TT TALKING POINTS
Dom Roman – @DomRoman
No success at Barnet, and a continuation of our dreadful away form. It wasn’t a one-sided affair but judged on the quality of possession and chances created, the home team were worthy winners. No rest for the wicked. Aldershot Town await, and so does another pre-match talking points…
WING AND A PRAYER
Width has been a problem practically all of the season, and Barnet’s better flank work gave them the edge on Saturday. It may be simple to say, but we need the wide men to stay wide! Get chalk on their boots, get down those wings and get quality balls into the box. Byron Moore has come into left wing and should make a difference, but cutting in on his right foot just narrows the field and makes life easier for the opposition. Maybe it’s time for our most natural left footer Jake Andrews to slot back in and give us better balance if fitness allows, otherwise the combinations of Moxey/Moore and Wynter/O’Connell just have to do better. Eight assists from our midfielders this season, but six of those by Armani Little. That’s certainly telling.
WHEN WILL ASA RETURN?
In a poll ran by TT on Twitter, we asked who had been missed most by the Yellow Army – Asa Hall or Danny Wright? The resounding verdict (see below) was the skipper and I can’t disagree. We miss his presence and leadership, someone who’ll toughen up the midfield and help us get a foothold in games – this being particularly important in away fixtures, where the home team start on the front foot. So when will the captain return? With TUFC injury news at best cryptic it’s a mystery, but the sooner the better.
TIME FOR SINCLAIR TO STRIKE?
How good was that overhead kick on Saturday? Acrobatic and perfectly orchestrated, just a pity the striker was well offside! He couldn’t believe it, but the highlights are clear on that score. This young chap is geared up for goals, and it surely won’t be long before he bags his second for the Gulls. Armani Little is far and away our top goal-scorer, that’s got to change if the squad is going to achieve anything this season.
OMAR TO START?
By all accounts Harry Perritt was out for the count after his knock to the head on Saturday, so the safe bets are that he’ll be removed from the TUFC line-up. Ali Omar came on and once again struggled, giving away a penalty that was not exactly stonewall, but more often than not given by refs. Unfortunately clumsy and indecisive the defender has done nothing to inspire confidence since his arrival, and it’ll be interesting to see if Gary Johnson entrusts him with a place in the first XI, or decides on an alternative option. Dan Martin perhaps coming in after a spell on the sidelines, or an alteration to 3 at the back being possible, up to the gaffer.
BEATING THE BOTTOM TEAMS
The Gulls’ form has been seemingly unpredictable this season, but one thing’s for sure (cliche alert) – the table doesn’t lie. Our five wins have been gathered against five teams below us in the table – Wealdstone 17th, Maidenhead 19th, Southend 20th, King’s Lynn 22nd and Dover Athletic 23rd. The verdict is simple, we simply just haven’t been good enough to beat the better teams. The good news? Aldershot are languishing in 21st and are having an awful season, so this is a great chance. *On a side note, they did beat Grimsby last time out at the Recreaton Ground, but let’s hope that was just a fluke…
SLOW STARTS
The omens weren’t good when the team only turned up 45 minutes or so before Saturday’s kick off, and once again we conceded the first goal (near post headers and Torquay United – what a combination). Will the team be fatigued from the Barnet game and can they raise their game from the off for once? Something has to change, and I do expect better on Tuesday night, with Aldershot not playing for 10 days the chance is there to take the impetus. The travelling Yellow Army (excellent attendance again) certainly deserve more to celebrate for their efforts. Come on lads make it happen, 3 points please.
Safe travels to all.
COYY – Dom
TUST AGM – THIS THURSDAY
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