TALKING POINTS

Chris Wade – @tufcchris

Chris discusses the key points

HOME COMFORTS

Three wins from three matches at home is different for zero wins from four away wins. As we all know, there are mitigations to the start given the desperate luck that we have had with injuries. But being back at Plainmoor is a welcome boost after a long week on the road. Nine goals from three matches have shown a real front footed approach to the opening home fixtures, and the first Saturday home fixture since opening day should see a good crowd in to cheer the boys in Yellow.

INJURY CONUNDRUMS

The early season luck with injuries continues, with Paul Wotton confirming on Thursday that several key players will remain unavailable this weekend. The return of skipper Matt Worthington from a dead leg will be a welcome boost, but Callum Dolan, Nash Sundire and Dylan Morgan remain sidelined. The news on Sundire doesn’t sound good at all, so the midweek addition of Keane Anderson from Aldershot came at a good time. He may well have to be content with a place on the bench with Worthington returning. Josh Phillips is back with us after a midweek outing for Luton Town, and he has been a useful addition to the left flank.

STOP THE GOALS

The current trend of conceding goals is one that must stop. No clean sheets in the opening seven games are not what any of us want, and having to score three goals per game to win is not sustainable. Paul detailed on Thursday that all the goals that we are conceding are preventable, and that is something that has been worked on in training. Tuesday’s draw at Hampton saw us return to three at the back, but that may have been down to necessity of player availability more than anything else. We’ll be looking to get back on the attack at home on Saturday.

DENZEL’S DEBUT

The full debut of Denzel Akyeampong was encouraging. He has an infectious personality that supporters have warmed too, and it was good to see him get his first start. There is no doubt that as his fitness builds, he will be in direct competition with Jordan Thomas for the right back berth. His long throw is another welcome addition to the option that he brings. Stopping crosses coming into the box will also be key.

THE OPPOSITION

As with many teams in this division, Slough Town have had an inconsistent start. Tuesday night’s late home win will have given them a welcome boost ahead of a trip to the English Riveria. This is another opportunity for us to stamp our authority on a home game and get into the game early. Having scored first in the opening two games, the 3-2 win over Dover saw us go behind, which we won’t want to repeat, especially as it gives the opposition the chance to slow the game down. 14 points from the opening 8 games wouldn’t be too bad at all.