deficit to a single goal with an effort on 35 minutes, but United's two-goal cushion was restored in the 47th minute when Matt Buse followed up his first goal for the club against AFC Fylde with his second goal in as many games.
Liam Davis then added a fourth on 54 minutes with what was only his second goal for the club - before Umerah headed home a Myles Weston cross to pull one back for Fleet. Frank Vincent then appeared to have added a fifth for the Gulls on 87 minutes, which hit the bar and bounced down - but the match officials adjudged that the ball had not crossed the line.
The win moves the Gulls up to sixth place in the table with 25 points, which combined with the 76 that they won in National League South, following Johnson's appointment in September 2018, takes the total number that they have won under his tenure to 101.
Jake Andrews opened the scoring for the Gulls with his fourth goal of the season before Jamie Reid doubled their advantage with his 10th of the campaign - which is the same as his combined goal scoring hauls of the 2016-17 and 2017-18 seasons.
Josh Umerah then reduced Fleet's deficit to a single goal with an effort on 35 minutes, but United's two-goal cushion was restored in the 47th minute when Matt Buse followed up his first goal for the club against AFC Fylde with his second goal in as many games.
Liam Davis then added a fourth on 54 minutes with what was only his second goal for the club - before Umerah headed home a Myles Weston cross to pull one back for Fleet. Frank Vincent then appeared to have added a fifth for the Gulls on 87 minutes, which hit the bar and bounced down - but the match officials adjudged that the ball had not crossed the line.
The win moves the Gulls up to sixth place in the table with 25 points, which combined with the 76 that they won in National League South, following Johnson's appointment in September 2018, takes the total number that they have won under his tenure to 101.
Sunday 6 October 2019
FIVE THINGS WE LEARNED FROM TORQUAY UNITED VERSUS AFC FYLDE
1. Matt Buse picked the perfect time to open his account for the club.
At the start of the 2019-20 season, Matt Buse wasn't even being named by manager Gary Johnson on the Torquay United sub's bench - let alone the first team. However, a number of injuries to United's first choice midfielders has seen Buse break into the first team and he picked the perfect time to score his first goal for the club when he connected with Kalvin Kalala's injury time cross to head home the Gulls' winner against AFC Fylde.
Buse had joined United in the summer from Taunton Town following a successful trial in pre-season and swapped combining playing for the Peacocks with working in a leisure centre in Yeovil for his first professional contract. If he can continue to produce displays like he did against AFC Fylde then Johnson will have a serious selection dilemma when skipper Asa Hall and Bristol City loanee Connor Lemonheigh-Evans return to fitness.
2. Kalvin Kalala's moments of magic made the difference.
It could be argued that other than his stunning eighth minute volley and his precision cross which found Matt Buse in injury time that Kalvin Kalala didn't have that much of an effect on the proceedings against AFC Fylde. However, those two moments of magic - on what was his 50th appearance for the Gulls - ultimately helped to make the difference for the Gulls against the Coasters and it's also arguably the biggest impact that Kalala has made when he has started a game this season.
If he continue to weave his magic over 90 minutes over the course of the season, then it may not be long before his talents attracts suitors from a higher level.
3. The welcome return of Armani Little.
After a promising pre-season that saw him two stunning free-kicks against Plymouth Argyle and Swansea City Under-23's, injury has denied the Plainmoor faithful the chance to see the full array of Armani Little's talents. However, after coming on as a sub for Frank Vincent in the 55th minute he showed glimpses of what he is capable of and hopefully with some extra match sharpness, Little can display the kind of attributes that he showed whilst on loan at Woking in the National League South last season.
4. A perfect send off for Pete Wiley.
Before yesterday's game, a minute's applause was observed in memory of the former Plainmoor matchday announcer Pete Wiley. For generations of Gulls' fans - Wiley, who retired as matchday announcer in 2007 before becoming one of the commentators for the blind or partially sighted, will always be regarded as the 'Voice of Plainmoor'. One of his most memorable moments came in 1990 when United hosted Red Star Belgrade and as they fielded the likes of Robert Prosinecki, Dejan Savicevic and Darko Pancev it was rather different to what he would have been accustomed for a regular Division Four fixture - but it was one that he came through with flying colours.
During his tenure in the PA box, the occasion for playing Queen's 'We are the Champions' had never come to pass - but he was invited back to the PA box when United clinched the National League South title last season against Eastbourne Borough to do the honours.
