TALKING POINTS

Chris Wade – @tufcchris

Chris discusses the key points

AWAY FORM

The home form has started the 25/26 season well, a little heart stopping, but well with 9 points from 9. But the away results and performances are not yet there. Two away games have so far yielded one point, but the performances have been the question. At home, we have got onto the front foot and dominated teams. But we have struggled to implement our game on Maidstone and Horsham. Finding a way to get into the opposition and dominant the game is the next puzzle to solve, starting this weekend at Hemel Hempstead.

DEFENSIVE STABILITY

We have scored plenty of goals so far this season, which is a welcome upgrade from last season. But the back door has creaked more than we would have liked. Individual errors are part of football, we know that. But eradicating those are vital to a title charge. Ed Palmer and Jordan Dyer have shared partnering Sam Dreyer so far, and I expect Dyer to return this weekend. Jordan Thomas will be challenged for the right back slot by new signing Denzel Akyeampong, and he may make a full debut this weekend.

IMPORTANCE OF JORDAN YOUNG

Whilst this may not be news, how good is Jordan Young? The importance of him to our team cannot be overestimated. Three goals already (he will argue four with his corner goal bound against Totton), but his quality on the ball and ability to dribble is so key. And he now has a right footed goal too! Keeping him fit is so important. He can score every type of goal, and getting him into the game high up the pitch is important to a successful away performance.

FRESH FACES

The addition of two new faces has given the squad a welcome boost in the face of a significant injury crises so early in the season. Akyeampng is a lively presence in the squad and he provides competition for places and something a bit different, with a long throw also. Josh Phillips has been promising in his two games, and expect to see him again this week in the absence of Dylan Morgan.

THE OPPOSITION

It’s a return to the scene of one of the most chaotic matches in Torquay’s history this weekend, with a trip to Hemel Hempstead. The final day 4-1 win was ultimately not enough for promotion, but Hemel have revamped their squad through the summer. 8 points from 5 games represents a solid start, and Saturday is another test on an artificial surface.

Another Cody Cooke hat trick anybody?