TT TALKING POINTS
Danny Burnell – @dannyburnell92
It feels like an age ago Dagenham came to Plainmoor and took a share of the points. Thankfully, football is back. Next up is Altrincham (a), here are my pre-match talking points…
REJUVENATED OR RUSTY
As mentioned above, it seems an age ago since the hard fought point against the Daggers. After a COVID uninterrupted Christmas run which saw us play regularly and often, maybe we were blessed and took Football for advantage (well, I did!). Anyway, as much as having no football is rubbish, a chance for a rest may have come at just the right time. 4 games in such a short space of time can play silly buggers with injuries, and the likes of Wright, Moxey and Hall were probably glad of the weekend off. Little & Lapslie missed Dagenham with a knock, and Felix was nursing one. A chance for some much needed rest, work on the training ground, and players to come back, and we hope to see a rejuvenated Torquay in Greater Manchester. As much as GJ said he’d love to play every day, I’m sure he enjoyed his stress free weekend at home (or scouting!)
On the flip side, could we be rusty!? Since we last played, Alty have played twice. You’d hope not, and you’d like to think we’ll be raring to go!
INCOMING PERSONNEL
I know this is mentioned most weeks, but GJ does love a late week signing. With Sparkes, Perritt & Armstrong all leaving, only Wearne has come in January. A striker may seem the obvious option, given the Sinclair sized hole it’s left up front. Centre back is another area of slight concern, with Lewis our only recognised expert in that position. Moxey has been filling in, and very well may I add, but any damage to either of those two could spell trouble. Don’t be surprised if a new face turns up at Moss Lane on Saturday.
ANY OUTGOINGS?
The January transfer window is a pain. For clubs like Torquay, it’s all about getting through the month unscathed and all your players intact, and happy. Numerous rumours flying round with Lemon & Little, as to be expected given this seasons form. But it helps no-one when these rumours circulate, and I’m sure GJ can’t wait until 1 February when the speculation ends, and the final furlong is in sight.
BUILDING ON THE GOOD FESTIVE FORM
A double over Yeovil, a point against a very good Daggers side and a harsh defeat at Eastleigh was the story of the New Year. Clubbed together with what is now looking to be a fantastic win over Stockport in mid-December, the Gulls are finding good form at just the right time. The Gulls sit a credible 6th in the form table, and will look to improve on that when they face an out of sorts Altrincham. Many times before we’ve faced long, miserable win-less winters, this doesn’t appear to be one of those, thankfully! The winter is far from over, and a few good wins before its up will stand Torquay in great shape as they attack those play-off places.
HOLMAN, LOLOS, OR NEITHER?
As mentioned above, Armstrong is a big miss. Yes, he played just 7 times, but the lad had talent in abundance. He was a menace for opposition defences, so we need that replaced. In Wright, you have a menace but in an aerial sense. Are Holman or Lolos the answers? The former showed his class at Yeovil which is undoubtedly the highlight of his Yellow career. Lolos tries, but often fails to deliver when it matters. CLE may resume attacking duties, especially if Hall, Little & Lapslie are all available. Whoever is chosen, United should be able to find the right formula to unlock a leaky Altrincham defence.
CAPITALISING ON ALTY’S RECENT FORM
Alty are in dire form. No win in their last 10 league games and only one win since mid-October (over a 10 man Weymouth). Only the afore-mentioned Weymouth and the hopeless Dover are in worse form.
Torquay will go into the game as favourites but they need to be clinical. Altrincham’s defence seems shaky. 9 conceded against Stockport over the past month, a couple more l;ast weekend at Grimsby. If Torquay have serious play-off ambitions, they simply must win this game. That said, on their day they are a nuisance. Two wins at Plainmoor in 2021 proves that. If we are on our game, we will win. Simple as.
COYY – Danny
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