Louis Dennis knows exactly what lies ahead as Torquay United prepare to welcome Maidstone United to Plainmoor – and the forward insists the Gulls are ready for the challenge.
It’s been a positive week on the training ground, with spirits high following last weekend’s 4-1 win at home over Hampton & Richmond Borough. For Dennis, that momentum has been clear to see in the sharpness and intensity of the squad.
“We’ve had a really good week of training,” he says. “The boys are looking sharp, and it’s always good coming off the back of a good result. That gives everyone confidence, but we also know what’s coming next.”
That next test is a Maidstone United side well known for their quality, physicality, and resilience. Dennis is under no illusions about the task ahead, but believes United are in a strong place if they focus on themselves.
“They’re physical, they’re hard to beat, and you have to be right at it,” he explains. “For us, it’s about sticking to what we do well, matching their physicality and being up for the fight. If we do that, we give ourselves a really good chance.”
Goals haven’t been a problem for the United with Dennis quick to stress that it’s not about individual numbers, but collective effort.
“It’s not just the forward line, it’s the whole team,” he says. “We score a lot of goals as a team, and when we’re on it, we know we can hurt anyone. The big thing is togetherness. We work hard for each other, and it doesn’t matter who scores – we just keep building.”
That togetherness extends beyond the pitch, particularly when Plainmoor is rocking. Dennis is full of praise for the Yellow Army.
“The crowd really are the 12th man,” he says. “When they’re singing from start to finish, it makes such a difference. There’s nothing like playing in front of great support, and we’re lucky to have the Yellow Army. We just ask them to keep doing what they’re doing and get behind us.”
On the training ground, Dennis has also been passing on his experience, recently taking players through extra finishing drills.
“It was funny really – the lads who stayed out with me, Sunny Blu, Dylan and Callum, ended up scoring [Vs HRB]. It was a nice touch.”
We’d love to see the Yellow Army out in force on Saturday. Wear your colours and bring a friend!
TUFC Vs Maidstone United | 17/01/25 | 3pm KO | Buy tickets here
