TALKING POINTS

Dom Roman – @DomRoman

Dom looks ahead to the game at Plainmoor

LOOKING FOR 5 OUT OF 6

If someone had offered the Yellow Army 4 wins out of the first 5 games, most of us would probably have bitten their hand off! But here we are, joint top with Slough, and feeling very content at the moment, the kind of contentment we haven’t experienced for a while. Add to that the off the pitch endeavour and fantastic developments with the Community Share and we should all be feeling very happy with our lot. The next challenge awaiting Paul Wotton and his side is Aveley FC who were pesky foes last season, but turn up to Plainmoor in poor shape. A nailed on home win? I don’t like to get that cocky about Torquay United (as it often comes back to bite you!), but it’s a great chance to keep this momentum going isn’t it..

THE LINE-UP

Whilst we managed a win at Chesham, there was also much for Paul Wotton to consider in all aspects of our play and much to work on around the training ground. True, playing two games in 3 games is a test for the lads, but levels should not drop that low and if we repeat those type of performances then losses will follow. The subs at Chesham all made claims for a starting spot, with Brad Ash raring too reunite with Cody Cooke, whilst Omar Mussa and Oscar Threlkeld both helped our cause in different ways, and last but not least Dean Moxey gave us impact in the closing stages. I’d expect Ash to gain a recall after that late winner, whilst Threlkeld will likely reclaim his spot from Roddy Collins. Apart from that we may still be without Jordan Dyer and Finley Craske, leaving Ed Palmer and Finn Tonks to deputise (unless Paul Wotton thinks otherwise!). We’ve got options, but no more injuries please!

RESILIENCE

These five games have not been easy for the Gulls, we’re not playing well enough to steamroller teams at the moment, but what we do have plenty of is resilience, a belief that each game can be won. That team spirit was sorely lacking last season in one of the softest teams we’ve ever had, but it feels like Paul Wotton is building a mentally stronger United squad since his arrival, one that responds well in adversity and that’s a tremendous characteristic to have in your locker. If we go a goal down in the coming games, the United squad have comebacks in their memory banks and will feel positive about bouncing back again.

THE OPPOSITION

Aveley FC have become a victim of their own success in recent months, losing key members of the squad that did so well last season to teams higher up the pyramid, meaning manager Danny Scopes has a tough job on his hands to follow up their barnstorming 2023/24. They come to Plainmoor having gathered only 1 point from 5 games, so this is a game that United should be able to take by the scruff of the neck and feel confident of winning. No complacency though please, this is football after all! See you at Plainmoor.