TALKING POINTS

Dan Bateman

@SaintsDanSFC

Dan discusses the win over Dover

MAGICAL BRETT STRIKES AGAIN

He only scores bangers doesn’t he? Yet another absolute beauty to add to his long collection of star studded goals. ‘Shooter’ has saved us a few times this season now hasn’t he? He has been a great asset in his second campaign for us and hopefully there are a few more spectacular strikes to come. He also grabbed the MOTM for this game for the one moment of real quality.

MARTIN RETURNS TO THE STARTING XI

Dan Martin made a rare starting appearance and he actually looked sharpest going forward at times during the game and gave us more energy on the left wing. However I’m still yet to be convinced by his defensive ability and what he offers in that aspect of his game. Nice to see another face on the pitch though, and the returning Asa Hall also did his bit before coming off for the much-missed Tom Lapslie.

QUESTIONABLE OFFICATING

I do feel like every time I do talking points I make a point of discussing the standard of officiating at this level of football and how poor it can be at times. This season we’ve had some absolutely shocking performances from the referees perspective and I think we can add this one to the long list, with a number of penalty shouts turned away and the typical inconsistencies as the afternoon wore on.

DOVER RESILIENCE

I’m not so sure if it was Torquay playing poorly or Dover playing well…however I think the away team did very well to hold us out for as long as they did. Credit where it’s due to the bottom team, they gave it a good go and they could say they are unlucky not to take something away from us. Thank goodness we have Brett McGavin.

FAR FROM CONVINCING

I was left a little disappointed with the performance if I’m honest, and if it wasn’t for that long range beauty from Mr Shooter I would put my house on this game ending in a 0-0 draw. Just felt like one of them games didn’t it and certainly not one to dis-spell doubts over the manager and his team. The Dover goalkeeper had a couple of decent saves, however the others are saves he should make and did make, whilst we toiled to find the right final ball or finish.