TALKING POINTS

Chris Wade – @tufcchris

Chris looks ahead to the away game

TOGETHERNESS & SPIRIT

What a night Tuesday was? It was a game that had everything and brought the best result possible for Torquay against leaders Weston-super-Mare. A game that saw Torquay go behind, take the lead, be levelled up and then pull away with 10 men will live long in the memory of everyone who was there. The challenge after such a wonderful performance and enjoyable evening is to take it forward into the next game against a team that, looking at the league table, Torquay should win. But it’s rarely that straightforward, is it?

THE IMPORTANCE OF COOKE

Tuesday again showed the vital role of centre forward Cody Cooke in all that Torquay are trying to achieve this season. He’s simply the only player of his type within the squad and again lead the line superbly in terrible conditions. His work rate week after week is exceptional and his two goals carried the Gulls to victory in the second half of a challenging match with only 10 men. He also showed excellent character and resilience to come back from a late penalty missed in the first half. The concern must be what if anything were to happen to him and he were to sustain an injury, but for now, let’s enjoy having a proper centre forward who is scoring goals and carrying the fight to the opposition.

PIVOTAL WJD

Since returning on loan from local rivals Plymouth Argyle early in the season, WJD is showing his importance to the team as it emerges through these winter months. His running and determination were a key factor in our victory and it also saw his first goal of this second spell on loan at the Gulls. Will’s performance in midweek illustrated his growing confidence at Plainmoor, and his midfield role and willingness of running and competing for every ball will continue to be vital as we head into the games leading up to Christmas.

ORGANISATION & STRUCTURE

What has not been in doubt so far this season has been the team’s enthusiasm to defend their box and the structure of the defensive unit. It’s clear to see what the team work on in training and the organisation shone through in those vital last 20 minutes against the Seagulls. We had been openly asking for more goals with that defensive organisation and they certainly delivered that on Tuesday. The next conundrum to answer will be if that can be translated into goals away from home as well.

THE OPPOSITION

Saturday sees Torquay’s first opportunity of the season to complete a double following the opening day 2-1 victory at Plainmoor against Enfield Town. Since promotion last season, Enfield have found life at this level difficult, and start this match in 24th position with a goal difference of minus 23. This is certainly a game that the visitors will head into full of confidence, and on paper should be winning. But football isn’t played on paper is it? An important fixture in a very closely contested league, where anything other than a win would feel like a missed opportunity.