TT PREVIEW

Gabriel discusses the Towners

SEASON SO FAR

It has been a bit of a confounding season so far. We have shown bursts of quality at times, but consistency has been an issue, particularly on the road where – besides an excellent win at Tonbridge back in September – we’re without a win on our travels. Seeing games out has perhaps been the biggest issue and it was bitterly disappointing that it cost us a place in the FA Cup First Round; not to mention that in the league, the points we have dropped beyond the 85th, or even 90th minute would put us in a far healthier position than where we currently find ourselves. But that’s all hindsight at this stage of the campaign, and unfortunately we’re having to yet again fight to retain our place in the division.

RECENT FORM

Recent form is not ideal, to say the least. Injuries continue to plague us so a settled, regular side has been something of a luxury lately and has certainly played its part – as well as a goalkeeping crisis which has only just been resolved. We capitulated against Hemel and Chelmsford, but certainly held our own against Maidenhead until they eventually broke us down. Tonbridge were our last visitors, and that ended in a 1-1 draw.

HIGHLIGHTS

We have lurched from the sublime (five-goal demolitions of Quorn in the FA Cup and Farnborough in the league; gutsy wins over Ebbsfleet and Maidstone; support, particularly away from home, remaining vocal and encouraging) to the ridiculous (using six goalkeepers and counting this season; conceding seven goals in second half stoppage time which must be some kind of record; enduring an injury/availability crisis which left us with 12 fit players at one stage; going down to nine men at Dover and down to eight when Maidenhead found their opener last weekend). I think, as satisfying as the Farnborough game was, the Ebbsfleet game was probably the highlight so far: we were unstoppable on the night and should really have extended the scoreline. It ought to serve as encouragement for the team that they are capable of going toe-to-toe with ‘bigger’ opponents.

KEY PLAYERS

As always, fans’ favourite Sam Youngs is one of our key players, and has been given the armband of late with club captain Mickey Parcell sidelined. Now our record appearance maker, he has added a versatility to his game since last season as well as chipping in with goal involvements – even if not as many as last term. I also think that Lamar Reynolds’ contributions are often overlooked. He has eight league goals so far and, on his day, can be a real thorn in the side as he looks to drift in and affect the game.

TACTICS

Gavin has been been pretty tactically flexible this season, alternating between a back 4 or 5 if necessary, as well as between 1 or 2 centre-forwards.

POSSIBLE LINE-UP

We’ll have to see. Joe Wright has returned between the sticks, but in terms of tactics – or personnel – lots will depend on our pre-match preparations, as well as on who is passed fit in advance with a couple of players carrying knocks.

PRE-MATCH

The stadium is about 20-30 mins on foot from the centre of town, where you’ll find the most restaurants and pubs. The pubs on the canal, that’s the Cricketer’s Arms and the Crown & Horseshoes; plus the King’s Head in the centre of town; are probably your best bets. There’s a Toby Carvery right on the junction to the stadium too if that’s your choosing.

BEST OPPOSITION

Genuinely, Torquay have probably been the most impressive opponents we’ve faced – the first half on opening day was a pretty brutal reminder of the quality in the Gulls side and the football that they are capable of playing.

AVOIDING THE DROP

I certainly hope so. We can take heart from our spring for survival last year but have to caution against assuming it will happen again automatically. If we can start putting together a run of games where we start grinding points out then who knows.