TALKING POINTS

Dom Roman

@DomRoman

Dom discusses talking points ahead of the NL game

NINE TO GO

Nine games remain and at least 5 wins are required, Torquay United must click into old school ‘Great Escape Mode’. Gary Johnson’s team have been showing no signs of finding this sort of form, indeed had they succumbed to a 2 or 3-1 loss to Gateshead last weekend nobody would have blinked an eyelid. Instead there was a draw and then a clear week for this squad to find some kind of drive and enthusiasm to attack the run-in. Any unlikely counter attack has to start this weekend against a Daggers team most likely destined for mid-table, with a new manager checking out the squad and working out who he wants to keep this summer. Beatable opposition like many we have faced, and fat ladies and last chance saloons can be cancelled for another week, but only if the Gulls turn in a decent performance worthy of their loyal supporters.

THE LINE-UP

New man Jack Stobbs did well at Gateshead and will continue on the right wing, whilst new, new man Frank Nouble will slot into the side if fit. It would be a surprise if Asa Hall doesn’t start this one, the skipper has spoken about returning this week, Brett McGavin again played poorly last weekend and Tom Lapslie is still suspended, so I’m not sure Gary Johnson has any other choice! I’d imagine it will be a stout 4-4-2, with Evans/Stobbs on the wings, Dawson/Hall doggedly scrapping it out in midfield and Nouble/Jarvis partnering up in attack. Keep it simple, get down the wings, get crosses into the big men up top, with this limited squad that’s the best we can hope for I guess. At the back Mark Halstead will be fit by the sounds of it, and with Dean Moxey returning, the defence should have more organisation about it. Calamitous goals have cost United dear over the weeks, cutting those mistakes out should be a priority.

NEW GULL PROFILE – Frank Nouble by Dom Roman

KIERON EVANS

Myself and Chris Wade have been debating the merits of Kieron Evans for much of the season! I’ve always believed in Evans, and I like the proactive and positive attitude he brings to games, but Chris has rightly bemoaned the lack of end product. Well the worm is now turning for the Welshman as he starts to make a proper impact for the Gulls. He’s now got 7 goal contributions during 22-23, which is not bad considering the total was 1 up until 2023 started. The slammed home equaliser against Gateshead had the authority of someone who is starting to believe in himself at Torquay United. Our best hope is he can keep improving and dovetail well with new signing Nouble in the coming games. It’s a big ask for the young chap but unlike many of the players, Kieron is at least stepping up to the challenge.

THE OPPOSITION

New manager Ben Strevens took charge a couple of weeks ago at Daggers, and oversaw a home draw versus Oldham last weekend. Strevens looks a good appointment, he’s got valuable experience at Eastleigh and will look to bring his own stamp to an often talented team that has flattered to deceive over the years. The main man for Daggers is Inih Effiong, a striker who knows where the goal is, and his match-up with Nico Lawrence could have a big impact on how the game plays out. Otherwise, Sam Ling (Martin’s son) is an established midfielder at this level, and winger Mo Sagaf has usually impressed in games against Torquay. United haven’t beaten the Daggers at home since 2016 under Kevin Nicholson, but did turn them over surprisingly in December, our last away win! A team in transition and safe in mid-table with 52 points, lucky them.

LOOKING FOR HOPE

The signing of Frank Nouble this week gives us a little boost heading into this game, but with an improbably good run of form required, the Yellow Army would just love any win to celebrate and to give us a glimmer of hope. Win one game of football and perhaps another one will follow. I just want to see a Torquay United team with attack and energy, wiping clean the bad memories of recent Plainmoor nightmares and just having a go. Show us you are not a bunch of losers heading down with barely whimper and give us a decent weekend for a change!