TALKING POINTS

Chris Wade

@tufcchris

NEED HOME COMFORTS

The key to any successful team is a good home record. That has taken a real dent in the last two weeks with consecutive defeats to Maidstone in the League and FA Cup. But this week really has to be back to business. As discussed by many on our social media channels this week (thanks for all of the views), there is a real feeling of unrest at all levels of the fanbase regarding all levels of the club. But the focus needs to get back to the pitch on Saturday and the frankly non-negotiable pocketing of three points.

THREE AT THE BACK?

Gary went back to the much debated three at the back last week, and it seemed to work far better than the flat back four from the weeks before. Maidstone afforded us a lot more space than seven days prior and that enabled us to move the ball really effectively in the first half, get around the sides and on occasions in behind. It should have led to at least one goal. With the return of Ross Marshall from suspension it will be interesting to see if we try to slot him into a three at the back, or revert to a four. As a general rule I am not a fan of three at the back, but it was an improvement and allowed more space in midfield for Brett McGavin to use the football.

TAKE YOUR CHANCES

At the risk of stating the obvious, you don’t win football matches if you don’t score goals. And my word has that been an issue the last few weeks. Not creating chances would be a bigger issue, but you have to take them. It’s that simple. Especially when you are slightly down on your luck and form. Last week would have been so different if we had scored the first goal, but that has to change in general. No goals in the first 30 minutes of a league game since the opening game? That won’t win you the League.

9 POINTS

Our poll for Gull’s Eye View this week asked if 9 points a must from the three games this week. Absolutely for me. Welling, Weston-Super-Mare and Hampton are three teams that we have to be/should be beating if we are serious about competing at the top of the league. 7 would be acceptable, but any less would be a real issue. Put them in a cage and poke them with a stick is the best way for me. It’s all been so slow at the start of games, and that has to change. Go out, go at them and get in front. Games look different when you do that.

HOME SUPPORT

Saturday promises to be an excellent atmosphere with the club running another Community Day. Around 700 tickets have been given away to local clubs, which is great and a really good way to get people through the gates and into watching the club. Whatever we all think about the owner, the CEO and the management group, 3-5 on a Saturday is about the team and three points is all that matters. We certainly need it.