TALKING POINTS

Dom Roman

@DomRoman

Dom discusses talking points ahead of the NL game

CHESTERFIELD FC (A)

Five wins in a row? Unbelievable. Still in the bottom four? Unbelievable. Onwards we go, to the Technique Stadium and probably our toughest test since the team became…decent! On the plus side, we have belief, fighting spirit, luck apparently on our side (some debatable refereeing decisions and the woodwork helping our cause on Saturday), and most importantly we have two strikers bang in form. On the negative side, the defence wobbled at the weekend and the team looked a bit weary for the first time in this winning run, but in this great escape push momentum is key and we certainly have a chance of turning Paul Cook’s team over.

THE LINE-UP

There will be keen eyes on the line-up announcement tonight. In an ideal world Lapslie, Hall and Dawson would be fit and firing for this clash, but Tom missed the York City game and Asa Hall looked increasingly leggy as the energetic game wore on. Perhaps Lapslie will return and Hall will find the energy to be a key man yet again, but it’s definitely a concern heading into this one, though to his credit Kieron Evans did well behind the strikers on Saturday. Apart from that, barring any problems for the likes of Mox and Nouble, it’ll be the same again for the Gulls. The drop off in composure and ability to our subs against York City was noticeable. Omar, Wyatt and Hanson did their bit, but Gary Johnson would rather their game time is limited that’s for sure.

AARON JARVIS

18 goals now this season for the bearded wonder, the ‘Torquay Giroud’ if you will! Jarv deserves the plaudits, his performances have been spot on and York’s defence couldn’t handle him. The two headers against Maidenhead and York came from sumptuous by-line deliveries, we’ve not been doing enough of that this season, and overall, considering the service that’s been on offer, 18 goals is an excellent return. He came to us after a torrid time at Scunthorpe, you did wonder how low his confidence would be and if he’d even get 10 goals, well Aaron’s answered those questions with aplomb. A handsome diamond amongst our torrid summer signings, and someone who could easily play again in the EFL on this form.

THE OPPOSITION

Paul Cook’s Chesterfield team rallied to win 3-2 against Eastleigh on Saturday, so come into this game in good spirits and sitting 3rd in the National League table. Their side includes ex-Alty winger Ryan Colclough who has always impressed me, striker Paul McCallum, who is always a big handful and Andrew Dallas, who always scores against Torquay United! With a big crowd of around 6k expected, and a team looking to build momentum going into the play-offs, this will test United’s new mentality. The home team will most likely start on the front foot and push up to dominate possession, Gary Johnson will demand his team rise to the occasion once more and respond in kind. The Spireites have wobbled at home this season, so the on-form Gulls should play with no fear.

OPPOSITION Q&A – Chesterfield FC by Phil Tooley

3 GAMES LEFT

This will be another match where the Gulls’ leaders will have to be at their best, The likes of Moxey, Hall, Dawson, Jarvis and Nouble will be so important in keeping things solid, winning possession and getting United on the attack. Mark Halstead will also expect another busy 90 minutes, and after the heroics against York, he’ll fancy his chances of saving anything! For the first time in a while, this is not a must-win game for the Gulls, but 3 points would be absolutely huge and finally take us out of the bottom 4 after months of toil and suffering. I’m sure the Yellow Army will be there in strong numbers again, willing their team on, and a win at the Technique would no doubt be our best result of the season. Come On You Yellows!