@DomRoman talks about the #TUFC week, when Torquay United’s fortunes seemed to take an up-turn for a change and he previews challenge ahead at the weekend:
1 – DOVER ATHLETIC PREVIEW
The Maidenhead win means that suddenly we go into this clash on Saturday with optimism, and I haven’t said that with real belief for a long time. Owers will be quick to warn the players that the 4-0 win was only a start, and rightly so. Athletic will travel down fancying their chances and will not let themselves be bossed like Maidenhead in that wonderful first half.
The match will see the return of Giancarlo Gallifuoco to Plainmoor. GG scored on Tuesday at Sutton, and was always dangerous on set pieces for us. The Aussie was a popular figure down here, always happy to communicate with fans and a versatile lad who played in various positions for Nico. It would have been nice to keep GG, along with a few others over the summer (and no surprise if he heads one in tomorrow!). The lack of continuity has counted against us and has been an issue that Gary is still trying to resolve, as he settles new players into the squad.
It could be an entertaining match at the weekend, with two teams both on for 3 points. Owers challenge will be put pressure on without leaving gaps at the back, as Athletic will be quick to punish them. We could be about to come down to earth with a bump, but maybe not!
The National League is the most open it’s probably ever been, with teams all beating each other and inconsistency king. Macclesfield are top at the mo and they were distinctly ordinary at Plainmoor a couple of weeks ago (even if they did win!). United should not fear 2nd placed Dover that’s for sure, with our first choice defence in place and some oomph in attack – let’s have a go!
The Dover Quick Summary
League Position – 2nd
Full Record: Played 14, Won 7, Drawn 4, Lost 3, For 18, Against 10, Pts 25
Manager – Chris Kinnear
Top Scorer – Ryan Bird (5)
Last Three Results:
DRAW – Sutton United (Away) 2-2 3rd October
WIN – Solihull Moors (Home) 1-0 30th September
DRAW – Guiseley (Away) 1-1 23rd September
Last Season:
Torquay United 2-1 Dover Athletic – 27th August 2016
Dover Athletic 1-2 Torquay United – 22nd April 2017
2 – LIAM DAVIS
It ended up being a long road to recovery for Liam Davis, and the jokes/banter about his non-appearance have been floating around for weeks, especially after our terrible start to 17-18 (and Myles/Sam at left back…).
But the man is here, and boy has he made a smart entrance! The left back has entered the fray with ease and fitted in perfectly – playing well enough to win John Cadigan’s man of the match at Daggers, and then only just missing out to Luke Young on Tuesday.
I have only seen him against Maidenhead, and there will be bigger tests to come. However, he just made things look easy! The guy has an athletic tall build and gets across the grass quickly. Addionally to that he showed composure on the ball and was quick to get up in support of the attack. That’ll do for me, his return helps the defence become much more balanced and McGinty looked far more confident with Liam by his side.
https://twitter.com/lukehunter8/status/915320356059131908
3 – GEORGE DOWLING LOAN EXTENSION
Dowling will now stay at the club for a further two months, with a possible extension to that – this really has been a good news week!
That is music to my ears, as the young lad was a light of hope at the grim start of September! He’s exactly the sort of player we need to attract on loan; skilful and hungry to get stuck into the action. Good work Gary!
4 – INJURIES…
And to cap of the good news stories, the squad will soon be boosted with Clarky and Pittman returning to action. It will interesting to see how Owers manages the goalkeeper situation. Vincent has been impeccable in goal recently, and it would be cruel just to displace him immediately.
However Ryan is our contracted number one and an experienced guy who Gary will want to get involved. Ah well at least we suddenly have options, for a period it was a “whoever is fit” scenario – and we are now coming out of that horrible nightmare!
5 – MAIDENHEAD WIN
I waited long enough to report on a win, and the relief was palpable as we hammered Maidenhead on Tuesday. TT man Luke Hunter travelled down from up north just for the game, and he was spitting chips when doubt was cast on Maidenhead arriving in time for kick-off! It would have been cruel, even by our standards if Luke was denied a game – even if he did get to share drinks with myself and Rich. A decent consolation I think, but he may not agree!
It was great to share a celebratory victory with Mr H, and he took a brilliant picture of Bristow’s under the lights – check it out on our web page. Why do my pics never turn out that good?! Meanwhile dreamland didn’t cover that first half, especially when Jamie Reid tapped in for four!
I never thought we were that bad, we’ve played rubbish for large periods that’s for sure – but lost games narrowly, given away last-minute goals, had numerous injuries and very little favours from the refs. Fine margins. Maybe our momentum has turned at last, as players start to make their own luck with proper hard work, organisation and commitment. We have to back it up with more positive results, then I’ll truly believe we’re on course for better things. Lets give them our support tomorrow and push that attendance up for another big game.
TORQUAYTALK 