United face the second instalment of their vital Plainmoor double-header on Tuesday evening as third-placed Chelmsford City head to Devon.
Once again, there’s no doubt United will need to be on the top of their game against formidable opponents, if they are to extend their lead at the top of National League South.
Who’s the boss?
Rod Stringer was appointed as Chelmsford City manager back in 2016 following a spell in charge of Bishop’s Stortford. After a playing career with Harlow Town, Ford United, Sawbridgeworth and Stansted, Stringer enjoyed a number of managerial roles before making his mark by winning the Conference South title with Braintree Town in 2011. Having led City to an impressive 3rd place finish last time out before losing in the Play-Offs, Clarets fans are hoping he will take them one step further this term.
How are they doing?
The Clarets are currently well-placed in 4th position, with 66 points from their 36 matches. Undefeated in their last ten games, they are also one of the form sides of the division. Goals have certainly not been hard to come by for Stringer’s men, with their tally of 63 only being bettered by only three sides. Having hit four or more goals on four occasions already this term, it is ironic that the two of the most prolific sides in the division cancelled each other out in a scoreless draw back in August.
Players to watch
Rhys Murphy has been impossible to ignore so far this season, with his 22 strikes only bettered by United’s Jamie Reid. However, he has been ably supported from midfield with Tom Wraight and Chris Whelpdale hitting 10 and 8 goals respectively. Murphy was once again on the scoresheet on Saturday, with his strike setting The Clarets on their way to a 2-1 home win over Oxford City.
Familiar faces
Two players in the City side will be very familiar to Gulls fans, with both right-back Jazzi Barnum-Bobb and striker Rhys Murphy spending loan spells with United last season. Ex-Cardiff starlet Barnum-Bobb made 7 league appearances for Gary Owers’ side, whilst former Forest Green man Murphy’s strike in the 4-0 hammering over Maidenhead was his only goal in 8 games for the club.
Previous encounters
The two sides have only met once in league competition, when the two sides fought out a goalless draw at the Melbourne Stadium on the opening day of the season back in August.
National League South | Torquay United Vs Chelmsford City | 02/04/19 | Plainmoor | To order in advance click here