Gary Johnson’s side will be looking to get back to winning ways on the road on Saturday, as The Gulls head to Westleigh Park to take on Havant & Waterlooville.
Despite the midweek home defeat to Yeovil, United’s form at Plainmoor has been pretty strong, with the focus now shifting to improving their away form, starting in Hampshire tomorrow.
Who’s the Boss?
Having recently departed National League North side Gloucester City, Steve King was appointed manager of The Hawks last September, after a poor start to the season heralded the departure of previous boss Jamie Collins.
King has an enviable record at non-League level – after taking Lewes from Isthmian League Division One to the Football Conference within five seasons, he enjoyed successful spells at the likes of Farnborough and Whitehawk, prior to leading both Welling United and Dartford to the National League South play-offs.
This season, his primary aim may be more modest however, as he looks to lift a Havant side away from relegation danger.
How have they been doing?
2023/24 couldn’t have started much worse for United’s opponents tomorrow, following a respectable 10th place finish last term.
Having amassed just six points from their opening 16 outings, National League South survival is now the priority for Hawks fans, with Tuesday night’s 3-0 defeat at Worthing following on from another heavy defeat on the road three days before – 4-1 at Braintree.
One word of warning ahead of Saturday’s clash comes in the shape of Havant’s only win this season, with the Hampshire-based side running out 4-3 winners over NLS leaders Yeovil Town at the end of August.
Player to Watch
Experienced goalkeeper Ross Worner will be a familiar face to Gulls fans, having faced United many times over the past few years.
Now 34, Worner began his career with Conference side Woking, before his form for The Cards alerted the attentions of Charlton Athletic. From there, Ross went on to enjoy spells at Aldershot, AFC Wimbledon and Sutton, with numerous loan stints at Eastbourne, Farnborough, Maidstone and others included along the way.
Arriving at Westleigh Park for 2019/20, the glovesman is now in his fifth season as a Hawk, and has amassed over a century of appearances for the Club in the process.
Played for Both
Experienced centre-forward Danny Wright has spent time with both of tomorrow’s Clubs, with his two-year spell at Plainmoor so nearly seeing United regain their much-missed place in the EFL.
With 2020/21 largely played behind closed doors, Wright’s 11 goals in 23 games – combined with unrivalled presence up front – saw United narrowly miss out on the National League title, before Wright’s memorable brace in the 4-2 semi-final home success over Notts County saw The Gulls through to he Promotion Final at Ashton Gate.
United supporters won’t need reminding of the heartbreaking ending in Bristol, and although 2021/22 didn’t scale the same heights, there was still sizeable disappointment amongst the Yellow Army when Danny departed for Havant in the summer of 2022.
7 goals in 38 appearances fin National League South last season was further proof of the Wright’s longevity, before the popular target man opted for a move closer to home with a move to Gloucester City during the last close-season.
Previous Encounter
Havant & Waterlooville 4 – 2 Torquay United, 21st October 2022, Emirates FA Cup 4th Round Qualifying Replay
Not many Gulls fans will look back on United’s last trip to this part of Hampshire with much joy, as ten-man Torquay bowed out of the FA Cup after the home side came from behind in the second half to run out 4-2 victors.
Former Gull Joe Oastler put the hosts ahead in the eighth minute, before two goals in the final five minutes of the first half from Chiori Johnson and Klaidi Lolos saw The Gulls lead going into the interval.
United continued to press in the second half, however, following the dismissal of Dan Martin in the 73rd minute, two goals in the final ten minutes from Scott Rendell and Tommy Wright secured the hosts a place in the FA Cup First Round Proper.
Vanarama National League South | Havant & Waterlooville v Torquay United | 11/11/23 | KO: 3pm | Ticketing information available HERE | Live commentary via Official TUFC Radio available HERE