TT BLOG
Thomas Kelly
@tommyktufc
Thomas looks ahead to the final 8 games of 23/24
HAMPTON & RICHMOND (H) – 23.03.24
The Opposition: The Beavers currently lie comfortably in the top 7 and look very likely to finish in the play-off positions as they vie for promotion to the National League for the first time in the club’s history. They currently are the form team in the division having won four of their last five games – scoring 8 goals and conceding just 3 – and look to continue their unbeaten streak at Plainmoor. The visit of Hampton will see the return of former Gulls loanee Tope Fadihunsi who is currently on loan from Sutton United.
Last time around: 28/10/2023 – Hampton & Richmond Borough 3-1 Torquay United, NLS.
A consolation goal from Asa Hall in injury time was the only thing for Torquay fans to celebrate as Hampton easily dispatched the Gulls in front of almost 1,500 fans at the Beveree. Two goals from Mason Bloomfield either side of a Ben Seymour penalty saw the hosts comfortably brush aside a poor United side. George Edwards was accosted after the final whistle by Gulls fans who voiced their displeasure at the running of the club.
Early Prediction? I’d love to say we will smash Hampton, more to annoy my Hampton supporting friends, however I believe the Gulls will struggle against a well-structured Beavers side who may not play the most exciting of football, but are clinical when in front of goal. I think we’ll see a reaction to the shambles of Taunton & Tonbridge, but I think Hampton will just have enough. AWAY WIN.
YEOVIL TOWN (A) – 29/03/24
The Opposition: The Glovers (as many expected) lie top of the NLS and look set for an instant return to the National League at the first time of asking. Tipped to be our rivals for promotion before a ball was kicked (oh what a dream), Yeovil have occupied top spot since winning 3-1 at home to Aveley back in early October. Despite being well clear of the rest, Yeovil’s form has dropped significantly in recent weeks, winning just one of their last six league games and have seen their gap at the top cut to just seven points, albeit with a game in hand on Chelmsford in 2nd place.
Last time around: 07/11/2023 – Torquay United 1-3 Yeovil Town, NLS
Despite a decent start by United, Yeovil proved their promotion credentials with two first half goals from former Gull Frank Nouble and Sonny Blu Lo-Everton putting the Somerset side in the ascendancy. Despite a lovely strike by Brett McGavin early in the second half, Mark Cooper’s side wrapped up the three points when Jake Hyde headed in unmarked from a Yeovil corner and sent the Glovers fans home happy.
Early Prediction?: Gulp. I expect a new NLS attendance record to be smashed once more when both sides come to Huish Park. I can only hope it doesn’t rain this time. It’s hard to see past a Yeovil win but if they continue to drop points then United may have a chance of picking something, but that right now is a hard sell. Sorry Gulls fans. HOME WIN.
WESTON-SUPER-MARE (H) – 01.04.24
The Opposition: Weston-super-Mare appear to have done almost enough to not warrant worrying about the dreaded drop into the Southern League, and will be happy with the progress made under boss Scott Bartlett. Like the Gulls, Weston don’t appear to draw very often, drawing just six of their thirty-six league games and by the time our game comes around, you’d expect all the Seagulls will have to play for is for a place in next seasons squad.
Last time around: 24/10/2023 – WSM 3-2 Torquay United, NLS
A Weston Super Nightmare. It was a wet one to wasn’t it? Cheered on by 850 members of the Yellow Army, Torquay United buckled in the pouring rain an early goal from Ruben Reid set the tone for a dismal night by the seaside. Despite an equalising goal by Aaron Jarvis midway in the second half, Ross Marshall conceded a penalty soon after which Reid dispatched before Kieran Thomas settled the contest slotting past Halstead in injury time. A late own goal wasn’t enough to save United and United left Weston pointless.
Early Prediction?: Weston are a club run well with decent resources at this level but this should be an opportunity for the Gulls to finally get a win on the board. It will all come down to which Torquay United turns up on the day. After two tough games, the pressure may well be on to get 3 points from this one, and I think we will, but only just. HOME WIN.
WELLING UNITED (A) – 06.04.24
The Opposition: The Wings have had a difficult campaign but have picked up drastically over the last few months, currently on a run of just one defeat in their last 12 games and now sit above the Gulls after our points deduction. New manager Rod Stringer will know with the amount of games Taunton & Truro have in hand that the job is far from done and this game could be pivotal for both clubs in their quest for league survival.
Last time around: 21/10/2023 – Torquay United 5-1 Welling United, NLS
Torquay were ruthless as they demolished 10 man Welling 5-1 at Plainmoor, who played the last 15 minutes with no registered goalkeeper as James Holden was sent off for dissent after Ross Marshall scored United’s final goal. It wasn’t all plain sailing however as the visitors withstood early Torquay pressure to take the lead from Kain Adom, before Holden conceded the first of two Torquay penalties which Jarvis dispatched. McGavin and Donnellan added to the tally to record United’s biggest league win of the season so far.
Early Prediction: Having watched Welling at Park View Road already this season in another NLS game, United can expect another tough test on a pitch that won’t be conducive to passing football. Welling are no strangers to a relegation dogfight and will make things difficult for us in a game that neither side can afford to lose. It’s another game you would like to think we can win but our away record is appalling and right now I think the points will be shared in a nervy encounter. DRAW.
TRURO CITY (A) – 09.04.24
The Opposition: A club still without a home, Truro fans have had to travel a long way just to watch their team at “home” this season. Starting out at Plymouth Parkway’s ground, the bad weather has forced them to groundshare with Taunton, who themselves have also struggled with the weather conditions to host games of football. It appears now that the White Tigers are forced to play home games at NLN side Gloucester City to ensure they can complete the season on time. The big question is whether the added games and extra travel to play league games will catch up with Truro City as the season end nears.
