MATCH VERDICT

Craig Hughes

@craigwwfc35

TAVISTOCK (A)

Fresh from a 0-0 draw away at a wet Buckland Athletic last Friday, Paul Wottons squad made the trip across the moors for a nice Wednesday evening friendly vs Tavistock.

And what a good decision it turned out to be going to Tavistock via the moors, as there was road closures around Horrabridge and Tavistock due to a bad accident on the A386.

TEAM SHAPE

From the get go you could instantly tell what Paul Wotton had asked for and had clearly been working on with his players during pre season. The shape of the team was kept all evening which was refreshing to see from a Torquay side!

Paul Wotton spoke in the “Meet the Manager” evening the other week about how he loves a 3-5-2 formation, and as he mentioned it can be a great formation to attack with and also it can be a defensive unit if needed.

Matty Carson played at left wing back and he created a lot of width and space with some good runs and crosses and even managed to grab himself a goal, Jay Foulston was at left centre back and a player I thought was definitely a stand out of the evening, Sam Dreyer was playing as the main centre back who again was solid and vocal all game, Austen Booth slotted in at right centre back and Lirak Hasani played right wing back in which he looked very comfortable in doing, has good ball control and can spread the play well.

STAND OUT PLAYERS

Jay Foulston – solid and composed on the ball, got a great left foot and isn’t afraid to take a player or 2 on to whip a good cross into the box.

Sam Dreyer – a solid centre half that’s for sure who loves a header and a tackle, very vocal and someone who seems a great leader. Good positional awareness too.

Lirak Hasani – a player who has great footwork and work rate, and can spread the ball and pick a pass

Ben Seymour – a very intelligent striker who makes clever runs, took both of his goals well, could be a real asset this season in front of goal.

Dan Hayfield – a strong and combative player who can win tackles and open up play by driving forward and spreading the play well.

TAVISTOCK’S GROUND

A nice little setup for the level they are at in the football pyramid, decent enough facilities and “The Lambing Shed” sells decent food for good prices. A nice pitch and friendly staff who wished Torquay all the best for the upcoming season.

THOUGHTS ON THE SQUAD

We are only 2 friendlies into the new era but what I can say is it seems all the players we have signed are going to give everything week in week out for the club. I still anticipate a few more additions to the squad of course but it’s nice to have a bit of faith and trust into the player recruitment side of things again, something we have had issues with in previous years. I fully believe this squad is full of talent and players who can grind out wins in this division for sure, especially under the management of Wotton who will definitely make sure his players always show effort.

UP NEXT

Wayne Rooney’s Plymouth Argyle are Torquay’s next opponents on Saturday 27th July at 3pm which could be a sell out and a great atmosphere. And more importantly a tougher test for United which is what we need so our new signings can put up good performances against a Championship outfit.

PAUL WOTTONS YELLOW ARMY!