TT PREVIEW

Billy discusses his team

SEASON SO FAR

It’s been a solid return to the National League South for us so far. We’d obviously love to be a bit higher in the table (although we’re only five points off 9th) but we can’t fault the effort of the players. There’s only been a handful of games where I’ve thought we’ve been outclassed by the opposition, and to say that after being promoted from the division below last season is a testament to how hard Daryl McMahon (manager), the backroom staff and, of course, the players have worked.

RECENT FORM

We were winless in the league since early December before playing our last two games – both of which we’ve won. Our latest win was against promotion-chasing Boreham Wood, a game which we controlled well for the majority. Prior to that it was a 2-0 victory vs Bath away which is no mean feat. It’s fair to say that confidence is flowing and for good reason.

HIGHLIGHTS

Getting to the Essex Senior Cup final has to be up there following some great displays – playing Canvey in the final would be a spicy encounter. The opening day victory against Hampton and Richmond was also great for our first game back. Seeing local rivals Aveley in the relegation zone, considering how obsessed they are with us on social media, is a big plus too.

KEY PLAYERS

Darren McQueen is currently the player in form with five goals in his last eight. However, Tom Wraight is irreplaceable in midfield. His tenacity and sheer ground coverage is instrumental to the way we play. I’ve also been very impressed with Will Greenidge recently too, who can play all across the back line and as wing-back – he scored an absolute belter a couple of games ago. Ultimately though, if you take Wraighty out the team, we would struggle to win games.

TACTICS

The last two matches have seen us play a classic 4-4-2, but our most used formation has been the 3-4-1-2 this season. I’m assuming the 4-4-2 has been used for the last few matches due to its defensive solidity, and considering Torquay’s home form being the best in the league, it wouldn’t surprise me to see it again.

POSSIBLE LINE-UP

Daryl McMahon rarely names an unchanged line-up so predicting this is quite challenging. If I were to give it a go, I’d say: Terry; Cooper, Scott, Gibbs, Greenidge; Weston, Wraight, Adams, Saunders; McQueen, Balanta.

BEST OPPOSITION

Only two teams have beaten us by more than one goal in the league this season – current leaders Dorking and Chelmsford, so I would have to say them. I couldn’t really pick out any individual players myself.

AWAY SUPPORT

This away trip has been talked about for some time so I’m expecting a strong turnout. You’ll definitely be hearing us!

STRENGTHS & WEAKNESSES

Our defence are a threatening bunch to come up against. The likes of Ryan Scott, Harry Gibbs, Nathan Cooper, Will Greenidge and more must all be over 6ft so will rarely be beaten in the air. Only five teams have conceded less goals than us this season which is an incredible stat considering we’re new to the league. On the other hand, goals can be quite tough to come by. With the departures of Femi Akinwande, Ade Yusuff and Liam Nash since the start of the season, we don’t have a consistently performing attacker (Henry Hearn, on loan from Millwall, would’ve been this but for a hamstring injury a couple of games ago). Despite not being the strongest, the aforementioned Darren McQueen is putting his hand up to be our star striker, but will need to prove himself consistently in tougher games.

PREDICTION

I predicted the correct scoreline for the reverse fixture, so I must have a knack for this. If we came away with a draw I’d be delighted, as would everyone else. I’d say 1-1.