For the first time in five months, Gary Johnson’s side will able to call upon the Yellow Army to cheer them on against Barnet on Saturday, and Asa Hall in no doubt of the boost that will give to the players.
With just three points separating the National League’s top two sides with two matches remaining, this weekend’s fixtures certainly won’t be for the faint-hearted, with The Gulls’ home clash against Barnet scheduled to take take place some 24 hours before title rivals Sutton take on fellow promotion hopefuls Hartlepool.
“We haven’t played with fans for so long now, it’s going to be very special,” began the Torquay skipper.
“Obviously we’ve got ourselves into a position where it’s still not over – especially with having the supporters back. Everyone is very excited to be back at Plainmoor with fans, and let’s see what we can do to finish the season. Just to have anyone in the stadium will be a massive help, it will give myself an edge to my game, and it makes it a little bit more real.”
Although Barnet have endured a difficult 2020/21 and will pose a completely different threat to United’s last opponents, Stockport County, absolutely nobody in the home camp will be taking anything for granted, as the captain explains.
“If you approach the game thinking like that, that can be your downfall, but the Gaffer and the staff won’t let us do that, and we’ve got to be right on form on Saturday, and put in a proper shift to get those 3 points.
“Everyone has been waiting for this moment, and all the lads have got family and people to support, so it’s definitely going to be a good atmosphere, and the boys are going to want to turn up against Barnet.”
Having already enjoyed promotion success under Johnson at this level with Cheltenham five years ago, the squad’s younger players won’t have far to look, should they need to call upon his experience.
“I think we maybe need to step up a bit if things aren’t going right. We’ve had a dip in form, but in the last 14/15 games, I think everyone has put in a real shift. We have been on such a roll, I haven’t needed to step in to be honest – which has been a positive, and we just need everyone to concentrate on getting their game going on Saturday.
“Nothing changes, we have a style of play that we want to bring out on a matchday, and I think it’s just ticking over at this point of the season. Everyone knows what we need to do, it’s just getting it right, and getting it going on a matchday. In training, it’s been a lot of attackingly stuff, final third work, and I think that’s going to be important going into the final two games, especially if goal difference is going to play a part.”
Sunday’s action in South London will no doubt occupy the thoughts of many Gulls fans once the time comes, however Asa was quick to stress that as far as United’s players and staff are concerned, their sole attention will be focused on the clash against The Bees.
“I think that’s the way its got to be, because we cant get too disappointed if it doesn’t go for us this weekend, as there’s still the potential to get promoted. We’ve got to go and enjoy every game we get handed this season – whether it’s two, or potentially four left.
“Everybody’s got to stay positive, and hopefully the rest will take care of itself.”
With so much still to play for at the business end of the season, Hall has had little time to reflect on what has been a superb season for both the team and him individually, with the experienced midfielder having led by example as the team’s leading scorer this term. There’s no hiding what he considers to be the campaign’s real prize, though.
“It’s been good, maybe its down to having an extended break. I did a lot of work in the time that we were off, and that’s come to pay off. I’m enjoying football more than I have for a long time – I love being at Torquay and playing here, and I’ve been able to get in the box and get a few goals.
“It’s been an excellent season, and hopefully we can finish the job with promotion – That would be fantastic.”