With the National League’s promotion race nearing its final stages, United take on Barnet tomorrow in front of the Yellow Army at Plainmoor.
Victory for Gary Johnson’s men would see them draw level on points with Sutton at the top of the table, ahead of their clash with Hartlepool on Sunday, however a recent improvement in results and performances by the visitors mean The Gulls will once again have to be at the top of the game to take all three points.
Who’s The Boss?
Former Aldershot and AFC Wimbledon midfielder was appointed as the new man in charge at The Hive last month, following the dismissal of previous boss Tim Flowers.
A playing career largely spent in non-League football preceded a highly successful coaching career with Wimbledon, following his retirement through injury in 2004. Two spells as caretaker at The Dons gave Bassey a taste of the dugout, prior to securing his first permanent role at The Bees in April.
How have they been doing?
After such a promising previous campaign under Darren Currie, Barnet have endured the ultimate in footballing hangovers, and they go into tomorrow’s game in 22nd place – essentially bottom of the pile, following Dover’s withdrawal earlier in the year.
With the threat of relegation removed following the early termination of the regional leagues below them, the North London side can at least begin to plan ahead for a brighter future, with Bassey determined to put his stamp on things before the season is out.
Player to watch
Despite their recent struggles, the arrival of much-travelled Tomi Adeloye has provided Barnet fans with some cause for cheer since his arrival in February, with the frontman registering 3 goals in 8 starts to provide a possible solution to his new side’s goalscoring problems.
After beginning his career as a youngster at Charlton, Adeloye has enjoyed a nomadic career in the lower leagues so far, having represented a whole host of clubs during the past decade. His imposing physique makes him a handful for any defence at this level, and he is sure to relish the opportunity to add to his tally again on Saturday.
Played For Both
Kenyan international Taiwo Atieno was a key member of The Gulls’ League 2 promotion-chasing squad in 2011/12, as Martin Ling’s Gulls fell just short at the Play-Off semi-final stage.
After scoring on his first league start at Bristol Rovers, Atieno went on to notch seven in United’s colours before leaving the club at the end of the season, with Edgar Davids’ Barnet his next port of call. His stint at The Bees was to prove a brief one however, with his opening goal in the 2-0 success at home to Bradford City proving not enough to secure a longer stay in the capital.
Previous Encounter
After not tasting success in their first thirteen league meetings, Torquay’s recent record against Barnet has improved by some margin. More often than not, the games between the two sides have been tight encounters, so with goals very much on the wish list of the returning Yellow Army tomorrow, they would dearly like Johnson’s side to replicate the first-ever meeting between the two sides.
On that FA Cup day back in November 1963, it was goals from David Hancock (2), Tommy Northcott, Jackie Swindells, Robin Stubbs and Terry Adlington that lit up Plainmoor, as United strode into the second round, courtesy of a thumping 6-2 triumph.
In association with LV BET
Torquay United will also be providing commentary of the encounter via Official TUFC Radio here.