There’s still plenty up for grabs across the board with titles and silverware on the line. Whilst the U18’s clinched the title, two more cup finals are still on the horizon for them, whilst the two ladies team’s battle it out for that top spot. Gary Johnsons’ men enter another crucial week………..
What’s happening this week……..
Saturday – TUFC v Notts County @ Plainmoor (15.00 KO)
A two-week gap since the last game couldn’t have come at a worse time. United were in fine form, entering the break, and with results going against them on Saturday, this is surely a must-win for the Gulls. This will be the third consecutive home game for the Yellow Army to enjoy, with 7-0 the current aggregate from the previous two outings. Notts C will no doubt provide a sterner test for the Gulls however, as they also try to cement a place in the play-offs.
It will be 10 months since County last visited the Bay, and whilst ‘Sweet Caroline’ wasn’t as annoying back then, a repeat of that fantastic afternoon would be most timely. Any excuse to show this again……..
Sunday – Ilminster Ladies v TUFC Women @ Archie Gooch Pavilion (14.00 KO)
It’s a big game at the top as United travel to table toppers Ilminster. Third placed United still have slim hopes of the title, should results elsewhere be favourable.
Birthdays
Alex Watson – 54
Tuesday see’s the former defender turn 54. The ex Liverpool youth player played over 200 games for the Gulls between 1995 and 2001.
Armani Little – 25
Our current vice-captain will celebrate quarter of a century on Tuesday. The midfielder has been in scintillating form this season with 11 goals and 13 assists. I’m sure he’s not done adding to that tally either. Have a good one Armani!
Jamie Sendells-White – 28
Jamie will turn 28 on Sunday. The former Swindon & Orient defender played 26 times in the Gulls title winning National League South campaign.
On this day……
5th April 2021 – It’s a ‘Gary time’ special as Sam Sherring slams home a late winner to down Wrexham 1-0 in North Wales, and complete the double.
6th April 2019 – Woking away in the NLS. I think you know the rest. See ‘A trip down memory lane’.
6th April 2012 – United beat Accrington 1-0 at Plainmoor thanks to a Rene Howe goal. This would turn out to be the Yellow’s last win of the season as they stumble into the play-offs and ultimately lose out to Cheltenham.
9th April 2011 – Paul Buckle’s men make it 7 unbeaten in their push for the play-offs, as they comfortably beat Bradford 3-0 at Valley Parade. Nicholson, Tomlin & Kee with the goals.
10th April 2010 – Table topping Rochdale come to Plainmoor with their Champagne on ice. 21st placed Torquay destroy their opponents 5-0.
6th April 1991 – John Impey is appointed manager, as he succeeds Dave Smith. He would last just 28 games. Two days later he enjoys his first win as boss, a convincing 5-0 win over Aldershot.
9th April 1988 – A young Lee Sharpe scores his first of 3 goals in a Torquay shirt. The Gulls beat Cardiff 2-0 at Plainmoor.
10th April 1971 – Torquay secure their first ever double over Argyle with a 2-1 victory. 17,175 are inside Home Park to witness the Devon derby.
5th April 1952 – A Tommy Northcott hat-trick helps Torquay dispatch Aldershot 6-1 at Plainmoor.
10th April 1937 – An eleven goal thriller at TQ1. Unfortunately Watford secure the 3 points with a 4-7 win.
9th April 1927 – Torquay secure their 10th successive league win as they beat Barry 4-2 in their last season before they enter the Football League.
As it stood…….(10th April)
2016: Kevin Nicholson’s remarkable revival saw the Gulls 3 points clear of the relegation zone with 4 games to play. Just 2 months previously, they were rock bottom and 12 points from safety. Torquay went 8 games unbeaten until mid-March, until back-to-back defeats to Dover & Eastleigh.
2006: It was looking bleak for Ian Atkins’ men in their bid for safety. With just 6 games to go, United were 5 points from safety. After losing the six-pointer at Rushden, United follow it up with another defeat at the hands of Darlington. United had 6 cup finals to maintain their FL status.
1996: A disastrous season couldn’t end soon enough as the Gulls sat bottom of Division Three. They were 9 points adrift of Scarborough with 5 games to play. United were spared relegation thanks to Stevenage’s inadequate facilities failing to meet FL standards.
‘A trip down memory lane’
Woking 3-3 Torquay
Saturday 6th April – National League South
Venue: Kingfield Stadium
Attendance : 4,589
United line up: MacDonald, Wynter, Niate, Cameron, Davis, Kalala, Hall, Lemonheigh-Evans, Keating, Reid, Janneh
Subs: Burton, Sendells-White, Dickson, Andrews, Vincent
With five games left to play, seven points separated the top 2 in the NLS. Over 4,500, including 1,403 Gulls fans, packed inside the stadium to witness this six goal thriller which did not disappoint.
Since GJ’s arrival in September, United were in formidable form. Not many could keep pace with them, but Woking were one of the few who maintained high standards right till the end.
Greg Luer struck for the hosts just 8 minutes in, but the lead didn’t last long. Keating threaded a lovely through ball to the relentless Jamie Reid, who duly slotted home. Torquay’s usually reliable back four had a difficult afternoon, and that told, as Luer doubled his tally. Cadogan made it 3 half way through the second half, and Woking tails were firmly up.
With 10 minutes left on the clock, Torquay gave themselves hope as Janneh nodded in from close range. And moments later the Cards were reduced to 10. Ben Gerring was always going to play a part in this fixture, and so it proved. The former Gull was second to the ball when Reid nicked it past him, much to the travelling Yellow Army’s delight.
As the timer ticked over to 90, it was last chance saloon for the boys in Yellow. A long thrown in from substitute Ryan Dickson wasn’t dealt with, and the ball eventually fell to Ben Wynter who lashed home a fantastic left foot shot. Cue the pandemonium. 3-3 and a point secured in the most dramatic of ways!
The title was not yet wrapped up, but with four to play, the engraving was virtually on the trophy! Re-live the moment below!
TORQUAYTALK 
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