TT PREVIEW

Chris Wade – @tufcchris

CUP ACTION

After an intense start to the National League South, featuring 9 games in a little over 5 weeks including 3 midweek games, it’s time to have break from the pursuit of promotion and start the crack at some cup glory. Now, let’s be honest, our FA Cup form hasn’t been good in the last few years, now has it? But it’s a new season and a fresh start, as Jimmy Ball takes charge of United in the most famous Cup competition in the world for the first time. And the draw has thrown up a tie at Plainmoor against AFC Stoneham.

STARTING TO GEL

The start of the season hasn’t been as smooth as any of us hoped, with transfers out and disharmony in the background making things challenging. But the departure of three players and the omission of another, along with several incommings has started to see results settle. 7 points out of 9 in the league sees us moving in the right direction, and the new players will have had some time on the training pitch with their new colleagues to work on team shape and positional familiarity. Celeb Roberts and Tegan Finn were impressive in last week’s draw with Dorking Wanderers, and this weekend represents another chance to get a positive result.

DEFENSIVE RESHUFFLE

An area that will have occupied Jimmy’s mind this week is at the back. Already lower on numbers after Sam Dreyer’s departure and Jordan Dyer’s injury, Jake Wannell’s controversial red card last week leaves us short. Dare Olufunwa limped off also, although that looked like cramp. Tyler Hill could come into the left centre back role, and utility man Dan Hayfield is another option. He was solid enough after Wannell’s dismissal last week. It must be an area that Ball is looking at, although you would hope we would have enough this weekend.

TAKING YOUR CHANCES

Something that is really hurting United at the moment is their inability to take chances that they have created. There is a credible argument that we could have won all five home matches at Plainmoor had we taken our chances. Last week’s first half display was exhilarating at times, but failure to take chances created ultimately led to United not claiming all three points. This has to improve across all games.

THE OPPOSITION

AFC Stoneham head to Plainmoor off the back of a 4-0 defeat at home in the FA Trophy last week. They haven’t yet played that many matches this season, so they are very much finding their feet in the 26/27 season. This will be a big occasion for them, and they will want to enjoy their day. But it’s very much for Torquay to make the running and get the job done.

Tickets are only £10, so get yourself to Plainmoor and support the boys in Yellow.