5. What a difference two points can make.
If United had been forced to settle for a point yesterday against AFC Fylde they would have ended the day in 13th place, firmly entrenched in the middle of the table. However, those two extra points meant that the Gulls now move up to 9th place and a win away over Ebbsfleet United on Tuesday night could yet see United creep into the play-off zone. As we all know, Torquay United don't do mid-table mediocrity.
At the start of the 2019-20 season, Matt Buse wasn't even being named by manager Gary Johnson on the Torquay United sub's bench - let alone the first team. However, a number of injuries to United's first choice midfielders has seen Buse break into the first team and he picked the perfect time to score his first goal for the club when he connected with Kalvin Kalala's injury time cross to head home the Gulls' winner against AFC Fylde.
Buse had joined United in the summer from Taunton Town following a successful trial in pre-season and swapped combining playing for the Peacocks with working in a leisure centre in Yeovil for his first professional contract. If he can continue to produce displays like he did against AFC Fylde then Johnson will have a serious selection dilemma when skipper Asa Hall and Bristol City loanee Connor Lemonheigh-Evans return to fitness.
2. Kalvin Kalala's moments of magic made the difference.
It could be argued that other than his stunning eighth minute volley and his precision cross which found Matt Buse in injury time that Kalvin Kalala didn't have that much of an effect on the proceedings against AFC Fylde. However, those two moments of magic - on what was his 50th appearance for the Gulls - ultimately helped to make the difference for the Gulls against the Coasters and it's also arguably the biggest impact that Kalala has made when he has started a game this season.
If he continue to weave his magic over 90 minutes over the course of the season, then it may not be long before his talents attracts suitors from a higher level.
3. The welcome return of Armani Little.
After a promising pre-season that saw him two stunning free-kicks against Plymouth Argyle and Swansea City Under-23's, injury has denied the Plainmoor faithful the chance to see the full array of Armani Little's talents. However, after coming on as a sub for Frank Vincent in the 55th minute he showed glimpses of what he is capable of and hopefully with some extra match sharpness, Little can display the kind of attributes that he showed whilst on loan at Woking in the National League South last season.
4. A perfect send off for Pete Wiley.
Before yesterday's game, a minute's applause was observed in memory of the former Plainmoor matchday announcer Pete Wiley. For generations of Gulls' fans - Wiley, who retired as matchday announcer in 2007 before becoming one of the commentators for the blind or partially sighted, will always be regarded as the 'Voice of Plainmoor'. One of his most memorable moments came in 1990 when United hosted Red Star Belgrade and as they fielded the likes of Robert Prosinecki, Dejan Savicevic and Darko Pancev it was rather different to what he would have been accustomed for a regular Division Four fixture - but it was one that he came through with flying colours.
During his tenure in the PA box, the occasion for playing Queen's 'We are the Champions' had never come to pass - but he was invited back to the PA box when United clinched the National League South title last season against Eastbourne Borough to do the honours.
5. What a difference two points can make.
If United had been forced to settle for a point yesterday against AFC Fylde they would have ended the day in 13th place, firmly entrenched in the middle of the table. However, those two extra points meant that the Gulls now move up to 9th place and a win away over Ebbsfleet United on Tuesday night could yet see United creep into the play-off zone. As we all know, Torquay United don't do mid-table mediocrity.
Wednesday 2 October 2019
PARALLEL CAREERS: DAVID GRAHAM AND JAMIE REID
Throughout the history of professional football, many players have dreamt of emulating their heroes but for only the select few do those dreams become reality.
As a young Torquay United fan growing up in Torbay, Jamie Reid would have spent part of his youth watching David Graham lead the Gulls' forward line between 2001 and 2004, a period which saw the Scotsman scored 47 goals - which made him Torquay United's leading league goal scorer in the 21st century. That figure includes United's third goal in their 3-2 win against Barnet on the final day of the 2000-01 season and their second in their 2-1 victory over Southend United which sealed automatic promotion in the 2003-04 campaign.
Fast forward to 2019 and Reid has now surpassed that total following his brace in United's 4-0 win away at Stockport County with a current total that now stands at 48 - it also proved to be a double celebration in the Gulls' dressing room as manager Gary Johnson was also celebrating his 64th birthday.
Reid's journey to overhauling Graham's tally has taken always been a smooth one, with many a bump, detour and retreat along the way. However, there are a number of similarities and parallels that can be found between the two United strikers.
