TALKING POINTS

Chris Wade – @tufcchris

Chris discusses the key points

LET’S GET A RUN GOING

Wednesday nights 3-1 win at Farnborough has to be the start of something now. The much talked about away form has started to get boring but the way that we won has to be the blueprint for the next run of matches. Energetic and on the attack from the off, the quality shone through. Callum Dolan is being a real handful, and the quality he has brought is key. Louis Dennis’ two early goals gave us a leg up that we never looked like relinquishing. For all of the attacking quality that we have seen at Plainmoor, this was the first time that we have looked relaxed and front footed away from home. We need more of the same on Saturday.

STRIKING SELECTION

You could be forgiven for thinking that the central striker role is a little cursed this season. With Cody Cooke absent with a pelvic injury, and Cian Dillon allowed to return to QPR, Louis Dennis has started as the central forward for the last two games. Although not his natural game, his two goal salvo on Wednesday justifies the selection. That he then limped off within the first 30 minutes was a cruel blow. Sonny Fish looks close to full fitness and he gave a good account of himself. With little turnaround time, it’s unlikely that Dennis will be ready for Saturday. I expect to see Fish start at York Road at the weekend. Matt Jay played the full 90 on Wednesday, and now could be the time to unleash Dylan Morgan again, with Callum Dolan in the number 10 position in behind.

SOLID BACK FOUR

The return to form of Jordan Thomas in recent matches has been welcome, with the back four now having a solid look to it. Thomas has been very good in the last two matches in particular, and a lively winger got no change form him at Farnborough. With the ever dependable Jordan Dyer, Sam Dreyer and Jay Foulston alongside, it must rank alongside the best in the division. The next target will be to get back to keeping in clean sheets. James Hamon was untroubled in the main in the week, and a solid display will give us a good chance again on Saturday. Don’t under estimate how good these players are and the importance of clean sheets, especially away from home.

IN THE PACK

The top two in the National League South dropping points in midweek has condensed the league table a little more. After last weekend’s unfortunate defeat to Hornchurch, their 1-1 draw with Chesham has left us 8 points behind them. But Weston’s hammering at Hemel Hempstead has left us only two points behind second place. Now would be an excellent time to put a run of consecutive wins together. November represents lots of opportunities to accumulate points, and the next of those is at Maidenhead.

THE OPPOSITION

Maidenhead have always been a strong and physical team under Alan Devonshire, and expect no change at the weekend. Tuesday’s 2-1 defeat at Totton was their 4^th in 5 games following a strong start, so they will be keen to get back to winning ways. But managing that will be key for us. Our away form needs to kick on from Wednesday, and nullifying the physical threat will be a key part of that. Do that and get our attacking players into the game, and another win could be on.