TALKING POINTS

Danny Burnell

Danny discusses the game against Hornchurch

FORTRESS PLAINMOOR NO MORE

The Gulls’ home form this season has been the stand out of an otherwise below par start to the season. Six wins and a draw from the opening seven games is the reason Torquay are in and around the play-offs, but in truth, it was only a matter of time before a home defeat come-a-calling. Hardly a surprise it came at the hands of a well-drilled Hornchurch side who showed no fear and looked every bit of a side who will take some catching. A sad state of affairs when we are 10 points adrift, having played a game or two more than most, and we aren’t even at bonfire night! Had the away form not been that of relegation fodder, this may have not been such a discussion point. But the fact we are quite frankly dismal away, highlights the need for that particular area to improve, and fast, before this season peters out to a rather underwhelming, under-achieving one.

SET PIECES & SHOOTING

There’s been times were our set pieces, whether that a free-kick or a corner have been poor. But I can’t recall a 90 minute match where our set plays were continuously awful. Time and time again we got into positions of opportunity, only to waste it with questionable decision making. I’m not finger pointing at any one individual, there were countless offenders. In the NLS, you will generally score a fair portion of your goals at set pieces. Whether that’s direct, or second balls, an opportunity to get it in the mixer should never be passed.

This segways very nicely onto the shooting. My god it was woeful. Pre match saw all players bar the defence take on shooting practice, that clearly didn’t work. Numerous time we again got into promising positions only to blaze it high over the stand. You have to at least make the keeper work for his money, but unfortunately for us, it was an afternoon of relative comfort for the Hornchurch #1.

MISSING COOKE

It’s glaringly obvious we miss a focal point up front. Whilst Dennis is asked to lead the line, his best work comes from the #10 position. Cooke retains the ball to good effect and provides the outlet we so often need. He may have started the season slow by his standards, but he is instrumental to the way this team plays. It’s no coincidence our downturn in form has coincided with Cody’s absence, and failure to replace him looks to have cost us multiple points. The sooner he’s back, the better.

ON THE ROAD AGAIN X 2

Back to back away games, and looking at the league table, it’s safe to say anything less than 4 points is a disaster. A team of our calibre should be going to Farnborough with no fear and should easily stave off any threat the home side has. But with confidence seemingly low, it’s anyone’s guess how it will turn out. Maidenhead on the weekend looks trickier on paper, but again, themselves having gone through a rough patch, it provides a perfect opportunity for the management and players to showcase they are promotion material as we head into the dark winter schedule.