TALKING POINTS

Thomas Kelly

@tommyktufc

Tom discusses the win at Havant

NEW LADS IMPRESS

It was the debut for new signing Ethon Archer at Havant and on first glance, he appears to be a promising young talent. What is encouraging is he likes to play football on the deck and he offered us something we’ve been sorely lacking in the wide channels for the last two seasons. Pace. He should have won us a penalty after a blatant shove in the back midway in the second half and was happy to switch flanks at a moments notice. Encouraging debut.

Theo Williams got himself on the scoresheet, being given the freedom of Havant to slot home the opener. He too has a bit of pace about him and made the Havant keeper make some sharp saves during the game, especially right on half time. He always got himself in dangerous positions in the Havant box and has the ability to be creative with the ball, which is refreshing to see.

I felt for Theo on Tuesday night, we didn’t play to his strengths. We did at Havant. Keep it on the deck, provide accurate crosses, reap the rewards. Simple game right?

FILIP SAVES THE DAY

When Rhys Lovett was replaced at half time, many feared the worst. That’s no disrespect to Filip, but with our first and second choice keepers out of contention, no one knew what to expect from the young Polish keeper, who last played in the Isthmian League for Merstham Town and recently signed on a short term non contract deal. He didn’t even have his surname on the back of his shirt.

In truth, Filip was very rarely troubled, mainly thanks to Havant’s terrible strikes at goal, however he literally saved the day after United conceded what I felt was an incredibly soft penalty. As much as I love Mark Halstead, he always dives too early which almost ends up with us conceding. Filip stood tall and whilst he did dive to his right, he managed to palm away the penalty hit straight down the middle of goal as he did so and kept the Gulls lead. It was heart warming seeing his post-match celebration and it was great that the rest of the team were there celebrating with him.

I’m sure once Mark Halstead is back fit, his services will probably no longer be required but he’s put himself in the shop window and hopefully he can find success and more long term. A nightmare for anyone reporting at a game to get his name right! We just called him Dave! Good effort Filip!

BRAD ASH

His first goal since early September, you could see how much that goal meant to Brad and his team mates. It was the least he deserved in a game where he chased everything and whilst it appeared he’d once again left his shooting boots at home, his contribution to the Gulls victory showed how vital of a player he can be for us if utilized in the right way.

There have been murmurings of discontents towards Brad after missing sitter after sitter in recent games, which I found to be slightly harsh. There’s no questioning his commitment to the cause and I do feel he has been let down by the tactics and the style of football we play. I’ve always maintained that Brad would come good for us this season and whilst it’s important to recognise that we did beat the bottom team in the league, he contributed to both of our goals with a lovely cross from himself for the opener and got his foot to Stobbs cross in the dying embers of the game, a real poacher’s goal.

STOBBS AND COLLINS

Personally, I think Stobbs and Collins should absolutely excel at this level, and whilst Stobbs did contribute to Ash’s goal, I was once again frustrated by both players performances and left wondering how they can rediscover the form they had towards the end of last season.

Collins played out wide on the left side of midfield, but I believe this isn’t his best or natural position. I found him to be rather anonymous in truth. The penalty he conceded I felt was rather soft but he didn’t seem to make a big fuss about it when it was awarded so maybe it was.

Could Collins be moved into a more central position perhaps, just behind the strikers? Should he be up front with Theo and Brad? I don’t know the answer in truth and that’s a worry. He hasn’t stood out in many games this season.

Jack Stobbs in recent games has rather underdelivered with his crosses. Whilst he got himself in good areas, his crosses into the box (for the most part) were wasteful, especially from set pieces.

CAN ONLY BEAT WHAT’S IN FRONT OF YOU

Let’s be frank. Havant weren’t very good and yet our first half performance was very below par. The team were out a good five minutes before the Hawks prior to the second half and with good reason.

Both sides were poor, yet Havant really should have punished us for our slow start to the game. Whilst we created half chances, Havant’s were much clearer cut. A shot just wide after Mox got an armful in the face, a shot over after a Hanson handball (who felt it was more important to argue with the referee instead of track back) caught United completely off guard and the excellent save by Lovett right on half time that should have resulted in a goal.

We were extremely fortunate to escape with a clean sheet in that first half and whatever Gary said at the break had the desired effect as we were much sharper and began to control the second half. I heard the term “Papering over the cracks” used at full time by some. We all know we still have weaknesses that need addressing, but all we had to do was win a game of football and bring 3 points to Devon which is exactly what we did. They’ll be sterner challenges than Havant, who appear in big trouble already. Enjoy the win and hope this is the start of better things to come in the league.

STAY UNITED YELLOW ARMY

As always, credit to the Yellow Army for their support once again. On first glance, it appeared to be a low turnout, which considering our form in recent weeks, I wouldn’t have begrudged anybody. A rough estimate of 200 scattered around the ground with not many supporting the home side either. The atmosphere was good once we got the first goal and barring a few comments at Gary and George Edwards, the main focus was on supporting Torquay United to victory.

On that though, there was a moment early in the second half where a fan got into a “verbal conversation” with Gary which he didn’t take too kindly too. I don’t know what was said and with everything that has gone on, especially in the last week, tensions are still high amongst everyone associated with the club.

We have to stay UNITED. We’ve begun a tough run of four away games on the spin. We need to focus on supporting the lads on the pitch and try and get ourselves as far up into the play-off picture as we can.

I know it’s hard with everything going on and off the pitch. The FA Trophy will be what it will be. My main focus is on league success. Enjoy the three points, COYY!