TALKING POINTS

Chris Wade

@tufcchris

Chris discusses the NLS game

BACK TO THE LEAGUE

After last weekend’s fine afternoon out in Somerset, it’s back to the pursuit of promotion in the National League South with the visit of Hemel Hempstead to Plainmoor on Saturday. Torquay go into the game off the back of three consecutive wins in the League and will look to increase that over the next seven days with trips to Taunton and Chelmsford to follow. Nine more points would really set us up for a happy Christmas. The home form has been very good of late and we should be able to add to that at the weekend.

FRINGE PLAYERS MAKING AN IMPACT

The increase in requirement to use players that have previously been fringe players has been a real plus in recent weeks. Dylan Crowe and Ryan Hanson arrived at the club with high potential and high hopes but have flattered to deceive in the main. But due to the high levels of injuries in recent weeks, they have been playing far more regularly and have performed to a good standard. Both were solid and contributed in an inexperienced line up at Frome in the FA Trophy last week, and the return of more regular players will give Gary Johnson some decisions to make.

WILL JENKINS DAVIES

The return of Plymouth loanee Will Jenkins Davis ahead of last week was a welcome boost. He was just starting to find his feet and the physicality of the standard when he got injured in the corresponding fixture in September. He was straight back at it last weekend, scoring with virtually his first touch and showing again how useful he can be with his ability to move with the ball and find a pass. There is no doubt that he has ability, and his fitness, availability and skill could be a real weapon over the Festive period.

CHRISTMAS SPIRIT

This weekend sees that start of five National League South games during the remainder of December. This time of year always sees lots of games, although it isn’t as bad as some years. Tuesday’s trip to Taunton is a rearranged game from a recent postponement. Imagine how good five wins would be? With the way we have been playing and the hopeful return of some players, it’s a target that we have to go for. Our record against teams in the upper parts of the table isn’t very good and needs to be improved.

THE OPPOSITION

Hemel arrive at Plainmoor off the back of three consecutive defeats, including Wednesday’s 2-0 defeat at bottom club Havant & Waterlooville. September’s 3-2 defeat at Hemel will no doubt be fresh in the minds of our players and they will want to avenge that late collapse, when we went 2-1 up with five minutes remaining and still managed to lose 3-2. Another strong performance, more goals and three more points will send the Yellow Army home happy and hopefully see us move further up the table.