TALKING POINTS

Dom Roman

@DomRoman

Dom discusses the win at Plainmoor

THREE IN A ROW

Three games that looked very winnable on paper, and thankfully the Gulls delivered! This was a different challenge to Tonbridge on Saturday, Weymouth’s gameplan was based around getting close and physical with United, then finding space on the counter and exploiting our often jittery defence, and in the first half occasionally it worked. But after two goals (don’t worry I’ll come back to Brett McGavin), it was important Torquay kept their slim lead going into half time and in the second half we were strong, focused and controlled the territory of the game. In the end a perfect kick by Mark Halstead and a fine finish by Lewis Collins was the icing on the cake, and it gave us a deserved 3 points.

BRETT MCGAVIN

Had anyone predicted at the start of the season that Brett McGavin would score 7 before the middle of December, then they would have been laughed at and deemed insane. But after another stunning effort from ‘Shooter’ here we are. Jack Stobbs was taking free kicks at the start of the season, but McGavin always looks more likely to hit the target and this ‘postage stamp’ strike was absolutely perfect to open the scoring. The goal was not the whole story though, as the midfielder was prominent throughout, showing very good awareness to break up attacks and win the midfield battles. This is the sort of commitment and energy that we were hoping to see last season, and allied to his goals, Brett is suddenly showing real signs of becoming a proper player. I said at the start of the season that this year is critical for the ex-King’s Lynn man, a year that can make or break his career – now with injuries hitting us hard, he’s needed more than ever.

HARRIS IMPRESSING

I usually wait to form impressions of new players until after they’ve played a few games for United, and I’ve been impressed by what Archie Harris has brought to the table so far. Nothing too showy or flashy, the left back gets on about his job with minimum fuss, gets stuck in when required and likes to get forward when the time is right. As his confidence grows and he settles into life at TUFC, I think we’ll see more impact from the full back in the coming games and with any luck we can keep him at Plainmoor for a decent while. Good job Archie!

INJURIES, INJURIES, INJURIES

I’m not sure I’ve ever witnessed so many appearances by the Torquay United medical staff in one week of football. After the numerous knocks against Tonbridge, this was more of the same, with Tom Lapslie suffering more than most in the early minutes, whilst Brad Ash and then Jack Stobbs also had to be substituted (we were lucky not to suffer more as Weymouth players lunged into challenges). It was sad to see Stobbs stretchered off, the winger had been busy as usual and one can only assume he’ll be out for a while. Get well soon Jack. This leaves the Gulls squad down to the bare bones. With Frome Town (a) on Saturday, the likes of Callum Thomas and Ryan Hanson will get a start, whilst some youth teamers could well be called upon. These injuries are a worry heading towards the busy Xmas period, and perhaps we’ll see another loan or two brought in. Team spirit has improved but a severely weakened TUFC line-up can only do so much.

COLLINS AT LAST!!

We can stop saying he needs a goal now! The 3rd goal was a belting left foot finish from Lewis Collins and boy did he enjoy it. The strike must have been a relief to Lewis, he’d contributed assists this season but needed to show more, especially considering he’d made the step down to the National League South. Call me greedy but I’d still like to see more from the Welshman in all areas of his game, but perhaps this is the start of an exciting period of form for him. With Brad Ash limping off on Tuesday night and Aaron Jarvis still side-lined, that would be good timing.