TALKING POINTS

Dom Roman – @DomRoman

Dom looks ahead to the NLS game

BIGGEST GAME OF THE SEASON?

Make no mistake, this game is a big one for Torquay United! I think many expected Boreham Wood to take charge of the National League South by now, but with some inconsistency (like pretty much every other promotion contender!) they currently sit in 3rd position. Lose and we are suddenly 7 points behind the Wood, win and we push closer to the top 3, and with our indecisive away form, that position looks vital if the play-offs are the final destination. We should be confident in many respects, the home form has remained steadfast and resilient, not showy but games managed and games won, however the bigger picture in terms of our performance levels is of a team struggling to get it’s act together. It could be a tight and tense afternoon at Plainmoor (just for a change!).

POSSIBLE LINE-UP

Omar Mussa has been rotated so often between the bench and the first XI that he must be dizzy! After a tough evening at Weston Super, he’ll probably drop out at Plainmoor once more, possibly replaced by Lirak Hasani, though there is also other attacking options in the form of Dylan Morgan, Will Jenkins Davies and new boy Offrande Zanzala. Cody Cooke took a painful looking knock on Tuesday night, but will hopefully still start, whilst there is good news that Jay Foulston is back in training, this game will come too early for him though.

MATT JAY

Two goals in two games for Matt Jay hint at the experienced forward finding his fitness and sharpness, and that could be a big factor for us heading into these vital fixtures. There was still too many wasteful and misdirected passes at WSM, and the understanding between Jay and the other attackers is definitely work in progress, but the audacity to score from 40 yards at Chelmsford and the intelligence and anticipation to grab the equaliser on Tuesday give plenty of hope for the coming games.

THE OPPOSITION

Luke Garrard’s Boreham Wood come to town trying to prove their own title credentials, and are on a decent run of form, with 4 wins in their last 6 games. Garrard’s Wood teams over the years have often found success mainly based on their defensive strength, and it would be a surprise if Saturday’s game was a goal-fest! But they do have the National League South’s top goal-scorer in Kwesi Appiah, and the match up between him and Sam Dreyer could have a big influence in which way this one swings. It’s a tough challenge for the Gulls, but our form at Plainmoor this season speaks for itself. Let’s hope once the dust has settled on this one we’re celebrating another 3 points.