This is our biggest away test for a while on Saturday against a team who are in fine form and pushing for promotion – Town will definitely be favourites for this one. But Torquay must approach this task with a positive attitude. We’ve already shown we can grab results away at the likes of Chesterfield, Wrexham and Notts County this season, if the team are in the right mood then a good result can be grinded out. Would a draw be a good one? In normal circumstances – definitely. In our current situation, it depends on what the teams around us manage. I hope United play with a more attacking approach than the Bromley/Boreham games, this is no time to be conservative and a win would be fantastic.
THE LINE-UP
Dan Martin and Asa Hall both sat unused on the bench last Saturday, whilst Joe Lewis missed the game through suspension. I’d imagine Martin and Lewis will both return, most likely in place of Johnson and Omar, whilst Asa Hall could also be called back into action. His steady influence would be welcome in a game where cool heads will be required. At King’s Lynn the team lost it’s composure in the second half and could easily have conceded at least one goal – 3rd placed FC Halifax are more likely to take advantage of those shortfalls. Town play a cohesive 3-5-2, so United matching up to that would be no surprise, perhaps with Asa slotting into the back 3.
STOPPING BILLY!
FC Halifax Town are much more than Billy Waters, but let’s face it, stopping the striker from scoring will be one of Gary Johnson’s priorities come Saturday afternoon! It’s a shame the striker didn’t stay at Plainmoor, he was a busy player with an excellent attitude and chipped in a few important goals for the Gulls…but it wasn’t to be. He’s joined in attack by the skilful Jordan Slew, and it’ll be a cracking battle between them and the likes of Joe Lewis and Dean Moxey. Other names to mention for the Shaymen are midfielder Luke Summerfield, who scored a 25 yarder in mid-week to win the game versus Bromley, and goalkeeper Sam Johnson who has 14 NL clean sheets under his belt this season. Manager Pete Wild has assembled a strong team up there in the last couple of years, and we’ll have to be at our best to match them.
SUPPORTING DANNY
One key thing that happened in Norfolk last Saturday was the support Danny Wright received when he gathered the ball. Last season the likes of Ben Whitfield, CLE and Aaron Nemane buzzed around the veteran and gave him options, but that sort of thing has been sorely lacking during 2021-22. United’s running off the ball was better at King’s Lynn, players pushing forward out wide and gambling on Wrighty winning the ball and being able to feed it on. Town’s defence is much sterner than the NLS bound Lynn, but if the likes of Wearne, Duke and CLE can repeat some of that gusto going forward, then maybe more rewards will come our way.
FEED THE DUKE!
It’s a common occurrence at Torquay United that loan players arrive and soon become crowd favourites. The latest to take this mantle is Stephen Duke-McKenna, who’s energy and aggressive is often matched by his quality on the ball. The midfielder/winger just loves a game of football, charging into challenges and showing for a pass on every possible occasion. His desire and enthusiasm can inspire us in the coming games, and it’s up to other players to match it. Get the Duke involved (preferably high up the pitch) and things can happen for the Gulls!
Safe travels to those heading to the Shay.
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TORQUAYTALK 
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