TT BLOG
Danny Burnell – @dannyburnell_92
Danny previews the upcoming week, as well as looking at events that happened on this day for the week commencing 18th July.
THE WEEK AHEAD
Tuesday – TUFC v Plymouth @ Plainmoor (19.45 KO)
Fresh from the competitive outing on Saturday, the Gulls return to Plainmoor for their fourth match of this pre-season campaign. In what is now becoming a mainstay in the Summer calendar, Argyle will prove a stern test for the newly assembled Gulls. Having missed out on the League One play-offs last season, Steven Schumacher will undoubtedly send a strong team with just 18 days until the season kicks off. The Pilgrims ran out comfortable winners last season, but a repeat of the 2019 result would raise a smile from the Yellow Army, when an Armani Little thunderbolt helped secure an impressive 3-1 victory.
Thursday – TUWFC Open Trials @ Paignton Community College (19.00)
The Devon Cup holders are on the look out for new blood for theis upcoming season. Details of which can be found below.
Saturday – TUFC v Exeter @ Plainmoor (15.00 KO)
Newly promoted Exeter are our third visitors to the Bay in an action packed week. With just 2 weeks left, this is currently scheduled to be United’s last friendly of the Summer. Johnson will no doubt be looking to put on a display for the Yellow Army, and an idea of the starting XI come 6th August, may become all that clearer.
Sunday – TUWFC v Portishead Town @ Liverton United FC (14.00 KO)
In their second fixture of the pre-season campaign, the Ladies host Somerset side Portishead Town in what should be a tough test for the South West Premier side.
PLAYED FOR BOTH
Plymouth – Plenty of players over the years have plied their trade with both Devon clubs. To name just a few, Craig Taylor, Brian McGlinchey, Adam Randell, Micky Evans & Ian Stonebridge.
Exeter – Similarly, there have been a host of players to play for both. In recent seasons, Jamie Reid & Jack Sparkes. Paul Buckle, as well as his trio of converts in Chris Todd, Lee Phillips & Martin Rice. Gary Warren & Alex Russell are also on that list, a list which could go on for hours!
BIRTHDAYS
Jamie Reid – The free-scoring favourite, now at Stevenage, will turn 28 on Monday.
Martin Ling – Guided the Gulls to a respectable play-off semi, before being knocked out to Cheltenham. Turns 56 on Monday.
Ruairi Keating – A real crowd pleaser in his time at Plainmoor for his never-say-die attitude. The Irishman, now at Cork City, celebrated his 27th birthday on Saturday.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT : RUAIRI KEATING
Position: Striker
Place of birth: Westport, County Mayo
DOB: 16/07/1995
TUFC Stats (all competitions) : Appearances: 119, Goals: 16
Clubs represented: Sligo Rovers, Finn Harps, Galway United, Torquay, Gateshead, Cork City
Signed by: Kevin Nicholson
Memorable moment: A 90th minute winner in a 2-1 victory at Southport proved crucial in the Gulls bid for safety.
ON THIS DAY
22nd July 2018 – It is announced Truro will be ground-sharing with the Gulls for the upcoming NLS campaign.
20th July 2001 – Ahead of the new season, Ray McFarland succeeds Colin Lee in becoming the new manager
21st July 1990 – United host Red Star Belgrade in a pre-season friendly at Plainmoor. It would finish 2-1 to the Yugoslavians, who would go onto to win the European Cup that season.
24th July 1987 – Former Scottish champions and Cup Winners’ Cup victors Aberdeen travel to Plainmoor. In an entertaining game, it ends 1-1 with Mark Loram netting for the Gulls.
NOSTALGIA STREET
TUFC 1-1 CARDIFF CITY
Date: 20th July 2018
Competition: Pre-season
Venue: Plainmoor
Attendance: 2,114
Starting Line-Up: Alex Bass, Ben Wynter, Liam Davis, George Essuman, Asa Hall, Brett Williams, Samir Nabi, Jean-Yves Koue Niate, Ryan Dickson, Kyle Cameron, Jamie Reid
Subs: Ruairi Keating, Jason Banton, Olaf Koszela, Alfie Edwards, Shaun MacDonald, Jon-Paul Pittman, James Roberts.
An encouraging night for the newly relegated Gulls. Premier League side Cardiff came to Plainmoor at full strength, fielding the likes of Junior Hoilett & Sol Bamba, but Gary Owers’ side gave as good as they got. Josh Murphy put the visitors ahead in the first half, but substitute Keating levelled to earn a very respectable draw against Neil Warnocks’ men.
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