TT PREVIEW

Chris Wade – @tufcchris

UNDER THE LIGHTS

Going to Plainmoor is always magical, but there is something extra special about games that are under the lights. Whilst us all getting there from work can be a challenge, the atmosphere is always special. The lights, the anticipation, and the smell of burgers always seems stronger in midweek. And Tuesday promises to be good tussle between two teams that will have real designs on the magic place in the final league table.

GOING BACK TO BACK

Winning leagues is tough, and your home form being consistent and runs of wins are two of the most important components. The opening day 1-1 home draw with Horsham was full of frustration at what might have been, so to have followed that with a 2-1 away win at Tonbridge at the first of asking on our travels was key. Both games have been a battle, and Jimmy Ball has talked about signing men and standing up to the physical test, and Saturday showed that really well. We are together as a group and that is so important. Backing that up becomes the next challenge, and a home game is a great opportunity to get a run of wins going.

ATTACKING ADDITIONS

4 points from 6 is a sound start, and this week has 6 more points on offer. It will be two tough matches, but reinforcements within the squad should be incoming. Neither Louis Dennis nor Jordan Young have featured yet due to injury and paternity leave respectively, and Jimmy said that both are ready to go for this week. Given that they were our two top scorers last season, having them back will be a real benefit. We haven’t so far scored the goals that our attacking play has warranted and we have perhaps lacked some quality in the front third, so adding proven talent in that area can only help.

GOALKEEPER IMPORTANCE

There’s no doubt that goalkeeper is the position on the pitch that has the most jeopardy. In most other positions, you can recover from or get away with a mistake. But generally a mistake from a goalkeeper leads to a goal. The goal last week would have had Toby Savin reflecting and reviewing, but it was his debut and in 46 games, there is a lot of chance to contribute. And there is no doubt that he contributed on Saturday. That late outstanding tip away confirmed the three points and also endeared him to the Yellows faithful early on in his career, which is important for any player. Your keeper is so important.

THE OPPOSITION

Tuesday sees us face Weston for the second time in three weeks, after rather oddly playing them in a friendly during pre-season. Both teams go into the fixture unbeaten, and Weston have maximum points after back to back 3-0 home wins against Chesham United and Hampton & Richmond. But they will know that this will be a real test, as it will be for Torquay. After narrowly missing out on the play-offs last season, they will want to put a marker down to the league early. It promises to be a great contest….