Last time around: Torquay United 0-1 Truro City 26/12/2023, NLS
An early Ben Adelsbury goal was enough to knock the Christmas stuffing out of Torquay United as the Cornish side registered their first ever league victory over Torquay United in front of over 3,700 fans. Torquay were outplayed and should have been out of the game in the first twenty minutes, however United grew into the game but were wasteful in front of goal and couldn’t turn around the deficit and Truro took the points back over the Tamar Bridge.
Early Prediction: First of all, who knows where this game will take place! I highly doubt Taunton’s pitch will be in a position to host, even if there is a break in the weather conditions as we head into April. Perhaps the club may offer to host or maybe we’ll end up in Gloucester. Whatever the outcome, I expect United fans to outnumber the Truro fans in a huge game at the lower end of the league table. Truro will have six games to play before playing us and you’d like to think our full-time fitness would play some advantage, although how often have we said that this season. With the backing of the Yellow Army, I think we can win this one, but it will be tight. AWAY WIN.
BATH CITY (A) – 13.04.24
The Opposition: Bath City have found themselves challenging amongst the play-off pack for most of the season, and are hovering close to the top 7. Managed by one of the league’s longest servants in Jerry Gill, the Romans are looking to return to the National League after relegation to the six tier in the 11/12 season. Bath have had a steady rise in recent seasons after finishing 18th and 11th respectively and will be considered as the dark horses for promotion should they make the end of season play-offs.
Last time around: Torquay United 1-0 Bath City 04/11/2023, NLS
Bath City must hate coming to Plainmoor, after once again succumbing to a late goal at Plainmoor which saw the Gulls register a very rare clean sheet. A deflected twenty-five-yard strike from Shaun Donnellan proved the difference in a tight affair.
Early Prediction: Bath will hope to still be fighting for a top seven finish and no doubt both sets of fans will turn up in numbers. The team playing at home in this fixture have always won and I think this will be the case again. Bath’s form has dipped slightly in recent weeks but I think they will be just too strong for us when we come to visit. HOME WIN.
TAUNTON TOWN (A) – 16.04.24
The Opposition: Like United, Taunton have encountered financial issues that have put the future of their football club in doubt. Struggling to pay players wages due to the constant postponement of matches at Wordsworth Drive, the Peacocks have fallen into a relegation scrap despite holding numerous games in hand over their rivals, including us. With Taunton still having to host seven games of their own (not to include Truro), Taunton know just a few wins could prove all the difference in staying as a NLS side next season. Like Truro, how they handle the backlog of fixtures will be key to their survival.
Last time around: Torquay United 0-3 Taunton Town 12/03/24, NLS
Taunton came to Plainmoor and deflated the jubilant Yellow Army, comfortably easing to a 3-0 win where United’s defensive frailties were laid bare for all to see. After a 4-1 win at home to Dartford just a few days ago, Aaron Downes had to apologise to the fans in his post-match interview, mentioning how the lads “went back to default” in regards of their performance and made many in the fanbase worry whether the players and management were up to the task of a relegation scrap. The following day, Torquay were deducted ten points by the National League for their intent of entering administration, dropping the club down to 17th place.
Early Prediction: A must-win. An absolute must-win. But will we? Only time will tell with our abysmal away record. The reality of the situation is that Taunton could be out of trouble with all their games in hand, and we can only hope the Gulls have dragged themselves safe by then. I can’t predict anything other than a win, because I dread to think what anything else would leave our football club going into the final game of the season. AWAY WIN.
HAVANT & WATERLOOVILLE (H) – 20.04.24
The Opposition: Havant have had a torrid NLS campaign, registering just one win from their opening twenty games, Steve King was shown the door in early December and was replaced by interim co-manager Cliff De Gordon. It was a successful start for the interim boss, who won his first three games in charge before normal service was resumed. It does appear that Havant time in the NLS will end at the end of the season as they currently lie well adrift of safety with just seven games to play.
Last time around: Havant & Waterlooville 0-2 Torquay United 11/11/23, NLS.
Torquay United managed to secure all three points at Westleigh Park against a Havant side low on confidence. United had Rhys Lovett & non contracted replacement keeper Filip Chalupniczak to thank for keeping the Gulls in the game, with Rhys making an excellent one on one save late on in the first half and Filip for saving a penalty at 1-0, replacing the injured Rhys in the second half. Goals from Theo Williams and Brad Ash secured the points for the Gulls.
Early Prediction: It does look very likely that United’s final game of the season will be played against a side who will have had their fate already decided. Will that be good for United come the end of the season? Will it matter? The only thing Gulls fans will want and expect is to ensure a victory come full time at the end of the season and you’d like to think United should have enough at home to dispatch Havant & Waterlooville. It could be a replica of the final day at home to North Ferriby, where United got the job done in front of a jubilant home support to stay up. I’d take a repeat of that please. HOME WIN.
RELEGATION BATTLE
There is a reason I currently lie third from bottom in the TT Predictions league so no doubt I’m sure we’ll thrash Hampton & Yeovil and all will be well come the end of the season! Can’t blame one for being hopeful!
Based on my early predictions, I predict that Torquay will pick up thirteen points from twenty-four. I already think that may be me being generous. That would leave the Gulls on fifty-four points which should be enough to survive this season. I do think three wins from our final eight games will do it but it’s hard to see after recent results whether we have the mentality to fight for our club’s survival at this level.
All we can do is continue to do what we’ve done so well over the course of this miserable season, turn up in numbers, home and away, support the club and hope for the best. Our support is fantastic and continues to be. We all love our football club and we won’t let it die without a fight.
Eight games to save our football club. We go to battle starting Saturday!
COYY – THOMAS
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