TALKING POINTS

Thomas Kelly – @tommyktufc

Tom discusses the game at Dorking

THE LINE UP

Paul Wotton decided to ring the changes for the trip to Meadowbank, with the decision to drop the Gulls top goal scorer and one of the teams most creative players in Jordan Young raising eyebrows amongst the Yellow Army before kick off.

The omission of Sonny Blu Lo-Everton & Matt Jay was also the other major talking points as Torquay looked to focus on a defend first, score later mentality with options from the bench to change the game if the score was still level.

Jordan Thomas was replaced for Denzel Akyeampong but sadly for Denzel, looked out of his depth and found it incredibly difficult against a Dorking overload and Torquay’s gameplan fell apart as early as the seventh minute.

THE TACTICS

Torquay changed shape in preparation for Dorking, who possess many threats in their team which so far, has somewhat started the season in underwhelming fashion. Dorking hold a good home record but like the Gulls, have found it difficult on their travels and before kick off, found themselves in 13^th place in the table.

Paul opted to go five at the back, with the emphasis appearing to be to soak up the Dorking pressure and get them on the break. Marc White pointed out in his post match interview that the changes to the side were unexpected but ultimately played into their hands as the Gulls defensive tactics fell to pieces after just seven minutes of play.

At 2-0, Paul should have swallowed his pride and changed things. Unfortunately he didn’t and more defending just before half time put the game out of sight. Naturally the Gulls improved in patches after the likes of Jordan Young, Matt Jay and Sonny Blu-Lo Everton appeared after HT but the damage was already done.

Paul referenced in his post-match interview that the squad had worked on shape all week in training alongside Neil Warnock. It’s a shame it didn’t look like they had when the whistle blew for kick off.

Dorking are a very possession-oriented side and I was expecting a similar type of game to our last visit to Meadowbank where United withstood a lot of pressure before growing into the game.

Did we show Dorking too much respect? After all they were eight points behind us in the table before kick-off. Should we have believed in our own ability more? I think so and I wish it’s something I’d see us do more away from home.

Respect the opposition of course but believe in yourself lads. You are representing a club that so many in this league envy, playing in front of travelling support that often represents half of the total crowd.

Believe in yourselves lads!

THE GOALS WE CONCEDED

Whilst many in the fanbase will point fingers at the formation and tactics, you cannot legislate for the abysmal way the Gulls gifted the hosts all three goals.

The first goal comes from Denzel under hitting an attempted ariel ball across the pitch, the subsequent header from the Dorking man forward finds Alfie Rutherford who waltzes past Jordan Dyer, Sam Dreyer and Ed Palmer to slot it under Hamon for 1-0.

The warning signs were there already and midway into the first half, Dan Hayfield makes a dreadful pass which was intercepted, the ball fell to Josh Taylor who was allowed the freedom of Meadowbank, gets the better of Sam Dreyer and from just outside the box puts Dorking 2-0 up. Absolutely woeful.

It was imperative for United to not concede again going into half time conceding a third, but in injury time, Torquay did just that. Louis Dennis’ clearance was weak and fell to Josh Taylor in the box, his effort was steered into a crowded six-yard box but Jimmy Muitt was alert to slot it home for 3-0. Game over.

From a side last season praised for the way we defended and kept clean sheets, especially towards the end of the season, the defensive performances really were below par. It was almost like watching a bunch of amateurs out there who we know can do so much better.

If you concede cheap goals like that, whatever the tactics, you aren’t going to win football matches.

Quite frankly, it was embarrassing and a disgrace to the fans who once again travelled in great numbers to support their team.

JORDAN YOUNG

As ever, Jordan Young proved his worth with another excellent free kick, a mere consolation that the Gulls didn’t deserve but highlighted why you do not drop Jordan Young unless he is injured.

Jordan is a quality player and has already proven his worth. The decision to drop him to the bench is probably the worst tactical decision Wotton has made at his tenure at the club. Would starting Jordan have changed the way the game went? We will never know but please Paul, don’t drop him again unless absolutely necessary.

THE MANAGER

It was not a pleasant environment both at half time and at full time as many in the terraces on Saturday expressed their anger and frustration on the performance and of Paul Wotton’s tactics. I’m sure on reflection Paul Wotton will admit that he got it wrong in his selection and that he will dust himself down and go again in training this week.

I’ll credit Paul for coming right over to the supporters at the end. He took a lot of stick, some fairly, some unfairly and after the game, something a former Gulls “gaffa” never did when times were tough. That shows me he cares, which means a lot in my book in a manager representing Torquay United.

I found myself leaving the ground at the same time as Paul, after a lengthy chat with others delaying my exit from Meadowbank as he was walking up towards the coach. Like me, he was despondent and he could have easily just kept his head down and ignored me but he acknowledged me and we spent 10 mins chatting about things.

Out of respect to Paul, I won’t speak on his behalf but he was honest enough to explain to me his rational on selection, formation and his acknowledgement that the away form is a problem and it’s up to him to get it right. I didn’t neccasarilly agree with him on his selection on the day but we shook hands and I still support Paul and he has my full backing.

My relationship with Paul is a respectful one, I’ve been fortunate to chat with him on stage at Boot’s and Laces and I think he is a brilliant bloke.

I am also a fan of Torquay United and that will always take precedence whoever is in charge. My ambition this season is promotion, automatically or through the play offs. I expect us to be challenging for a top 3 finish and have told Paul this myself.

Do I believe Paul will get us promoted? Yes I absolutely do, but if the away form doesn’t improve soon, then the conversation will need to be made as to whether our focus is to fight for the title or to fight for a play off finish.

I think we are capable of top spot, but failure to be promoted this season in my mind with the quality we have in the team, would be nothing short of a failure.

THE BRYN CONSORTIUM

It’s been nothing but positives since the Bryn Consortium took over the football club, but I think it’s fair to assume that the away form and subsequent anger from some in the Yellow Army is becoming harder to ignore and represents the first big challenge in their ownership.

I take faith in the fact that we are represented by people who are supporters and that if the fans are feeling uneasy, then they will share the same viewpoint of the fanbase with everyone desperate to see the Gulls get promoted this season.

Whilst the home form remains fine, the away form is something that must be improved and fast if we are to achieve our goals this season.

Is 5^th place at this stage of the season acceptable in the grand scheme of things or are ambitions to the point now where anything but top spot is deemed unacceptable? Only time will tell!

HORNCHURCH AT PLAINMOOR

This weekend sees the visit of league leaders Hornchurch who have yet to taste defeat this season. Under the guidance of Daryl McMahon, the Urchins have started the season on fire and I think Saturday represents a massive moment in the Gulls season.

Hornchurch showed a lot of guts and desire in their visit to Plainmoor last season and would have felt aggrieved to have left Plainmoor with at least a point to show for their efforts. It will be “a tough test” for sure and one that Torquay have to be ready for.

Whilst the home form is good, Torquay are seven points behind the league leaders and have played a game more. I think anything less than three points will be deemed as unacceptable by the majority in the fanbase and should the Gulls taste defeat, will that be the straw that finally breaks the camel’s back?

All I can say is turn up on Saturday, support the lads and let’s get those 3 points.