TUST

TUST FAN ZONE

UNITED’S ROCKET START HAS SLOUGH FANS LOOKING FOR MARS BAR COMFORT

UNITED’S WOMEN EIGHT UP SALTASH IN MID-WEEK WIN TOWARDS TITLE

IN PERSON OR ONLINE FANS’ FORUM IN BOOTS & LACES TUESDAY 21ST

In a blistering seventeen minutes United blasted a shell-shocked Slough to Mars (not the chocolate coated bar made in Slough since 1932) further than the American’s Artemis trip to the moon as the Gulls were 4-0 ahead inside the opening twenty-four minutes.

In their defence (well actually there wasn’t any) Slough were playing injured players in what was already a depleted squad. That United didn’t go into the half-time break at least 7-0 ahead – Morgan and Jay both striking the bar and Deon Moore selflessly passing when he might have completed his hat-trick – made one think this could be a record final score.

As it turned out, the second half was an anti-climax as Slough rallied and Jimmy Ball made use of his ammunition off the bench but only Reading loanee Reece Evans supplied a goal.

Importantly, the job was done, three points, an unbeaten run continued and most members of the squad got game time while others were rested.

As Ball said not long after taking over, there were five cup finals to play. Three down (and won) with two more to go continuing tomorrow.

Coming to what promises to be a 5,000 Plainmoor attendance are Hemel Hempstead, also in the play-off mix and intent on spoiling the party.

Who can forget the final day of the season last year? The Yellow Army over-ran Hemel’s home ground and what an atmosphere only dampened by events in faraway Cornwall.

The Tudors, under Lee Allinson, have clearly upped their game this season and pose a real threat but Jimmy Ball has got the best out of the talents he’s inherited and his meticulous pre-planning cannot be faulted.

Jimmy Ball’s Yellow Army.

With all this excitement with the men we mustn’t forget our women’s side as they close in on promotion to their National League. Under manager Ryan Perks, who also works as part of Ball’s backroom staff, the Women are well on target to achieve their target.

Last night they recorded an emphatic 8-0 victory at Saltash with five different players, plus an own goal, on the score sheet watched by United manager Jimmy Ball.

Whilst this was a step in the right direction nothing has been decided – yet.

Here’s a date for your diary, Sunday April 26th Women’s Football Festival at Plainmoor. £5 adult entry on the day, kids go free. Gates open at 9am.

With food outlets, merchandise for sale and activities there will be plenty to do alongside junior girls’ matches in the morning, walking football and then at 2pm United’s Women’s league match against Gloucester City.

Let’s have a little round-up of ex-Gulls as managers of local teams: firstly, commiserations to Asa Hall whose Tiverton Town have struggled all season with relegation confirmed a few weeks ago but the experience of managing is a step on the ladder.

Contrast Asa’s first steps with ‘been there etc’ Gary Johnson who looks as if he might just save his Taunton Town from dropping out of the same league as Tiverton, Southern League Premier South.

Also, in the same division Tim Sills is keeping Wimborne Town just above the drop.

Meanwhile, in Division One South Exmouth Town under Kevin Hill sit outside the play-off places.

We all know that in which league United will play next season is some way off being decided but we do know that if it’s in National South it will be without Bath City, Chippenham Town, Enfield and Eastbourne all relegated.

And Maidstone will be looking for a new manager after George Elokobi announced he was stepping down at the end of the season.

Non-League Crowd Watch: Southend 8,993, Carlisle 6,296, Bury FC 3,948, Scunthorpe 3,812, Worthing 3,538, Rochdale 3,021.

Next Tuesday sees what is likely to be a packed Boots & Laces for a Fans’ Forum, doors open at 6pm for a 7pm start. Amongst the topics are plans for Youth Development, TUST’s new enhanced membership scheme and manager Jimmy Ball’s future plans.

It’s a not to be missed opportunity and fans not able to attend in person will be able to follow the evening online.

With the domestic football season drawing to a close how to keep alive your love for Torquay United?

Gulls fan Marcus Davies has recently published his photos from watching United over two decades between 1985 through to 2005. You can take a trip back in time and spot if you’re in the pictures from over 60 black and white photographs that Marcus has taken. You can purchase your copy by going to https://lowerblock.com/product/the-gulls-1985-05-marcus-davies/

Tomorrow at Plainmoor promises to be a special day not just because of the importance of the game – and you can be the team’s 12th man – but because all our wonderful volunteers are to be honoured at half-time.

Then after the game the end-of-season player awards are to take place. Your Player of the Season. Your Young Player of the Season. TUST’s Ian Twitchin Trophy and the TUST sponsored Exiles Away Player of the Season.

Finally, if you’re male of a certain age have you had your PSA checked for prostate cancer? If not, you should see your GP. Have you noticed our two TUST sponsored boards urging you to check your prostate around Plainmoor to remind you? Do it now!