Gary Johnson’s men hit the road for the second time this week on Saturday, where they head to Meadow Lane to face current league leaders Notts County.
After United slipped to defeat away at Eastleigh on Tuesday night, Gary Johnson’s men will be hoping to upset the odds at Meadow Lane tomorrow, as they take on a Magpies with some familiar faces likely to figure in their matchday squad.
Who’s the Boss?
Luke Williams arrived at Meadow Lane following the departure of Ian Burchnall in June this year. After injury saw his playing career cut short, at the age of 20, Williams moved into coaching. Prior to taking the helm at Notts County, the 42-year-old had most recently been Assistant Head Coach at Swansea City, and has had previous experience during a spell as Head Coach at Swindon Town.
Williams’ first notable role was a three-year stint as Under-21s Manager for Brighton & Hove Albion, before he went on to become Assistant Manager at League One Swindon Town in 2013, where Williams helped guide the side to the 2014/15 play-off final, but slipped to defeat.
Following the resignation of Manager Martin Ling in 2015, Williams took on the Caretaker Manager role and after impressing and keeping Swindon up, was offered a five-year contract. However 13 months in, both parties agreed to mutually terminate his contract.
Williams has also enjoyed spells as Head Coach of Bristol City Under-23s, as well as Assistant Manager at MK Dons, before he went on to join the Swans, prior to joining the Magpies over the summer.
How have they been doing?
The Magpies have been flying high so far this season, and are currently top of the league, three points ahead of second placed Wrexham. Having won 11 out of the 15 fixtures played, they have been held to draws against Boreham Wood (2-2), Gateshead (1-1), and Chesterfield (2-2), with their only league defeat this season coming away at Dorking Wanderers where Williams side lost 3-1.
Player to Watch
Macaulay Langstaff is currently leading the way as both the league and the club’s top goalscorer, having scored 17 in 15 games. The Magpies paid an undisclosed fee for the forward to join from Gateshead over the summer, where he has continued to establish himself as a prolific goalscorer.
The 25-year-old was a key component in the Gateshead side that were promoted from the National League North last season, with the striker scoring 32 goals and tallying 14 assists in the Heed’s journey to the National League North title.
Langstaff has previously played for the likes of Billingham Synthonia, Blyth Spartans and York City, before enjoying his best campaign to date last time out.
Played for Both
Notts County was the place where the defender made his senior debut during a loan period in the 2007/08 season, before signing on permanent terms in June 2010 upon his contract expiration at Birmingham City. Pearce spent three years at Meadow Lane where he amassed 68 appearances as Notts County established themselves in League One.
Following his time with the Magpies, Pearce then arrived in the English Riviera. During his time at United, the defender made 67 league appearances and scored 5 goals.
Upon leaving the Gulls Pearce joined Mansfield where he spent five seasons and made over 190 appearances, scoring 13 goals and was an ever-present in the Stags’ defence. Pearce enjoyed much success at Mansfield where he accumulated many accolades: Stags Player of the Year Award (2016/17), supporters’ Player of the Year (2017/18), and was named in a number of the EFL’s Team’s of the Season (2018/19).
After leaving Field Mill Krystian played for Solihull Moors and Boreham Wood before joining National League North Club Hereford FC. Following his release from the Bulls at the conclusion of last season, Pearce currently plays for Kidderminster Harriers.
Pearce has also represented England at U17 and U19 levels but chose to represent Barbados at full international level where he has currently made three appearances for the country.
Previous Encounter
Notts County 1 – 1 Torquay United, Saturday 28th August 2021, National League
Ten-man United secured a 1-1 draw with the Nottinghamshire side the last time the two sides met. After going down to ten men in the 25th minute following the dismissal of Ali Omar, Gary Johnson’s men pushed on and took the lead through a Danny Wright towering header ten minutes later.
United’s backline continued to stand firm, before in the 69th minute the home side were able to breakthrough. Adam Chicksen’s ball looked to be behind Kyle Wootton’s ideal range, however his header from the edge of the six yard box had enough on it to level the scores.
One minute later the men in turquoise nearly responded perfectly as a low-driven shot by Dean Moxey surpassed the wall, but Sam Slocombe was able to get down to make the save.
The home side continued to push for a winner, and Gary Johnson’s men stood up to the test admirably with a performance full of heart to ensure the score remained 1-1, with the points being shared.
Vanarama National League | Notts County v Torquay United | 29/10/22 3pm KO | Official TUFC Radio | Ticket Information |