United head into Saturday’s game looking to energise their attacking play after last Saturday’s 0-0 draw away to Slough Town.
Torquay United manager Gary Owers is keen to build on United’s impressive defensive record which has seen United concede only one in five games. Despite being disappointed at the end of last Saturday’s match, the Gaffer believes United are close to igniting up front.
“It was an extra point and a clean sheet. I showed my frustration at the end but on reflection we’re not a million miles away. We’ve had four clean sheets out of five and we’re defending really well. If we can just get things right in the attacking sense of our play then things are going to be miles better.
“I think we made chances last week. Three or four really good chances, clear-cut chances. The goals will come. I’ve got my faith still in the players that I’ve got the right players. Spirit’s still great – they’re a great bunch of lads I enjoy working with them and hopefully with this run now of four home games out of six we can progress up the table. We’ve won two out of two at home and drawn two out of three away. Like I say, it’s early days but we’re not miles away.”
Hampton & Richmond come to Plainmoor with one win from their opening five games. They started the season with a 1-1 draw against United’s most recent opponents, Slough City. Defeats against Hemel Hempstead [1-2] and Bath City [0-1] followed before a 3-2 away win against St. Albans. Last Saturday saw the Beavers draw 1-1 against Chelmsford. They have scored in all but one of their games this season so far.
“They’re a very good attacking force – get the ball forward early,” said Owers of Saturday’s opponents. “They can play out from the back at times and we’ll have to be on our toes to eradicate their strengths.”
The Yellow Army has turned up in great numbers so far this season. The Gaffer is hopeful that on Saturday it will be another great atmosphere.
“I look forward to the home games. you know that surface is going to be pure. You know that if we get it right there’s going to be a good atmosphere in the stadium so I look forward to Saturday. They’ve [the Yellow Army] have been brilliant. Over two thousand in the first game, backed up again a couple of days later, eighteen or nineteen hundred. Let’s hope for more of the same.”
United will have player seven games by the end of August. This week has been without a Tuesday night fixture, but United head into another tough fixture away from home on Monday when they face Gloucester City. It will test the Gaffer’s squad to its fullest.
“It’s a week off, if you like, but then we’re thrown into Saturday/Monday. I’m looking ahead to Monday’s game and trying to get it right on Saturday, thinking about how we’re going to get through Saturday and mix the team up possibly for the bank holiday game. I’ve told the players that everybody has to be prepared to play. One thing I have learnt, if go into these two games and don’t change it too much, all of a sudden half way through the second game, you can end up being a very tired team.
Jakub Sokolik will be unavailable for Saturday’s game as he recovers from an MCL injury. Jean-Yves Koue Niate has picked up an ankle injury in training.
Torquay United Vs Hampton & Richmond Borough FC | 25/08/18 | 3pm Kick-Off
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