TALKING POINTS

Andy Ealey – @andy_ealey

Andy discusses the draw at Slough

QUICK START

A lot of talk has been made recently about how we start games, particularly in away games. Tuesday was the complete opposite and we started very lively, and started on the front foot putting Slough under pressure, especially Player-Manager Scott Davies. This resulted in us deservedly taking the 1-0 lead on 10 minutes through a well taken finish from the in-form Jordan Young. That being said, we did let Slough back into the game the last 15-20 mins of the first 45, and then this was quite a similar showing for the second 45.

HIGHLIGHTS – YOUNG GOAL – YOUTUBE CLIP

RECRUITMENT

The subject continues to grow each passing game and social media this evening is completely rife with the same subject on the mouths of each Torquay Utd supporter. We need additions. I think I speak for everyone when I say another striker has to be the main no1 priority. Completely nothing against Cooke, but what I dread is that he’s an injury, suspension or even being tactically man marked out of a game by an astutely aware opposition manager to leave us very vulnerable and to what is our actual game plan? Is there a plan B? We seem heavily reliant on Cooke’s strengths and not only his technical ability, but his ability to bring others into the game and this worries me greatly if any of the above does occur. No team wins or loses a league in January, but I should hope after tonight on the drive back to Devon, PW is finalising his enquires to bring in some healthy additions very soon.

HIGHLIGHTS – SLOUGH 1ST GOAL – YOUTUBE CLIP

MIXED FORTUNES FOR SUBS

Looking through social media this evening, there seems to be quite some chat about Matty Carson entering the pitch and the equaliser coming from down his side, after a terrific start to his Torquay career, since being rewarded with the new contract, his form has drifted off slightly so lets hope he regains that back before the end of the season…

In addition the travelling Gulls supporters behind the goal in the second half were left quite amazed and baffled by the decision to bring off Striker Cooke and replace with Defender Palmer with the game tied at 1-1 with plenty of time remaining knowing both Boreham Wood and Maidstone were winning their respective games.

Of course this relates back to the previous talking point about recruitment but going into the “business end” of the game when you are chasing the three points and playing without a recognised striker on the pitch is quite concerning! After listening to PW’s post game chat this evening, hopefully we won’t have to wait long to see some attacking reinforcements brought in with PW commenting that we are close to seeing some incomings!

On the flip side, without trying to sound hypocritical – bringing Moxey on and scoring a goal (that we thought was the winner!) assisted by fellow substitute Ed Palmer, completely out of nowhere….shows 100% why I am standing behind the goal and not in the technical area!!

HIGHLIGHTS – MOXEY GOAL – YOUTUBE CLIP

SCOTT DAVIES

In a world of the ever changing game of football, where supporters are being outpriced of attending games, social media craziness, online matchday programmes, and backs of football socks being ripped to ease pressure on players’ muscles (Don’t ask!). It’s sometimes nice to be reminded of old school football traditions like the “Player-Manager” roles still going strong in the game!

Slough Town still keep this tradition going with 36yr old Player-Manager Scott Davies playing in tonight’s encounter. Davies, who recently netted a goal on Boxing Day v Chesham from his own half played the entire 90 minutes this evening but also played the pantomime villain in the eyes of the travelling Torquay faithful very well. Although, we should let him off as he did give us a massive helping hand in allowing Jordan Young to net tonight’s opener!

HIGHLIGHTS – SLOUGH 2ND GOAL – YOUTUBE CLIP

THE MOON AND SPOON

Over an hour wait for food and drink in tonight’s pregame establishment a 20 minute walk from Slough Towns Arbour Park, some fellow Torquay fans next to us were informed by staff the kitchen would be closing at 6.30pm…. Unbelievable Jeff, Beers all round!