TALKING POINTS

Chris Wade

@tufcchris

PERFORMANCE LEVELS

After the frustration of the previous disappointing performance levels, it was good to get three points with a performance that we could all be proud of on Tuesday against Farnborough. It was the first time that the pattern of play has been there, that we have moved the ball with accuracy and precision and produced some goal-scoring situations from open play consistently. More of the same will be needed against another solid, National League South team at Plainmoor. The Clarets were my tip to be the dark horse and are in the mix already early into the new season.

AND AGAIN PLEASE BRETT

The performance of the enigmatic Brett McGavin has been much talked about since Tuesday. Playing in a deeper role, he was able to use the ball, play the simple pass well, and transition the ball from the defenders into the attacking midfielders and the strikers. I have thought before that his travails could all be down to the system and where has been selected within it, as he has played further forward before. The key to the player in that position in that formation is to be comfortable to take the ball on the half turn and to have the ability to see what’s ahead of you and quickly. The important thing for Brett now is to back Tuesday up with another strong game.

JASH

The front two have really started to find their feet in recent games, now being on four goals each. Aaron Jarvis has been exceptional in the last two games at Plainmoor, and has been everything that you want in your centre forward. Brad Ash has impressed me since he arrived through the door, and although in a wider role on Tuesday, he again carried threat and took his chance for his first goal at Plainmoor when it presented itself. That’s 8 goals in 8 games now for Jash, and they’ll be confident of adding to that tally on Saturday.

RETURN OF THE MOX

The return of the ever dependable Dean Moxey during the week was another welcome sight. Injured through pre season and then picking up another niggle early into his come back, it was good to see him looking fit and ready for action. He brings a sense of calm and leadership, not to mention quality on the ball from wide areas. There will be concerns with him playing at left back in a back four, but his clever positional play and awareness gets him out of trouble. Him being withdrawn after an hour looked like the plan and hopefully his fitness is ready for the weekend.

BACK TO BACK

I see this as an important game, as it closes the initial phase of the season, as we head into a two week break from the league and we commence the FA Cup next week (no, really). Another three points and 19 points from 9 games would be an excellent start, especially given some of the performances. These are the games at home where we need to start strong, get on the front foot and lead from the early stages. An early goal has been lacking and we saw the importance of the first goal on Tuesday, something we haven’t done a lot this season. Three more points and we’ll be heading upwards still further.