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 29th August

THE WEEK AHEAD

Bank Holiday Monday – TUFC v Woking @ Plainmoor (15.00 KO)

Almost a year to do the day since the Cards came to Plainmoor and romped to victory 4-0, in rather emphatic style. United will be hoping to turn fortunes around in what has been a stop-start beginning to the campaign. The Gulls’ inability to convert chances this season has seen them score just 1 goal in the opening 5 matches.

Woking come into the game off the back of a 3-2 loss against Wrexham.

Saturday – Southend v TUFC @ Roots Hall (15.00 KO)

In a repeat of last season’s closer, United head east once more to face a difficult challenge in the shape of Southend. The Shrimpers’ have recruited lots over the summer as they look to push for a promotion place back to the Football League.

Sunday – TUWFC v Sherborne Town Ladies @ Coach Road, Newton Abbott (14.00 KO)

The Ladies’ season kicks off with a tough home clash with last season’s 3rd placed team, Sherborne. Steve Elswood will look to build on the Gulls’ brilliant campaign last time out, where they clinched the County Cup. The Women will be hoping to bounce off the Lionesses’ boom which saw them be crowned the European champions.

PLAYED FOR BOTH

One time pantomime villain Ben Gerring as had the honour of donning the colours of both Torquay and Woking. Jason Banton & Bobson Bawling (remember them!) both made the switch from Surrey to Devon back in the summer of 2018. They played just 6 times each for the Gulls’. Armani Little, Brett Williams & Jamie Gosling are also players who have represented both clubs.

United’s record signing, Leon Constantine, played 43 times for Southend, scoring 21 goals back in 03/04, before a move to Peterborough. Having not worked out at the Posh, he made the £75,000 switch to Plainmoor in 2004. Blair Sturrocck, son of Paul, had a loan spell at Torquay, before turning out for Southend.

BIRTHDAYS

Elliot Benyon – The former striker, who still plays for NL South Slough Town, will celebrate turning 35 on Monday.

Lee Hodges – The veteran midfielder turned manager, will turn 49 on Sunday.

Jean-Pierre Simb – The Frenchman, who appeared 26 times in Torquay colours, will celebrate his 48th birthday on Sunday.

ON THIS DAY

1st September 2018 – Gary Owers gets his last win as United boss as they beat Hemel Hempstead 2-0. He is sacked 11 days later.

4th September 1993 – Mark Loram makes his final Gulls’ appearance, coming on as a sub against Colchester.

30th August 1958 – Plainmoor hosts it’s first ever match in a fully national division (Div 4). Watford are the visitors, as the away side claim a 3-2 victory.

31st August 1946 – The first league match post WWII is held, as Torquay draw 1-1 at Exeter.

2nd September 1933 – United suffer their joint heaviest league defeat, as Luton destroy them 2-10 at Plainmoor.