PREVIEW

Dom Roman

@DomRoman

Dom discusses the upcoming games

03/02/24 – ST ALBANS CITY (H) NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTH

The Opposition: St Albans City made it all the way to the NLS play-off final last season (losing 0-4 to Oxford City), but struggled to get going again in 2023-24. However recent results have been very positive, with four wins out of the last five league games, with Yeovil Town the only team to stop them winning and a league position of 8th. The other news though is that manager David Nobile decided to leave to take the vacant position at Wealdstone FC, meaning at the time of writing they are looking for a new gaffer. The Saints will be desperate to keep recent momentum going if they can.

Last Time Around: 19/08/23 – St Albans City 0-1 TUFC (Tomlinson), NLS – A first half goal from Ollie Tomlinson, his first for the club, proved the decisive moment away at St Albans, as the team battled to a 1-0 win.

Early Prediction? This looks likely to be another another close game between the two teams. With Ash and Lapslie back United feel better in some respects, but now lose two to suspension (WJD & Mox), whilst there are more injury question marks. St Albans frustrated Yeovil and could very well get a similar result at Plainmoor. DRAW.

06/02/24 – MAIDSTONE UNITED (A) NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTH

The Opposition: Maidstone flew the flag heroically for non league teams in the FA Cup last weekend. Their challenge is juggling preparation for another round with the bread and butter of league action. George Elokobi’s team currently sit in 4th position and have largely been inconsistent, with losses to Slough and Havant already in the books in 2024, whilst they couldn’t beat Braintree at home in their last league game.

Last Time Around: 14/10/23 – TUFC 0-2 Maidstone, FA Cup 4th Qualifying Road – United suffered FA Cup disappointment as Maidstone ran out 2-0 winners at Plainmoor, with two goals from Levi Amantchi either side of half-time

Early Prediction? We have an awful record against Maidstone, especially away from home, so the expectations will be low heading into this fixture. If Maidstone’s focus is not right then we have a chance for a big result, but history tells me pain and another loss is more likely. MAIDSTONE WIN.

10/02/24 – SLOUGH TOWN (H) NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTH

The Opposition: Slough Town are not pulling up any trees in the NLS this season, currently sitting 13th with 40 points from 30 games. But considering they finished 18th last season, they may well be content with the improvement being made under player manager Scott Davies. They’ve lost to lowly Dover and top dog Yeovil in recent weeks, but also beaten Maidstone and drawn at Worthing, so a team that can be a threat on their day.

Last Time Around: 26/08/23 – Slough Town 1-2 TUFC, NLS – Two second half strikes from Brad Ash saw United come from behind to beat Slough Town at Arbour Park.

Early Prediction? Slough were unlucky to lose to the Gulls in August, playing some nice football but lacking the killer finish to make their possession count. I’ll take Torquay to edge this one as well. TORQUAY WIN.

13/02/24 – TAUNTON TOWN (A) NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTH

The Opposition: Rob Dray’s Taunton Town team started the season well, but with finances tight and games constantly called off they now find themselves in 20th place and firmly in a relegation scrap. Their last win was early December but the Peacocks did hold Aveley FC 2-2 at home last weekend, and were only beaten 0-1 by Yeovil, so whilst confidence must be low, they are still fighting hard and Torquay will have to play well to take the 3 points.

Last Time Around: 17/01/23 – TUFC 4-2 Taunton Town, FA Trophy 4th Round – Goals from De Silva, Omar and Jarvis (2) saw United beat a spirited Taunton Town team at Plainmoor.

Early Prediction? Torquay’s away form must swing positively at some point?! With Taunton lacking the squad options and just struggling to survive, I’ll take the Gulls to sneak out a scrappy victory in this one. TORQUAY WIN.