TALKING POINTS

Chris Wade – @tufcchris

Chris discusses the key points

We couldn’t, could we?

Well well well, that bank holiday weekend has opened it right open again at the top of the National League South hasn’t it? And with Worthing’s win at leaders Dorking taking them to the top of the tree, the hope is there for the rest of the league again. Torquay sit in third place on 74 points, four points behind Worthing and Dorking with just nine points left to play for in three remaining fixtures. Saturday’s trip to Slough is the first opportunity to close that gap. The title looks to be a fraction out of reach in truth, but all we can do is take the nine points on offer and see where it takes us. You never know.

Free Scoring Yellows

Ever since taking over at the club, Jimmy Ball has spoken of front footed football. We have certainly seen it over the Easter weekend, with seven goals scored and one self inflicted goal conceded. The return to fitness of key attacking players has enabled Ball to rotate his attacking players. Dylan Morgan was rotated at Weston on Friday and returned with a hat trick on Monday, with Jordan Young starting on Friday and being an unused substitute on Monday. The two main forwards also rotated across both games, so everybody is ready to go again this weekend. And don’t forget the returning Louis Dennis and Callum Dolan. And the players know that nobody’s place in the team is safe. Exciting options indeed.

Feel Good Factor

The feel at the club has changed significantly in recent weeks, and the atmosphere at Plainmoor at the weekend was great. Brilliant weather, big crowd and a good performance made for it to be an excellent afternoon. Listening to Jimmy this week, he has a refreshing approach to everything. He wants the best for the players, he gives nothing but positive energy and he makes no excuses. He has spoken of hard work, desire and passion to play for our brilliant football club, something that fans appreciate. It’s an exciting end to this season.

The Opposition

Slough Town have had a strong 2025-26, but they are experiencing a slow end to the season. No wins in the last six and just two points, including conceding 15 goals. They haven’t won at their Arbour Park home since February, but this will not be a simple afternoon. Our historical record on artificial surfaces isn’t great, but it means nothing on Saturday. Jimmy makes no excuses nor does he ask for any, and the regular training on artificial pitches should help. Whilst the games can be scrappier with unpredictable bounce, there is no reason why we can’t win. Three more victories and let’s see where it takes us.