TALKING POINTS

Chris Wade – @tufcchris

Chris discusses the key points

It’s almost here!

This week has felt like one of the longest weeks of all of our lives. From the high of last Saturday and that incredible win over Dorking, to the worry and wait over tickets, and then the nerves as the final draws closer, it’s been full of emotion. All of the matches, all of the words I have written and the chat that we have had on Gull’s Eye View has been and has come to this. A 90 minute shoot out in Essex to decide if the end to the story gives us all what we crave so much, or disappointment that would barely be describable. It’s the best way to go up, or the worst way to not go up.

Quality in attack

One of the key factors of last week’s win was the quality of our attacking. With Jordan Young running down the wing, scoring goals and being creative, to the directness and drive of Dylan Morgan, Dorking just could not live with us. Options have been key in this final phase to the season. Having the ability to switch it up has been huge, and something that wasn’t available in the last few weeks of Paul Wotton’s tenure. Callum Dolan is lively, Louis Dennis is silky and Matt Jay can produce at any moment, and when you have had 70 minutes of Young and co, it’s the last thing that you need. Patience could be key on Saturday, and having the weapons off the bench could be pivotal.

Colossal Duo

The return of Sam Dreyer and Jordan Dyer has arguably been as important as all of the attacking options. They have been the best defensive partnership in this league over the last two seasons with no doubt. They were again outstanding against Dorking, and it sounds odd to say it, but could both have been Player of The Match? Dreyer got his stunning hair onto every aerial duel, and Dyer was so solid and combative in every tackle. The back areas are so key in any successful team, and the solidity that they bring is vital. The key selection decision is who plays at right back after Jimmy’s tactical master stroke of selecting Dan Hayfield last week. Will he be there again?

The Opposition

Our hosts Hornchurch have been consistent all season, and we thank them for having us. Think what you want, but they have earnt the right and we thank them for hosting us. It’s 1 each from the league games. Both were evenly contested where quality won the game. It was Angelo Balanta at Plainmoor and Jordan Young in Essex who won the game with stunning individual brilliance. Getting a foothold in the game will be significant, and the first goal in any final is massive. If we can get our noses in front, it gives us something to hold onto and build on. That first goal really is key.

No Regrets

Jimmy Ball spoke on Thursday of giving everything and getting us where we want to be. He spoke of the deep rooted passion that he has bought into so quickly, and he gets what this means to us, of that be assured. But let’s go all in and have no regrets. From the beers in the Windmill, the special occasion that brings, fathers, sons, grandfathers, mothers and daughters together, to the first whistle and last, let’s all give it everything. We can make such a difference from the terraces and we know that the players will give it their all.

This is it. Let’s walk towards the fear and do this.