TALKING POINTS

Dom Roman – @DomRoman

Dom discusses the key points from the home win

THAT WINNING FEELING

The priority for the first game of the season has to be just getting the win, and that’s exactly what Torquay United did on a lovely warm afternoon in Devon. Anything less against Enfield would have disappointed the big crowd and raised concerns about our season, even though it’s only a meagre 1 game out of 46! In truth at 3 goals up we never looked likely to take anything less than 3 points, and despite a second half where the lethargic looking Gulls rarely got out of 2nd gear, we ended the game comfortably and Paul Wotton would have been relieved about that.

QUALITY FROM DENNIS

These talking points often included negative comments regarding the final third last season, and that’s something that Paul Wotton will be desperate to rectify this time around. So far so good, and that was highlighted by an excellent performance from new signing Louis Dennis. Dennis showed all his experience and quality in the 1st half especially, an awareness to find pockets of space, nipping in at pace to prod in the first goal and finding a delightful pass prior to the penalty decision. As the second half wore on he faded but it’s a great start from someone who already looks like a cracking signing. Louis will no doubt be a valuable member of the first team this season, able to fill in around the attacking spots and capable of filling his boots in goals and assists.

MIDFIELD COMPOSURE

One of the biggest aspects of United’s play that stood out for me was our composure in possession around the midfield areas, and in particular when Everton and Worthington were on the ball. The captain took the most plaudits and rightfully so. Assured like he’s been patrolling our midfield for years, intelligent with the ball and busy off it, he’ll have a big season at Plainmoor. I also enjoyed watching Sonny Blu as well. An unassuming figure who is unlikely to command the headlines, he made his colleagues’ lives easier with his movement and rarely coughed up possession, meaning United could build up play and then move the ball forward when the opportunity arose. I think they’ll be times this year when Wotton will want Hayfield or Sundire in there to provide more beef and defensive protection, but this time around those two were up to the task.

DEFENSIVE JITTERS

‘Defensive Jitters’ is not a talking point title that got much of an airing last year, and I’m a little surprised to be discussing it after the first game of 25/26! But for one reason or another Enfield did cause United’s defence problems and James Hamon (who had a very good game) was far busier than we would expect him to be, and indeed busier than the goalkeeper up the other end. At right back Jordan Thomas looked hesitant and a bit nervy throughout, whilst Dreyer and Dyer did not have their best games and there was 2 or 3 set pieces where our far post defending was frankly abysmal. These opening day issues would have been noted by Paul Wotton (so would the lack of urgency and tempo in the second half), and hopefully we’ll be tighter at Maidstone next Saturday…well we have to beat them away one day…don’t we?!

FANZONE

I remember bringing my daughter to an opening day game a few years ago and there was nothing going on around the ground, no attempt to make the matchday special or generate a buzz around Plainmoor. Nothing to make her think it was an important day or game. All lifeless and unimaginative, a fairly typical example of what our previous owners had brought to the table. Therefore the Fanzone on Saturday was much appreciated. A chance to enjoy drinks outside in the sun and meet up with mates, a chance for kids to have a kickabout (and meet Gilbert), and a variety of games and stalls to help entertain the Yellow Army. There’s always been scope for Torquay United to do more on matchdays to attract supporters to games and importantly, get them to the ground early (something our old foes Exeter City have been doing well for a long time), so this is a very positive move indeed. More please.