As Torquay United head north to face Altrincham in their penultimate National League, they will be looking to reach for three points to bring their National League survival hopes back within their grasp.
After their thumping 5-1 midweek defeat to play-off hopefuls Chesterfield at the Technique Stadium, the Gulls, currently on 46 points, trail York City and Maidenhead United, who are both on 49, by three points.
United's defeat to the Spireites also brought United's five-match winning run to an end, which had seen them secure wins over Boreham Wood (1-0), Scunthorpe United (1-0), Eastleigh (2-0), Maidenhead (3-1) and York (3-2).
Another win for the Gulls at Moss Lane, coupled with defeats for York and Maidenhead against Aldershot Town and Barnet respectively, would mean that they would need a point against possible champions elect Wrexham on the final day to stand a chance of completing a 'great escape.' The Hollywood backed Red Dragons could go to Plainmoor as champions
The squad travel to Altrincham on a Thursday, a late earlier than normal. It was a plan used by Paul Buckle before United faced Ebbsfleet United in the 2008 FA Trophy final, which the Gulls lost 1-0. However, that occasion came after they saw their play-off hopes ended by a local derby defeat to Exeter City.
Nevertheless, Gulls manager Gary Johnson and his assistant Aaron Downes would have planned this in advance and considered the pros and cons before deciding on it. Much of this time will no doubt be used to get at least one, if not both, of their experienced midfield duo Asa Hall and Tom Lapslie fit.
In their last meeting with Alty, United famously 4-4 with Dylan Crowe scoring a late equaliser with virtually the last kick of the match that was screened live on BT Sport. If United can repeat the scoreline for, but reduce their scoreline after then the journey back to South Devon will undoubtably be a happy one.
