TALKING POINTS

Ben Wade

Ben looks ahead to the big game at Plainmoor

4-3-3

In the past two matches we Paul Wotton has gone to the 4-3-3 formation. We haven’t conceded in those two fixtures and we have netted three times. Our back four looks settled, solid and TUFC have the right defensive personnel for four at the back. The midfield trio have been key to our success in recent matches. Mussa is the big talking point in this area, playing in a deeper role holding instead of Threlkeld or Hayfield. Dan Hayfield has consequently been able to play his preferred box-to-box position alongside Hasani who gives attacking threat. A front three of Jay, Young and Cooke has been seen vs Truro and Slough. Cody has been the number nine and battles tremendously as well as his dangerous nature inside the 18 yard box. Jay and Young have been the wide forwards who are explosive and produce quality balls. This formation may well continue now for the remaining games as we push for the NLS title.

ATTACKING CLASS

Jordan Young and Matt Jay will be vital in the last two matches of the season and the possible play-off fixtures. They are the three shining lights in this solid Gulls squad tasked with making the opposition lives a misery. Young signed relatively early in the season and has produced many impressive performances including lots of end product as he often chips in with goal contributions. Matt Jay was added in late January giving The Yellow Army valuable quality and experience in crucial moments. Cody Cooke has been the focal point for the majority of this campaign. ‘Ozzy’ Zanzala has been an appreciated back-up and Ilesanmi is also a pacey option off the bench. This attacking depth could be significant in what is left of the 24-25 season.

YOUTUBE HIGHLIGHTS – THE MATT JAY WINNER AT TRURO

DEFENSIVE SOLIDITY

Throughout the season, we have been able to count on our defence regularly. TUFC have arguably the best centre back pairing in the league, and the Dyer and Dreyer combination is certainly solid. They have an assured presence and dealt with some of the league’s finest goal-scorers. For example, we have won 1-0 versus Truro all three times we have faced them in all competitions keeping clean sheets every time, and not forgetting a pair of 1-0 wins over Dorking. The full backs are another area of strength. The likes of Foulston, Craske and Thomas are likely to feature versus the Terras and all have defensive know-how and attacking qualities. If we keep two clean sheets in these two decisive matches, we are likely to take home six points out of a possible six.

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OPPOSITION

Weymouth have already been relegated from National League South and currently stand on 33 points in 23rd place. Despite their disappointing campaign, they have picked up two wins and a draw from their previous five matches, so that is a reminder to the Gulls that anything can happen. The Terrras’ top scorer this season so far is Brandon Goodship, and in our previous head to head at the Bob Lucas Stadium on Boxing Day 2025, we drew 2-2 with them. We need to take advantage of this opposition and make sure the three points are gobbled up. As always, we have to be professional in our approach and take our chances, otherwise it could be a nervy afternoon at Plainmoor!

LAST HOME GAME OF THE SEASON

After 22 encounters in National League South at Plainmoor this season, this fixture will be our last (of the regular season at least!). Our home record has mostly been excellent and the Yellow Army have undoubtedly pushed us to victory on countless occasions. The support given to the team on the pitch home and away has been nothing short of incredible. So, let’s have another great turnout on Easter Monday to cheer on the Gulls in the last home game in the league this season. Hopefully, no play-offs!