TALKING POINTS

Tom Diamond

@GullsSoc

Tom discusses the win at Frome

LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL

Today’s 4-1 victory at the hands of high flying Southern League side Frome is the Gulls’ fourth consecutive win, meaning six wins in our last seven games in all competitions. So the title push is back on, and we look set to make our first Wembley appearance since THAT Sills header which returned us to a galaxy far far away known as the football league. I haven’t even watched Star Wars so not sure where that came from. The more cynical amongst you will be quick to burst my bubble of rejuvenated happiness, however, it does feel like a certain degree of positivity is returning. Standing on a terrace which simply sloped upwards rather than having the traditional steps (I quite liked this), I felt I was watching a team who knew their roles, and wanted to play together. Have I felt that often this season? I think you know the answer. The boys backed each other up, put together nice patterns of play, and scored good goals. Long may it continue.

LES ENFANTS

Today’s game saw full debuts for both Callum Thomas and Jacob Wellington, as well as substitute appearances for fellow academy products Kai Swann and Thomas Chastey. All four could walk off the pitch with their heads held high having worked hard, and done some good things on and off the ball. On a tricky pitch, against physical opposition, this was not the easiest of games in which to make an impression, but the lads gave their all and were well supported by the more experienced Gulls players. ‘What ya doing, he’s just a kid’, said McGavin at one point to the Frome number 10 who tried to start some beef with Wellington (pun… intended). Despite a dodgy moment for the missed Frome pen, Callum Thomas in particular looked like he belonged and was solid alongside Tomlinson at centre-half all afternoon. Whether any of these players will go on to regularly play for the first team is yet to be seen, but it is good to see more young players getting an opportunity in the big time.

INDIVIDUAL IMPROVEMENTS

The Gulls have been showing noticeable improvements as a team in recent weeks. In particular, many players who have been either inconsistent or underwhelming so far seem to be, and I hope I don’t jinx it, stepping up to the plate. Brett McGavin has divided opinion for parts of this season but seems to be growing in confidence all the time, and nearly stuck another free kick into the top cobwebs at Frome this afternoon. Now, here’s a question I never thought I’d get to ask, what was more surprising this afternoon? – 1) Marshall as skipper? 2) Marshall on the right side of a front three? Given the youthful Gulls outfit, Marshall as skipper can be explained, but not many could have predicted he’d do it from the wing. However, Captain Ross (that still doesn’t sound right) seems to be on an upward trajectory with his performances. There is definitely an effective player in there, so let’s hope he continues to show this consistently. Finally, perhaps one of the most underwhelming players this season has been our No.10 Lewis Collins. I felt it was a real coup getting Collins to re-sign this season, but his performances have so far not lived up to what we saw during the near great escape last April. However, he finally scored a great goal on Tuesday night and once again played well today. My Dad, who asked me around 60 minutes in whether Collins had been playing during the first half, may disagree with that statement, but I thought he had a decent game.

LACK OF CLEAN SHEETS

Whilst the improvements in performance and results are welcomed with open arms by the Yellow Army, we are still struggling with the concept of keeping the ball out of our net for 90 minutes. The current run of six wins in the last seven has seen just one clean sheet against basement boys Havant & Waterlooville. Out of the current top 10 NLS teams, we have conceded *checks notes* the second most amount of goals. In order for us to mount any sort of title challenge, or even ensure we finish in that valuable second spot, we must learn not to leak needless goals, regardless of whether it affects the outcome of the game. I hope the lads are frustrated at conceding today, 4-0 sounds nicer, doesn’t it? It is paramount that we stay switched on for the full 90 minutes and make teams work hard for reward.

START WITH A BANG

Today marks four games in a row that we have taken the lead within the first 20 minutes of the game. Not many would have predicted that after the Dartford disaster class, I certainly would not have. If you are a fan of the talking points reviews, you may recall me saying after the Yeovil game that ‘what I am seeing each week from the United players does, in no way, replicate the activities of a raging bull’. I am pleased to say I am starting to eat my words, as we continue to come out the blocks with intensity and energy. This is going to be crucial as the season goes on, Johnson and Downes need to show the fans that the players are motivated to give their all for the shirt. I believe we are starting to see that more, but it must continue.