TALKING POINTS

Chris Wade – @tufcchris

Chris discusses the key points

BACK TO BUSINESS

After elimination from the FA Trophy led to a blank weekend last week, Torquay roar back into pre-Christmas action at AFC Totton on Saturday. Five consecutive wins was then spoilt by a limp 2-1 home defeat to Tonbridge last time out. So, we’ll be looking to get back on horse. August’s home victory over these opponents was hard fought and they were very physical. So a straight forward afternoon looks unlikely, as United look to clinch a fourth successive win on their travels.

REINTEGRATION

Following the much-discussed omissions of skipper Matt Worthington and Callum Dolan from the last 4 games, both come back into contention this week fitness permitting. Club captain Worthington you would think would come back into midfield, although Dan Hayfield has done a very good job in his absence in recent weeks. Any manager puts belief in his captain, and how Worthington returns will be interesting given the past few weeks. Dolan was in sparkling form prior to his absence, so whether he comes back in to replace Dylan Morgan will be upmost in Wotton’s thoughts. Do they serve more time on the bench, or is it all behind us and we go back to how we were? An interesting selection awaits at the weekend.

THE LOANEES

Given recent selection issues, the addition of Sonny Sharples and Kieron Wilson have been welcome. Exeter loanee Wilson’s instant impact at Chelmsford showed what he can do, so the option of him starting in the front line with Louis Dennis is an intriguing one. Matt Jay has however been instrumental in the recent upturn of form. Dolan coming into the team in behind the forward player is also an option. And will Cody Cooke be back, after he restarted full training on grass last week? The options that have been missing in recent weeks are there again, so the eleven that take the field will need to be ready to fight for their place.

TIGHT AT THE TOP

The top section of the NLS table has tightened in recent weeks, and Dorking’s midweek 3-2 win over Weston has only made it more compact. Consistency is key to a successful season, and we were getting that until the frustrating last outing. But the end of a run is the chance to start a new one, so the Christmas fixtures will be as vital as ever. Weston looms large on the horizon on Boxing Day, so unwrapping 7 or 9 points from the festive fixtures would be very welcome heading into 2026. It looks like it could be as tight as last season.

THE OPPOSITION

AFC Totton had an incredible start to life in the NLS and were among the early pace setters. But a run of injuries has led to a downturn in form that sees them at the bottom of the form table heading into Saturday’s match (although so were Tonbridge, so). Our away form has been a real mixed bag so far, but the recent trend has been a positive. Continuing that is key as we start the festive fixtures. Who wants three points in Santa’s sack? I know I do.