United return home to take on fellow promotion hopefuls
Paul Wotton’s side are back in action at Plainmoor on Saturday, as they look to put together a new unbeaten run after back-to-back defeats. Although The Gulls haven’t always gained the results that their performances deserved in recent weeks, there is plenty of cause for optimism ahead of tomorrow’s fixture, as the two sides locked in 5th and 6th do battle once more.
Who’s the Boss?
Former United midfielder Adam Murray was appointed as the new manager for the Sports at the start of January 2024.
Following spells in charge of Mansfield, Boston and Barnsley (caretaker), it was as manager of AFC Fylde that Murray won the National League North in 2022/23 before moving on to assist Darrell Clarke in Cheltenham Town’s battle to beat the League One drop.
As a player, Adam began his career in the Premier League with Derby County, before going on to make over 500 appearances with various clubs such as Kidderminster, Carlisle, Macclesfield and Oxford, as well as representing England at Under 20 level.
Having worked at Besiktas as assistant to ex-Watford manager Valerian Ismael, Adam will now be hoping to taste success at Priory Lane.
How have they been doing?
The Sports have enjoyed a fine start to 2024/25, with 15 wins from their 30 outings helping them to amass a total of 55 points – just one less than current league leaders Dorking, who have played a game more than Murray’s side.
Goals from Carter and Alexander were enough to secure maximum points seven days ago, as they clinched a 2-1 win over ten-man Tonbridge Angels at Priory Lane.
Player to Watch
There may have been a few raised eyebrows when powerful striker Alfie Pavey signed for Eastbourne from NLS rivals Maidstone in May, but it’s proven to be a move that’s benefitted both parties.
After starting out at Millwall, the now-29 year-old hitman boats a wealth of experience in non-League circles, with Dartford, Havant & Waterlooville, Dover, Braintree and Farnborough just some of the sides that been represented by the physically imposing centre-forward. Having represented no less than three sides in two divisions last term , Alfie will now be hoping to make Priory Lane his new home from now on.
Played For Both
Norwich striker Ashley Barnes represented both The Sports and The Gulls earlier in his career, prior to making his name as a Premier League player with Burnley.
After starting his career at Paulton Rovers before joining Plymouth Argyle in 2007, his three seasons at Home Park Barnes saw him play just 22 games, with his main action coming during numerous spells on loan.
Those temporary stints saw him play for Oxford United, Salisbury City, Eastbourne and Torquay, before a switch to Brighton saw him seal a permanent move after he scored four goals in eight game.
Four seasons at Brighton were followed by nine seasons at Burnley, incluidng a European adventure in the Europa League in the 2018/19 season. After his last season at Turf Moor saw the club regain the Premier League place they had lost the season before, his release from the Clarets saw Barnes move on to Carrow Road, where he currently represents Norwich City in the Championship.
Previous Encounter
Torquay United v Eastbourne | Vanarama National League South | Saturday April 13th 2019
Torquay United were crowned champions of National League South against The Sports six years ago, as they ran out 2-0 winners at Plainmoor.
Connor Lemonheigh-Evans opened the scoring, nodding home the rebound after his 23rd minute penalty was saved, before Jake Andrews fired into the roof of the Eastbourne net with just seven minutes to play to secure United’s promotion back to the National League at the first attempt, prompting memorable celebrations at Plainmoor.
Tickets are available online HERE, whilst live commentary will be available via TUFC Radio HERE from 2.50pm