TALKING POINTS

Dom Roman – @DomRoman

The Ed discusses the game at Plainmoor

JAY AND YOUNG QUALITY

Let’s start with the pleasurable first half shall we! Boreham probably had more possession and threatened occasionally, but it was United who had the cutting edge and that was due to the quality of Matt Jay and Jordan Young. I’ve mentioned about their combination being vital to our attacking play for the rest of the season, and this was illustrated, with Jay cleverly teeing up Young for the 1st goal. And then Matt decided to take the matter into his own hands later in the half, showing nice composure to move forward (after WJD had done a great job in winning possession) and almost glide the ball simply into the bottom right hand corner. Football made to look easy by players with undoubted ability. The Gulls had a two goal lead…what could possibly go wrong.

SECOND HALF RETREAT

The second half was like watching the Hornchurch game all over again. The Gulls set their stall out to sit deep, defend in numbers and manage the game, inviting Boreham Wood onto them with wave after wave of attacks. It’s understandable that PW would not want his team to take too many risks and leave gaps at the back, but by offering nothing going forward, there is always a chance the opposition will grab a goal…and one goal can often be followed by another. Time and time again United failed to build up play and find team mates with passes, and it was frustrating to watch the team play in such negative fashion, with the steady flow of subs only serving to make the Gulls backtrack further.

ZANZALA IMPRESSES

I was impressed by Offrande Zanzala in his first start for United. He continually showed for the ball, held up possession and kept the Boreham centre halves occupied, especially during the first half when we were still offering something in attack! We’ve needed a suitable alternative to Cody Cooke, and the initial signs look good. Indeed I’d have kept him on longer, because Cooke gave us no mobility at all and the ball kept on coming back towards us even quicker than before.

PROMOTIONS NEED BRAVERY

I was asked on X why we didn’t feel the need to go for a third goal in the second half, and had to reply with a “One for PW to answer” response. Of course it’s not all down to the manager, the players need to take more responsibility, find passes and show more bravery with the ball. But the question is whether Paul Wotton is doing enough to push his team forward for wins? And the answer is currently no. One explanation offered is that PW has been used to managing underdogs at Truro, and that’s influenced his time so far at Torquay. Maybe that’s a fair assessment. Perhaps he’s just pragmatic and risk averse (these half time team talks need work!) or perhaps he doesn’t trust his team to keep pushing, but whatever it is, his management style will need to progress for Torquay to make it up to the National League. Promotions aren’t won by passively holding on and grinding out games week in week out, believe in yourselves United and go for the throat!

MOVE ON QUICKLY

The Boreham Wood game was always going to be a tough one and had we come back from a 2-0 deficit then we’d all be feeling more optimistic going into the coming games. Bur losing two goal leads to both Chelmsford and Boreham stings, and it’ll be a test of the team’s character to bounce back quickly heading to Chippenham and Tonbridge Angels. Two mid-table teams and two away days that are concerning because of our away form (or lack of). I certainly don’t buy into any cries for Paul Wotton to be sacked, and I believe his evolution as a manager will benefit Torquay United, but there is also pressure on him to find results. With the likes of Matt Jay and Jordan Young around, there’s no doubt this team can win those games…if the mentality and approach is right.