Jimmy Ball says Torquay United must be ready for a disciplined and dangerous Tonbridge Angels side when the Gulls travel to Kent on Saturday.
United have adapted their preparations for the fixture, switching one of this week’s training sessions to a newer 3G surface to replicate the conditions they will encounter at the Longmead Stadium.
“We changed training venue so that we were quite close to what we’ll play on on Saturday,” said Ball.
“They are small details, but it is basically so the players have no excuses come Saturday.”
Tonbridge began their campaign with an impressive victory over Braintree Town, and Ball believes their summer recruitment has already begun to bear fruit.
“Tonbridge will be another very tough test,” he said.
“They have brought in a lot of players and, by the looks of their result against Braintree, they have gelled well.
“They are very organised defensively and don’t give you a lot of space. They have really attacking wingers and a whole new front line.
“They don’t lie down. Even if you are on top, they are always in the game because of the way they play. They can spring you at any time.”
Ball expects Tonbridge to retain many of the principles they displayed when the sides met on the final day of last season, although he believes Saturday’s encounter will feel very different.
United travelled to Longmead knowing their play-off place was at stake and eventually secured the result they needed.
“We had a lot riding on that game and they had nothing,” Ball reflected.
“They were relaxed and we were edgy. There was a point during the game when I don’t think we were in the play-offs, so we were edgy, and rightly so.
“I can’t see the game being the same. I think we will be a bit freer.”
United will assess a small number of fitness concerns before naming their squad, although Ball confirmed that Deon Moore is available.
Harry Shield will be monitored after playing through a painful injury against Horsham, while Jordan Young’s involvement will be carefully managed following the birth of his child.
“Youngy has had a bit of time off,” Ball explained.
“In football, spikes in load are what create injuries. We have a long season ahead of us, so we have to be diligent and clever when making decisions.”
Ball believes the key to returning from Kent with a positive result will be concentration at both ends of the pitch.
“When we’re attacking, we will have to have defensive safety,” he said.
“When we’re defending, we’ll have to be aggressive and resolute and defend ever so well.”
