TALKING POINTS

Dom Roman – @DomRoman

Dom discusses the key points

NEW YEAR

2026? How did that happen? Well, after the Dover cancellation (what a predictable situation that was), we are back in action this weekend at Plainmoor, and let’s be honest after the tepid end to 2025 at Bath, the Gulls need to get 2026 going with a bang against the Beavers. All is far from lost this season and United are still in the hunt for not only promotion but the title. What we can’t do is continue to be inconsistent in the coming months, and whilst it would be greedy to expect the team to win every game, Paul Wotton needs to spur them onto a run of form that keeps us on the heels of Worthing FC. Last year we faltered mid-way through the season but bounced back to push Truro all the way, we just need these players to step up and show why we believed the 25-26 squad has more quality than it’s 24-25 predecessor.

THE LINE-UP

The good news is that the squad is healthier than it has been for a long time, and with midfielder Matt Worthington back in contention and Cody Cooke ready to reclaim his place in the line-up, PW has decisions to make. This could well mean that two out of Dan Hayfield, Matt Jay and Callum Dolan lose their places, which is a reflection of the quality we have amongst the squad. What we know Cody Cooke can do is score big goals and help us win tight games, something we’ve not done enough of this season. Meanwhile the Worthington/Everton midfield axis was PW’s preferred option in August, and it would be no surprise to see him revisit the combination. It feels like Worthington has something to prove at Plainmoor. At times he’s shown his NLS winning class, but at times he’s also sat too deep and United’s attacking play has suffered. As always it’s up to the manager to find the best balance and harmony that makes us into a consistent winning outfit.

JORDAN YOUNG

One player who has struggled for form in recent matches is Jordan Young, but it would be no surprise if he puts Hampton to the sword on Saturday. Jordan’s only minor downfall as a player is his habit of continually cutting inside and looking for a shot, and whilst this of course works at times, it’s also important to keep the opposition guessing. So whilst a defence focuses on stopping that fantastic left foot, a subtle pass or a quick give and go could cause havoc instead. Jordan definitely has the ability to step up to the National League, he can conjure something out of nothing and has skills above most players at this level, but even the best performers have to show variety in their game and choosing the right time to have a pop is key. Anyway, let’s hope for a goal or assist from this class act, his attacking interplay with Louis Dennis is absolutely vital to United pushing on in 2026.

THE OPPOSITION

Under Alan Julian, Hampton suffered a horrible run of form and looked nailed on for relegation, but Julian exited and our old Woking nemesis Alan Dowson took the reins to steady the Beavers’ ship. Dowson’s team includes a familiar ex-Woking player in Max Kretzschmar, and I’m sure Alan will set them up to be physical and hard to beat on Saturday afternoon. Often United have started fast this season at Plainmoor, finding the right passes and finishing in the early minutes and taking an unassailable lead. If Hampton can hold firm in the first half and frustrate the Yellow Army, they’ll believe there’s a chance of a result. Let’s hope we click into gear and gather our first 3 points of the calendar, see you at Plainmoor!