TALKING POINTS

Chris Wade – @TufcChris

Chris discusses talking points ahead of the NL clash

(MORE) NEW SIGNINGS

The addition of Jacob Mensah and Tope Fadahunsi has given the squad a boost. They are players that have both played in the EFL in recent times and will hopefully give some more experience in the battle to beat the drop. Numerous centre back combinations have been tried throughout the season, but Gary has struggled to settle on a consistent selection, mainly due to injuries and form. There are now options that will hopefully give the team a more solid foundation. Nico Lawrence looked promising on his Yellows debut in the FA Trophy and will hope to be given another opportunity, and Dean Moxey will also come back into contention.

FAST START

So often this season, we have started games and halves slowly. Whether that be early territory, possessions, opportunities or goals, we have been behind in so many games. Our record at coming from behind is actually pretty good, but we have to approach this game with an aggressive mindset. The first goal will be key on Saturday for all manner of reasons, so early pressure on a struggling Maidstone team would give us an excellent chance of victory. No excuses, switch on straight away and make this our day.

THE TABLE

As painful as it is right now, one glance at the table right now shows the magnitude of Saturday’s game. Now five points adrift from safety, with some pretty daunting games to follow over the next five weeks, winning against Maidstone is almost non-negotiable. Matches against Notts County, Barnet and Bromley follow in February and they are all tougher tests on paper than this one. Beating sides around you is always key in any league position and this has never been any truer than this Saturday. The Gulls poor record against sides around us is really hurting us right now, so something has to give.

HOME FORM

February will be a key month, with so many games and in particular at Plainmoor. The best way out of our current predicament is to start to turn it around at home. Two wins at Plainmoor is nowhere close to good enough and is a major reason why we are where we are. Significantly improving that will go a long way towards survival and at the same time create belief amongst the Yellow Army. We’ve beaten Taunton and Halifax in the last two fixtures at home, three wins in a row are simply a must.

THE IMPORTANCE OF JARVIS

The loss of Will Goodwin in recent weeks has magnified the importance of Aaron Jarvis even more. He led the line superbly against Taunton in the FA Trophy, dominating on the floor and in the air. He has been a really impressive acquisition and is absolutely vital to how we play, not to mention being the top goal-scorer in the team. Keeping him fit between now and the end of the season is going to be massive in us avoiding the dreaded relegation.

GET BEHIND THE TEAM

The wonderful Plainmoor crowd will be very important on Saturday. What has gone before is almost irrelevant as we tackle a huge game. The players are going to need our full support from minute one to minute ninety on Saturday, so helping the lads through it could make the difference. Let’s forgive the odd miss-placed pass, the overhit cross or the poor ball in and stay with them. It will be huge. So please get to Plainmoor, play your part and cheer us onto three vital points.