TALKING POINTS

Dom Roman – @DomRoman

Dom discusses talking points ahead of the game at Huish Park

BIGGEST GAME OF THE SEASON (PART 2)

So here we go again, part 2 of Torquay United versus Yeovil Town 2022/23, two poor National League teams going head to head once more after an often fast and chaotic Boxing Day encounter, where United threw some good early punches, but ended up cowering against the ropes as their opponent took plenty of 2nd half swings. Unfortunately a win never feels very likely at Plainmoor these days. At 1-0 up none of us felt optimistic of 3 points despite the 1st half positives, because this old scrapper lacks the backbone and strength to see these fights through. Now we head to Huish Park as underdogs, and maybe just maybe this will suit us. Away from the grim reality of home struggles, with many expecting a win for the hosts, perhaps the lads will find their inner Dan Holman and bring back 3 valuable points. Bloody hell we need it!

THE LINE-UP

When Mark Ellis went down in the final embers of the Boxing Day game, you could almost hear the groans from around the old ground. Let’s be honest Mark hasn’t exactly transformed us since arriving, but we’re still better with him in the team, mainly due to the options available on the side-lines. Yes I’m talking about you Marshall, Omar and Tomlinson! Out of those Marshall will probably get the nod if fit, and we have to hope for a Daggers (a) type performance from him. Also out is Dylan Crowe who was red carded in the first game, plenty for him to think about, whilst Ben Wyatt got his 5th booking but we believe is eligible to play. This means Ryan Hanson might fill in at RB, all very worrying! OR there is one possible option at centre back or full back, in the form of Dean Moxey. If Deano can pass a fitness test then he could slot into defence and give us some leadership at the back. In midfield Tom Lapslie looked well off fitness, whilst we’re still awaiting the return of Asa Hall. In the situation we are in, I can imagine Gary Johnson throwing the likes of Hall and Moxey back into action from kick off, hoping they can make the difference in a massive match (even if it might mean another injury). Desperate times and all that!

GOODWIN & JARVIS

Why doesn’t the partnership of Will Goodwin and Aaron Jarvis click? These are two good players, two players who work hard and are also unselfish around the penalty area, but it just hasn’t come together so far. I’d say that neither player is blessed with passing ability in tight situations, meaning their intentions are honourable but the critical move cannot be executed. Both players also like to take several touches on the ball to compose themselves, and this delay is allowing the opposition time to stop them combining. They’ve both found a batch of goals this season, but in tandem the partnership is stuttering and importantly also making us light in midfield. On Boxing Day Goodwin spent much of the game moving back to midfield and picking up possession deep, which didn’t suit him, whilst overall Jarvis cut a frustrated figure in attack. It’s unlikely Gary Johnson will drop one at the moment, so making this work is very much key to getting something on New Year’s Day. Just don’t leave more gaping holes in midfield GJ please….

THE OPPOSITION

Yeovil Town and Torquay United have very similar quality around the squad, but one thing they definitely have more of is attacking threat to bring off the bench, with Malachi Linton and Alex Fisher both giving us problems in the frenetic Boxing Day second half. On that showing it surprises me that Linton isn’t first choice, as he was energetic, pacy and a constant threat to Donnellan and Ellis. Otherwise defensively they looked shaky, physically strong but there to be got at if the right passes are made. In midfield Josh Staunton always impresses me with his bustling runs and tackles, had he been helping Evans and McGavin out in our side, then 3 points would have been ours. In general a team that any proper Torquay United side would despatch, but considering the improvement they made in the second half and our incompetence, they’ll really fancy their chances of getting the job done at Huish Park.