TT PREVIEW

Dom Roman – @DomRoman

BACK TO THE LEAGUE

There was very little to crow about last weekend, as Torquay ground out the win at Tonbridge, but the word win is all important in the Cup, and thankfully we got over the line. One more win required and then perhaps a spicy 1st round tie to stir the emotions and bring some extra funds to the club. But this weekend it’s the bread and butter of the league, and a visit from bottom of the league Slough Town, a team that have only experienced one win in 10 games…what could possibly go wrong?! Let’s discuss the talking points!

MOORE MOORE MOORE

Absence makes the heart grow ponder, and that’s certainly the case in regards to Deon Moore. The striker has had a mixed start to the season and we’ve experienced defeat with him in the line-up, but without Deon the attack has looked toothless, missing the physicality and pace he brings to the line-up. He can win us possession in the final third, knit together moves and of course score goals, so Moore’s return to the squad after his Caribbean travels (I’m sure he’s missed us…) is absolutely vital. His presence can help create space for others and will hopefully lead to goals and a comfortable 3 points, though nothing can be taken for granted with Torquay United!

DEFENSIVE STABILITY

Olufunwa and Wannell’s return to the line-up last weekend helped us earn a clean sheet, and Toby Savin also had a fine game that will help his confidence. That trio need to find consistency and form this season, and string together performances that will help us climb the league. Of course you can say that for everybody, and I think that’s difficult with so many young and unproven players around, and the line-up/formation being juggled around weekly by Jimmy. At some stage we need to settle on an identity and way of playing, but in the meantime if the defence can cut out errors and do the basics right, then we should be a lot harder to beat.

THE OPPOSITION

10 games, 1 win, 1 draw and 8 losses, it’s been a terrible start to the season for Slough Town. The team currently has a temporary management team consisting of Johnny Goddard, Ryan Case and Henry Ochieng, and in their last game they did at least manage a draw against Ebbsfleet. Defensively they also seem to have improved in recent games. Slough boast two ex-Gulls in the form of Jordan Thomas and Saikou Janneh, however Thomas is injured. Janneh was a joy to watch at Plainmoor during that 2018-19 season, and I’m sure he’ll get a warm reception. A team who will have no expectations heading to Plainmoor, which could make them dangerous, but with our best striker returning, we should have moore than enough….