United face fellow promotion chasers at Plainmoor
United’s run of home games continues tomorrow, as their excellent form faces a stern test against another side with aspirations of playing in the fifth tier next season – Farnborough.
Who’s the boss?
Spencer Day took charge at Farnborough in November 2011 and in his time at the club has led them to two promotions, first in 2016/17 when he guided the club to the Southern League Premier Division through the Play-Offs, and then again in the 2021/22 season as the Boro gained promotion to the National League South, where they won the Southern Premier Division South Play Offs, after defeating Hayes & Yeading United 2-1 in the Final. Day guided the Hampshire side to a mid-table 12th place finish on their first season back in the sixth tier, and having established themselves firmly in National League South, Farnborough’s boss is now looking for his side to make the next step.
Player to watch
A familiar opponent for The Gulls due to his spell with old rivals Woking, Josh Casey started out with Aldershot Town Academy, before moving on to Salisbury City where he won promotion to the Conference South in his debut season at The Raymond McEnhill Stadium.
He then joined Bashley in 2012, before enjoying a spell under Alan Dowson at Kingstonian in 2013/14 where The Ks finished runners up in the Isthmian Premier. In July 2015, Josh followed Dowson across to Hampton & Richmond Borough and they subsequently won the Isthmian Premier title, along with promotion to The National League South. He then followed Dowse to Woking in July 2018 and the pair went one better this time, clinching promotion to The National League after a Play-Off Final victory over Welling United.
Despite numerous managerial changes, the experienced defender remained a popular figure on and off the pitch throughout his time at Kingfield, which came to an end last April, joining Farnborough ahead of the current season.
How have they been doing?
Farnborough are right in the thick of the promotion race as the National League South season heads towards the midway point, with their current tally of 11 wins and 3 draws from 20 games leaving them just one point and two places below The Gulls in fifth position, and just two points off the summit of what is an extremely congested NLS table.
Wotton’s men will need no reminding of their qualities, as the Boro inflicted a first defeat of the season on United in the reverse match back in August.
Played for both
Rene Howe has represented both clubs in his career, although his spell on the English Riviera was much more memorable.
Renebegan his career at Bedford Town scoring over 30 goals in over 80 appearances, before moving to Kettering where upon scoring 25 goals in a season he was snapped up by Peterborough United. While at the Posh in a four year stay, Howe found himself loaned out to Rochdale, Morecombe, Lincoln City, Gillingham, Rushden & Diamonds and Bristol Rovers as he found chances limited at London Road.
After he was released by Peterborough in 2011, he then headed to Plainmoor, and he became a firm crowd favourite, scoring 28 goals in 81 league games in a two year stay here at the English Riviera. Burton, Newport and a return to Kettering for a three year stay followed, before his first spell at Kings Langley in 2018.
Subsequent spells at Walton Casuals, a five-game spell at Farnborough, Bedford Town for a second spell, Ware and then a third spell at Bedford last season, all came before his return to Kings Langley for the 2023/24 season.
Previous Encounter
Torquay United 3-0 Farnborough | National League South | Tuesday 5th September 2023
United turned on the style in last season’s corresponding fixture, as they sealed a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Farnborough at Plainmoor.
Aaron Jarvis gave United a first-half advantage, and after his strike partner Brad Ash followed suit in the second period, Jarvis fired home a late penalty to seal all three points for Gary Johnson’s team.
Tickets for tomorrow’s match are available HERE, whilst full live commentary will be available via TUFC Radio HERE.