As we enter the business end of the season, there’s lots to play for at all levels. I take a look at the upcoming week.
What’s happening this week……..
Saturday – King’s Lynn Town v TUFC @ The Walks (15.00 KO)
It’s games like this Torquay must simply win if play-offs are ever to become a reality. Our one and only trip to the Walks ended goalless back in 2020, as captain Asa Hall saw red 12 minutes from time.
The Linnets faint chances of survival hang on a knife-edge, as they trial 20th placed Aldershot by 14 points.
Saturday – TUFC Youth U18’s v Bridgwater United U18’s @ South Devon College Sports Centre (10.30 KO)
It’s a huge game at the top of the table as Chris Todd’s youth players host title rivals Bridgwater. The Gulls currently lead their Somerset opponents by a single point at the top of the table, with Torquay having played 2 games fewer.
Sunday – TUFC Women Development v Plainmoor Ladies @ GJ Churchward Memorial Ground (14.00 KO)
The very local derby comes round once more as Plainmoor Ladies are in town. They trial Activate by six points, but crucially, do have a game in hand.
Birthdays
Martin Rice – 36
The former TUFC keeper will turn 36 on Monday. Ricey had two separate spells at Plainmoor, making 98 appearances.
Kevin Dearden – 52
From one keeper to another, Kev will celebrate his 52nd birthday on Tuesday. The steady stopper recorded 108 league and cup appearances across a 4 year spell, and was a pivotal cog in Leroy’s ‘golden’ generation.
Martin Phillips – 46
Former Gulls winger Phillips will turn 46 on Sunday. The pint-sized former Grecian and Argyle midfielder became a crowd pleaser at Plainmoor, before injury eventually forced him to retire.
On this day……
7th March 2020 – Torquay would play their final match of the season as the COVID pandemic forces the premature end to the season. The Gulls suffer a 2-0 defeat at Sutton. Their last competitive game for 7 months.
11th March 2017 – Ruairi Keating scores a last gasp goal to give the Gulls a vital 2-1 away win at Southport.
10th March 2012 – Chris Zebroski scores on his return to Plainmoor for Bristol Rovers, but Torquay rescue a point from 0-2 down, with Mansell and Howe on the scoresheet.
10th March 2009 – Wayne Carlisle scores a stoppage time winner at Altrincham, to secure a vital three points in there pursuit of the Conference title.
7th March 2007 – Having been chairman of the club for just 2 weeks, Keith Richardson is replaced by Mike Bateson, who returns for a second spell.
8th March 1952 – Torquay record their biggest ever win, 9-0 over Swindon Town in the Division Three (South).
10th March 1928 – Torquay’s 0-0 draw with Bristol Rovers at Plainmoor is the only goalless match in their inaugural Football league season.
As it stood…….(13th March)
2019: A win a few days earlier at Billericay ensured United kept pace at the top. That result put them on top, but Woking’s win in mid-week meant they retained 1st position. The Gulls trailed the Cards by 3 points, but had a crucial game in hand.
2009: The Gulls grip on the play-off places was firmly gripped as they entered the last quarter of the season.
1999: With only 10 games left, United sat in lowly 20th place. No real danger of relegation with Scarborough propping up the league.
‘A trip down memory lane’
Torquay 5-0 Shrewsbury
Saturday 12th March 2011 – League Two
Venue: Plainmoor
Attendance : 2,861
United line up: Bevan, Mansell, Robertson, Branston, Nicholson, Robinson, Stanley, Pringle, Murray, Tomlin, Zebroski
It was a performance to make the league take note of Torquay United. The Gulls headed into the game in 8th place, one place and 5 points outside the play-offs, and 8 behind their Shropshire opponents.
No-one could quite believe how Paul Buckle’s men made the task at hand look so easy. On loan Gavin Tomlin made it one-nil after just four minutes, and that would how it would remain until half time. Cue the second half onslaught. Another loanee, Jake Robinson, playing against his parent club, made it 2 and 3 in a short space of time. Zebroski added a fourth and to rub salt into the wound an OG finished off the scoring.
Torquay met the Shrews twice more in the play-offs that season, with United booking their place at Old Trafford. I needn’t tell you the rest……
TORQUAYTALK 
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