For starters, both strikers have been capped internationally at Under-21 level. Graham won eight caps for Scotland Under-21s between 1997 and 1999 and Reid received two caps for Northern Ireland in 2013.
The two men also made promising starts at the clubs where they began their careers as Graham was handed his debut for Glasgow Rangers in 1998 in a UEFA Cup tie against League of Ireland side Shelbourne at Prenton Park. He also made a substitute appearance in an Old Firm against Glasgow Celtic later on in the 1998-99 campaign before joining Dunfermline Athletic.
Reid also made a hugely impressive start to his career with the Gulls' local rivals Exeter City, who he joined after the Gulls' youth development was shut down in 2004. After a promising debut as a substitute against Oxford United for the Grecians on Boxing Day 2012, he later bagged a brace in his first start against AFC Wimbledon in April 2013.
When initially joining the Gulls, both players went through periods of indifference where they were often played out of position. Graham was frequently used as an attacking midfielder by Roy McFarland in the 2001-02 season, while Reid was often deployed as a winger during his first two loan spells at Plainmoor in the 2014-15 and 2016-17 campaigns under Chris Hargreaves and Kevin Nicholson respectively.
Nevertheless when they were both played as strikers they did so to excellent effect and played key roles in United sides that won promotion automatically. Graham found the back of the net 23 times in all competitions as the Gulls won automatic promotion for the first time in 38 years in the 2003-04 season under Leroy Rosenior, while Reid's 32 goals in the 2018-19 campaign were crucial in helping United clinch the National League South title under the guidance of Gary Johnson.
While many will no doubt be quick to point out that Graham's 47 goals for United were scored at Football League level whereas Reid's goals all came in non-league football. However, having found the back of the net nine times already this season, Reid could yet play a vital role in helping the Gulls return to League Two in the near future.
As a young Torquay United fan growing up in Torbay, Jamie Reid would have spent part of his youth watching David Graham lead the Gulls' forward line between 2001 and 2004, a period which saw the Scotsman scored 47 goals - which made him Torquay United's leading league goal scorer in the 21st century. That figure includes United's third goal in their 3-2 win against Barnet on the final day of the 2000-01 season and their second in their 2-1 victory over Southend United which sealed automatic promotion in the 2003-04 campaign.
Fast forward to 2019 and Reid has now surpassed that total following his brace in United's 4-0 win away at Stockport County with a current total that now stands at 48 - it also proved to be a double celebration in the Gulls' dressing room as manager Gary Johnson was also celebrating his 64th birthday.
Reid's journey to overhauling Graham's tally has taken always been a smooth one, with many a bump, detour and retreat along the way. However, there are a number of similarities and parallels that can be found between the two United strikers.
For starters, both strikers have been capped internationally at Under-21 level. Graham won eight caps for Scotland Under-21s between 1997 and 1999 and Reid received two caps for Northern Ireland in 2013.
The two men also made promising starts at the clubs where they began their careers as Graham was handed his debut for Glasgow Rangers in 1998 in a UEFA Cup tie against League of Ireland side Shelbourne at Prenton Park. He also made a substitute appearance in an Old Firm against Glasgow Celtic later on in the 1998-99 campaign before joining Dunfermline Athletic.
Reid also made a hugely impressive start to his career with the Gulls' local rivals Exeter City, who he joined after the Gulls' youth development was shut down in 2004. After a promising debut as a substitute against Oxford United for the Grecians on Boxing Day 2012, he later bagged a brace in his first start against AFC Wimbledon in April 2013.
When initially joining the Gulls, both players went through periods of indifference where they were often played out of position. Graham was frequently used as an attacking midfielder by Roy McFarland in the 2001-02 season, while Reid was often deployed as a winger during his first two loan spells at Plainmoor in the 2014-15 and 2016-17 campaigns under Chris Hargreaves and Kevin Nicholson respectively.
Nevertheless when they were both played as strikers they did so to excellent effect and played key roles in United sides that won promotion automatically. Graham found the back of the net 23 times in all competitions as the Gulls won automatic promotion for the first time in 38 years in the 2003-04 season under Leroy Rosenior, while Reid's 32 goals in the 2018-19 campaign were crucial in helping United clinch the National League South title under the guidance of Gary Johnson.
While many will no doubt be quick to point out that Graham's 47 goals for United were scored at Football League level whereas Reid's goals all came in non-league football. However, having found the back of the net nine times already this season, Reid could yet play a vital role in helping the Gulls return to League Two in the near future.
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