TALKING POINTS

Danny Burnell

Danny discusses the win over Chippenham

RAPID START

Well, if Paul Wootton wanted a response after the two points dropped on Saturday, he got just that. There was no denying the team were eager to get back to winning ways, and the high intensity, pressing from the front style certainly paid dividends. The Gulls’ were bullish, allowing little space for Chippenham to ‘play’ out from the back, as they were so determined to do so. We were quick to win it back, and recycle possession in a meaningful way, creating chances aplenty, and effectively winning the game inside the first half hour. Rarely has a Gulls’ side in the past few seasons been so dominate in a half of football. making it, at times, Men vs Boys.

Our new boss indicated with his summer recruitment that he wants players who can run. There have certainly been glimpses of that since the season started, but last night clearly suggested he has players who are unafraid and willing to put the miles in given he chance.

THE MIDFIELD FIVE

The starting midfield 5, including the wing-backs, had by far their best games in Gulls’ shirts. Carson continues to improve, possessing a weapon in the shape of his left foot. Tonks, sponsors MOTM, had his LB counterpart on strings all evening, with a number of lung busting runs. And whilst we have the likes of Hasani & Mussa who are eager to create further up the field, Threkeld handled the ‘ugly side’ superbly, with a number of possession winning tackles and omitting calmness amongst the rapturous Plainmoor crowd. Hayfield showed touches of class, and took his goal well, not for the first time. And lastly, the afore-mentioned Hasani continues to endear himself to the TQ1 faithful, with a hard-working ethic and goal threat to boot.

FOULSTON INJURY

The only slight dampener on an otherwise joyous night was the injury sustained to Jay Foulston. A regular since his arrival in the summer, the CB has shown he will be a real asset at this level. Not afraid to take the ball out from the back, he has undoubtedly nailed his starting XI position. But in Moxey, there’s no doubt he’s still a more than capable deputy. The player turned player-coach shown again last night his experience in winning fouls in key positions when under pressure, and should Foulston be out for any length of time, United fans needn’t fear in that department. Dyer is hopefully close to a return but will need a few weeks to get up to speed, and with Tomlinson seemingly out of the picture, all of a sudden, the once crowded CB market appears a little light.

GAME MANAGEMENT

How many times have we seen over the years a Gulls’ side cruising in the first half and nailed on for 3 points, only to concede early second half goals and lose a game they should have won. Luckily, there were no such scares as United, whilst, easing off the gas, managed the game impeccably to see out a comfortable 3-0 win. The Bluebirds came out with a little more poise, but in truth, they didn’t really come close to troubling Hamon & the Torquay goal. And whilst the same intensity could not be mustered in the second 45, United had 2 or 3 glaring opportunities to further increase the score-line, which on another night, could have been 5 or 6.

THE CROWD

We can’t not mention the crowd, as once again Plainmoor saw over 3000 fans through it’s turnstiles. The feelgood factor is well and truly back people, long may it last!