A massive month looms for the Gulls with another 15 points on offer, and a place in the next round of the Trophy. First and foremost, we look ahead to this weeks events.
What’s happening this week……
Saturday – TUFC v Stockport County @ Plainmoor (15.00 KO)
Off the back of a crucial win at Weymouth last week, the Gulls look to make it back-to-back wins for the first time this season. Torquay will face a battle at Plainmoor, with Stockport one of the big spenders this season and favourites for promotion. A win and a good run as we approach the busy Christmas period is vital for the Gulls, should they look to put down a play-off charge marker.
Saturday – Mangotsfield United U18’s v TUFC Youth U18’s @ South Gloucestershire & Stroud College (10.30 KO)
After the disappointment of a postponement last weekend, the Gulls will be eager to get back on the pitch as they travel to Bristol. Mangotsfield sit in 4th in the league , just one place behind the young Yellows.
Sunday – Sherborne Town Ladies v TUFC Women @ Sherborne Town FC (14.00 KO)
Another week on the road for Fisher’s ladies as they travel east to Somerset. The Gulls will need to be at their best if they are to come away with anything, as they play the table toppers, who have lost just twice in 10 games.
Our ladies in action earlier this season, in a 2-2 draw with Ilminster….
Sunday – TUFC Women Development v Signal Box Oak Villa Ladies @ GJ Churchward Memorial Ground (14.00 KO)
A tough game in store for the Development team as they face a Oak Villa side just behind them in the table.
Birthdays
David Woozley – 42
The former Gull turned Fireman turned Driving Instructor turns 42 on Monday. The defender played a pivotal role in Leroy’s promotion winning side.
Darren Garner – 50
It’s a major milestone on Friday and the big 5-0 for the former midfield man. The hard-man played over 60 times in Yellow, after initially signing on loan in 2005 from Rotherham.
Shaun Harrad – 37
Shaun will celebrate his 37th birthday on Saturday. The ex-striker scored some crucial goals in the Nicholson team that bravely fought off relegation in 2016/17.
Arjan Van Heusden – 49
The former Gulls stopper will turn 49 on Saturday. The Dutch stopper was again a vital player in Rosenior’s promotion campaign, battling it out for the #1 spot with another favourite, Kevin Dearden.
Ben Wynter – 24
24 is up on Saturday for Mr. Reliable at right back. Since signing in the summer of 2018, Ben has proved to be a vital player and consistently puts in a shift for the Gulls. 3 points on your birthday please Ben, oh, and we’ll never, ever forget that goal at Woking!…………………….. Have a good one!
On this day……
8th December 2020 – After COVID restrictions are semi-lifted, supporters are there to witness Torquay claim a 2-1 win over Maidenhead with goals from Wright & Whitfield.
9th December 2011 – Nicholson crashes home a 94th minute beauty, to give the Gulls a 1-0 win over Barnet.
11th December 2010 – Torquay’s only solitary game in December as they lose 1-0 at Chesterfield. The ‘beast from the east’ claims 4 postponements that month, with their next game not until New Years Day.
12th December 2009 – The Gulls hit hapless Darlington for 5, with goals from Zebroski x 2, Carlisle, Benyon & Rendell.
11th December 2006 – Lubos Kubik records his first Gulls win as a manager, as they beat Leyton Orient 2-1 away in the FA Cup 2nd round replay.
9th December 2004 – Torquay splash out a club record £75,000 for Leon Constantine. The striker impressed during a loan spell from Peterborough which saw him score 3 in 4.
11th December 1998 – Big Nev Southall signs for the Gulls at the tender age of 40. Even though he was at the twilight of his career. he still remains one of the best goalkeepers for pull on the #1 jersey at Plainmoor.
12th December 1995 – Torquay are involved in a 12 goal thriller at Walsall in the FA Cup second round replay . Unfortunately, the home side score 8 of them.
7th December 1981 – Torquay beat Manchester United 4-2. Yes, you read that right! Unfortunately for the Gulls, as much as this would have gone down as the biggest victory in the Gulls history, it was in fact a testimonial for Tony Brown, and therefore non-competitive. Ray Wilkins & Lou Macari were on target for the Reds, who you have to say, didn’t field a bad team.
10th December 1960 – After the Gulls beat Reading 4-2 at Plainmoor, it sets a new club record of 15 league games without defeat.
8th December 1951 – Torquay 3-2 Plymouth. The Gulls record a first ever league win over their Devon rivals. See ‘A trip down memory lane’.
A trip down memory lane..
Torquay 3-2 Plymouth Argyle
Saturday 8th December 1951 – Division Three (South)
Venue: Plainmoor
Attendance: 11,630
United line up: Webber, Topping, Calland, Brown, Webber, Pembrey, Shaw, Collins, Northcott, Marchant, Edds
A bumper crowd packed inside Plainmoor to witness Eric Webber’s sixth game in charge, in a spell that would last 14 years.
The Magpies, as they were known then, secured their first ever league win over Plymouth at the ninth time of asking. The two had met on eight previous occasions in the league over a 24 year period, which resulted in the Pilgrims triumphing in 7.
Webber’s men would end the campaign in 11th place, whilst Plymouth went onto secure the title, ahead of Reading. Our other Devon rivals, Exeter, finished 23rd, meaning they had to be re-elected to the league, alongside Walsall, for the 52/53 season.
TORQUAYTALK 
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