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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)