The BT Sport cameras will once again be descending on Plainmoor tomorrow, as Gary Johnson’s table-topping side attempt to secure another vital three points in their quest for the National League title.
The fledgling season had only just got underway when United secured a 2-1 win at Hayes Lane back in October, as goals from Adam Randell and Danny Wright saw The Gulls come from behind to come out on top in Kent, and tomorrow’s encounter is sure to be another tough test of Torquay’s promotional credentials.
Who’s The Boss?
Andy Woodman was appointed as the new man in the Bromley dugout, following Neil Smith’s dismissal in March. Woodman enjoyed an highly successful playing career as a goalkeeper, making his senior bow for Exeter City in 1994, before moving on to represent the likes of Northampton, Colchester and Oxford amongst others.
Moving on into coaching, a spell as Assistant Manager at Rushden & Diamonds preceded stints alongside Alan Pardew at West Ham, Charlton, Newcastle and Crystal Palace, before Andy took on his first managerial appointment at Whitehawk in 2017, whom he led to National League South safety. That spell was to prove only a brief one, as he was appointed as Arsenal’s Head of Goalkeeping prior to his arrival at Hayes Lane.
How Have They Been Doing?
Bromley have been in impressive form under their new boss recently, with the side only tasting defeat once in the last eight games. That run has seen The Ravens notch up a number of eye-catching results against fellow promotion chasing sides, including away victories over Chesterfield and Halifax, a goalless draw at Stockport, and arguably most impressively of all, triumphing over United’s title rivals Hartlepool last Monday.
Player To Watch
In Michael Cheek, Bromley possess the leading scorer in the National League, and Torquay’s backline will have to be on top form again tomorrow to prevent the 29 year-old hitman adding to his seasonal tally of 22 goals.
Having begun his career at Chelmsford, Cheek has been prolific wherever he has been, with Braintree, Dagenham & Redbridge and Ebbsfleet also benefitting from his prowess in front of goal.
Played For Both
Now in the colours of Aldershot, midfielder Josh Rees has enjoyed spells in the engine room of both Torquay and Bromley. After starting out at at Arsenal, Rees went on to taste senior football at Nottingham Forest and Nuneaton prior to joining The Gulls on loan towards the end of the 2015/16 season, as Kevin Nicholson’s Torquay side produced a late escape from National League relegation.
Rees would go on to play for Chelmsford, and two stints at Bromley either side of a move to Gillingham, before signing for Danny Searle’s Shots last July.
Previous Encounter
Ben Gerring’s header just before half-time proved to be the difference between the two sides in August 2016, as United secured a 1-0 win over The Ravens at Plainmoor. That match came just four months after a 2-0 win at Hayes Lane secured another season of National League football for The Gulls.
Tomorrow, however, the aim will very much be looking for three points to enable Johnson’s men to exit the division in an upwards direction instead.
In association with LV BET
With Saturday’s match at Plainmoor being selected for live coverage on BT Sport, the Club can confirm that we are therefore unable to offer our usual livestream service to supporters for this fixture. We will, however, continue to provide live coverage of the match via TUFC Radio here