TALKING POINTS
Chris Wade
@tufcchris
Chris discusses the NLS game
BACK TO BACK
How good was Saturday? Following a pretty harrowing run of results of late (forgetting all of the off pitch stuff in recent weeks), it was brilliant to get to three points against Dartford. After a difficult first half, where we could well have been behind at the break, we came flying out of the traps and claimed a three goal lead quicky within seven minutes of the second half starting. There was a drive, determination and desire to get the job done, and that burst of goal action was just the ticket. These two home games looked pretty important with the ten point deduction looming over our shoulder, and Tuesday night under the Plainmoor lights will be another really important encounter.
MCGAVIN SURGING
If you ever needed confirmation that Aaron Downes reads these articles(!), it was the more advanced position of Brett McGavin against the Darts. On more than one occasion, I have called for the number 14 to be playing in a more advanced position within our midfield. He has such quality on the ball, to both pick and pass and find the net, that we need to get him more involved. He came through the midfield on several occasions, and was able to impact the game in a more threatening way. The indefatigable running of Kevin Dawson also helps this, as he was able to fill the gaps by the drive forward. The dynamic of the midfield worked really well, and they will look for more of the same.
GOAL-SCORING FORWARDS
One of the primary issues of our bleak winter has been the lack of goals from our forwards. Albeit not helped by the long term injuries to both Brad Ash and Aaron Jarvis, the return to goal-scoring form of the forwards has been another plus of recent weeks. A few weeks ago, we could only have dreamt of three, yes three, forwards all scoring in one month, let alone one match. But with the main two and big Duane all netting on Saturday from the much improved service from the wings, winning games looks far more achievable. This trend needs to continue.
UNDER THE LIGHTS
I was talking to some colleagues at work today, and we all agreed that there is something special about a mid-week game under the lights. The pitch glistens off the lights, the smell of burgers is stronger, and the Bovril tastes extra good. We haven’t had too many under the Plainmoor lights this season, and we’re all looking forward to this one. With our odd season now reading won 15, lost 15 and drawn 6, with 59 scored and 59 conceded (blimey), Tuesday promises to be another lively night against the only side in the league that we are yet to face.
THE OPPOSITION
Taunton Town come to Torquay with financial troubles of their own. Their playing surface has led them down a path where they still have 14 league matches to play, including the reverse fixture in Somerset next month. This has in turn led to cash flow problems and for them to request supporters to buy tickets for remaining matches as early as possible. Understandably their form on the pitch hasn’t been great either, so Saturday’s 3-1 win at high flying Worthing was somewhat of a surprise. With a potential ten point deduction surely shortly heading our way, three points is key to keep as larger gap as possible between us and Taunton. Let’s go and get those points!
COYY – CHRIS
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