Ruairi Keating was a happy man after scoring the opening goal in Tuesday night’s 2-0 win over Dartford.
Keating has had to adapt to play on the wing in recent weeks, but that still allowed him to get into the box and lash the ball home in the 72nd minute.
“It was a nice finish but it’s been a long time coming,” said Keating before training today. “I’ve had to be patient; I’ve missed a couple of chance but I knew my chance would come again. I found space at the back stick and I had nothing else in my mind other than striking through the ball and thankfully it flew in.”
United negotiated a tricky first half on Tuesday night to bring it home in the second.
“It was a crucial game for us after the win on the weekend against Dulwich. We knew coming to Dartford on Tuesday night that if we were to pick up six points it would take us into the match against Welling nicely. It was an opportunity for us to get on top of the league and we had to deliver.”
Keating has taken to his new position well after a career so far as an out-and-out striker. Everything seems possible thanks to the presence of manager, Gary Johnson.
“I’m enjoying it, actually. I’ve never played anyway else other than straight down the middle. To play out wide has been a big change for me. The Gaffer sees something in me out there; he sees my qualities and what I can bring to the team, and if it means me playing in a wide role with my energy and my hard work then that works for me.
“I’ve studied the position and took it on board straight away as soon as the Gaffer told me. I’ve looked at where I need to be when we’re attacking and defending, on the ball and off the ball. I want to work hard and keep that position. I need to make runs and get into positions where I can hurt the opposition. When we’re on the attack it’s quite exciting to see us go.
“We’ve knuckled down and taken on everything the Gaffer wants us to do. It really suits what we have and I think we’ve found our identity on the pitch and it’s shining. We’re on an unbeaten run and we’re top of the league. Now it’s up to others to chase us. I know some have games in hand but it’s better to be up there and to be the one to be got at, rather than one of the ones chasing.”
Saturday’s big match against Welling can’t come soon enough for Ruairi. The squad is looking forwards to seeing how many fans they can attract to the Club during the chase for promotion.
“I’m quite excited for Saturday; it’s one of the biggest in a long time for the Club. It’s exciting times again and everyone’s on a high so hopefully the supporters will pack Plainmoor and it’ll be bouncing for us on Saturday.”
National League South | Torquay United Vs Welling United | 08/12/18 | 3pm KO | To buy in advance click here. Entry at the turnstile will be possible,