TALKING POINTS
Dom Roman
@DomRoman
Dom discusses the NLS game
GETTING OUT OF THE RUT
So it’s back to Plainmoor on Saturday (assuming the game isn’t called off) to face the Romans from Bath. Two games against two of the top 3 in the matter of 4 days and two fixtures that had been highly anticipated weeks ago, but are now prepared for with plenty of understandable apprehension. Considering the division we are in, October was perhaps one of the worst months results-wise in our club’s history and with 6 defeats on the board now out of 14 games, the Gulls have plunged to a frankly embarrassing 10th position. The good news? Well, everyone is beating everyone in this division, and any upturn in form and a little consistency could push us up the table in the blink of an eye. Can this upturn start in the next two games and reverse the bad vibes that resonate around the Yellow Army? We can but hope.
THE LINE-UP
After dismal recent form the line-up will surely change this Saturday, with new chap Theo Williams perhaps in line for a debut, whilst Tom Lapslie and Dillon De Silva are both close to fitness. In defence I’m not sure Gary Johnson can possibly play Ross Marshall again (no promises though), the centre back has had a nightmare few weeks, with the latest penalty conceded giving Hampton a 2-0 lead last Saturday. So I find it hard to believe we can trust him at all in these two upcoming games. What that will leave us with at around 2pm on Saturday is anyone’s guess, and there’s also a doubt over Mark Halstead’s availability after his painful knock against Hampton. Tactically it needs to be spot-on against one the stronger teams in the division, which means our underperforming manager and his assistant need to come up trumps.
CALLUM DOLAN
Speaking of Callum Dolan, I was impressed by what I saw of the lad in the Hampton highlights. He looked determined and purposeful, and clearly isn’t afraid to have a pop at goal! If his attitude is right and we can get him possession in the right areas, then he should be able to bag a few goals and make us more forward thinking in the midfield area. It’s hard searching for positives at the moment, with confidence low we need players to step up and give the Yellow Army something to cheer about. Could Dolan be that man or am I grasping for straws? Ask me again on Wednesday.
THE OPPOSITION
After finishing 11th last season, Bath City have had a strong start to this one and currently sit in 3rd place on 25 points. Recently their form has been wobbly, losing twice to Worthing and also getting turned over by Tonbridge Angels, so manager Jerry Gill will be wary of them slipping back down the table. Scott Wilson is their main danger man, he’s scored 10 goals in 14 league games, and with our defensive record the striker will fancy adding to that at Plainmoor. Wingers Ewan Clark and Jordan Thomas are flagged by this week’s opposition Q&A supporter Steven as players to watch, whilst ex-Truro striker Cody Cooke is a familiar name, he’s been a sub recently for the Romans.
UNDER PRESSURE?
The ‘Gary Johnson Out’ shouts are getting louder and louder this season, both at games and on social media. Does this feeling drift towards George Edwards and Clarke Osborne and influence their decision making, or is Gary Johnson assured of a job whatever the scores? Two big games in front of two big crowds, defeats in these would prompt a managerial change at most clubs, but Torquay United aren’t most clubs! On the flip side, maybe just maybe the old grinder will get his lads playing this week and grab results that put smiles on faces for a change. Him and his team have to come out swinging this Saturday, boy do we need a performance to lighten our moods and bring pride back to supporting our club. COYY…please.