TALKING POINTS

Chris Wade – @tufcchris

Chris discusses the key points

HOME MOMENTUM

Last week’s convincing 4-1 win against Hampton & Richmond got the New Year off to a good start. It was a game not without setbacks, going behind and losing two players to injury, but we came through with resilience and quality. This week sees a second consecutive home game and a chance to end the Maidstone curse. But it won’t be easy. Our home form has been very good under Paul Wotton, and will need to stay strong on the run in. Beating sides around you is always key.

INJURY TO DOLAN

The fully fit squad didn’t last long with the desperate news of the season ending knee injury to Callum Dolan last week. Fresh back into the squad in recent weeks, his quality in several forward areas would have been important on the run in. But we now need to send our warm wishes to him and focus on the challenges ahead. I expect to see Dylan Morgan replace him on Saturday on the left on Saturday, and the fitness of Jordan Thomas at right back must also be in question. I would like to see Cody Cooke start in a game of this importance. Maidstone are always a big and physical team, and his ability to hold the ball up could be key. Matt Worthington’s return saw a deeper lying midfield player last week, so either him or ever reliable Dan Hayfield would make way for me.

CLEAN SHEETS

Whilst the defensive unit has been good, the absence of clean sheets must still be a concern for Paul Wotton. A score of zero for the opposition always gives you a chance of winning the game, and that isn’t something that we have done on a regular basis. If JT is absent at the weekend, I would expect to see Ed Palmer selected ahead of Denzil Akeampong. Maidstone are always a big and strong proposition and that back four would have the physical capability to play and mix it. Winning those battles can have a big impact on the game.

KEEP GOING

The ups and downs of a long league season are never far aware in the Enterprise National League South. Everybody thought that Worthing were running away with it two weeks ago, but two bizarre performances from them have left them with one point from two games with a 5-4 defeat at relegation threatened Salisbury City. So, there is all to play for. We need to keep going and adding the points as often as we can. Home points have kept us in contention, but I still have a feeling that our ability to work out low blocks away from home will be the key to our destiny. Plenty of big games upcoming for the Gulls against other contenders, games we must do well in.

THE OPPOSITION

Ah geez. Here we go against Maidstone again. We already have a 95^th minute penalty to rescue a point in Kent in August and a 2-0 home defeat in the FA Trophy against the Stones to ponder upon, and the next opportunity comes on Saturday. We need to be able to deal with their direct style of play, and earn the right to play ourselves. We have the quality to beat anybody in our league, but we need to win our battles at the weekend and dictate the tempo of the game. Do that and the likes of Dennis, Young, Morgan and Cooke can deliver. It’s sure to be a big game in front of a big crowd. Let’s face it head on. Together.