TALKING POINTS

Chris Wade – @tufcchris

Chris discusses the key points

HOME FORM IS KEY

The balancing act of keeping the home form strong whilst working out how to win away took another twist at Enfield on Saturday. I have said in these pages recently that working out how to win away from home against low blocks will be key, and the late 2-1 win was the kind of result of Champions. Didn’t play brilliantly, fell behind to a sloppy goal but had the character to work it out and win the game. It’s not always about thrashing teams every week, but working out a way to win. Kieron Wilson’s late penalty was massive for points but also for belief. The home form has been excellent under Paul Wotton, and we head into Tuesday night’s fixture against Farnborough looking for our eleventh home win of the season.

SCORING FIRST

We have had issues this season with conceding the first goal in games, and that has resurfaced in the last three games. After falling behind to both Hampton & Maidstone at Plainmoor, to lose the first goal again at Enfield to a series of unconvincing clearances and a good strike from the edge of the box will have been frustrating for Paul. Starting on the front foot against sides in the bottom third, as an early goal can have a demoralising effect, as we saw against Eastbourne, paving the way for a 7-0 win. Evening games at Plainmoor are always special; there’s just something about a game under the lights, and a fast start against our opponents that will have travelled a long way could open the game up to another successful night.

JORDAN RETURNS

After the tumultuous end to the visit of Maidstone, Jordan Young had to sit out Saturday’s win at Enfield. Louis Dennis serves the second of his three game ban on Tuesday, but Jordan Young is back. He is so important to how we play, and to have him back is great. How we fit him in will be interesting. Cody Cooke led the line at the weekend, with Kieron Wilson in young’s position on the right hand side. With Dylan Morgan in sparkling form, how he fits back into the front line is intriguing. There a lot of games coming up in the next few weeks, with this being the first on three successive midweek assignments. Some rotation may take place, with a squad bursting to get the yellow shirt on and play.

DAZZLING DYLAN

When Torquay signed Dylan Morgan in December 2024, the chat amongst non league fans was what an excellent signing he was. And it was clear he had ability from the off. But a badly timed serious hamstring injury ended his season too early. He came looking in great shape in August, only to be injured in a poor challenge in August. He has struggled to get into the team since returning, but we are starting to see the best of Dylan now. Six goals for the season, and goals in three successive games is really showing his value to the team. His pace, energy and skill down the left flank is so dangerous, and with Callum Dolan injured, he has a settled place in the team.

THE OPPOSITION

Saturday’s come from behind late winner at Eastbourne will have been a massive three points for Tuesday night’s visitors Farnborough. Four defeats in five games had them close to the NLS drop zone, so those three points will have given them some breathing space. But United will feel confident going in search of their second double in four days. These are the games at home that you have to be confident, positive and full of belief. Another three points would also set us up wonderfully for Saturday’s big game at Hornchurch. So bring your raincoat and your Bovril and back the lads for a Tuesday night under the Plainmoor lights.