Following United’s away draw with Notts County on Saturday, Gary Johnson’s men face another crucial encounter against 2nd-placed Sutton United at Plainmoor tomorrow evening.
With the visitors handily placed just one place, and nine points behind The Gulls with three games in hand, there is no doubt that Torquay will have to be at their best to emerge with all three points.
Who’s The Boss?
Matt Gray was appointed manager in May 2019 following the departure of the popular Paul Doswell. As a player, he began his career with Tottenham Hotspur, and played for Cardiff City, Hayes and Havant & Waterlooville before being forced to retire early through injury. Previous spells as assistant manager in the National League at Eastleigh, and in League Two with Aldershot and Crawley, preceded his move to Gander Green Lane.
How have they been doing?
After a difficult start to 2019/20 under new manager Matt Gray, a strong mid-season run saw Sutton pull well clear of trouble, finishing in 15th position in the points-per-game table. This season has seen the side continue that form, with an impressive string of early results seeing them emerge as United’s nearest competitors at the top of the National League table, having gained 30 points from their 15 matches so far.
Saturday’s 3-0 home win over Eastleigh was the latest in an encouraging set of results for Gray’s men, who have tasted defeat just once in the last six matches, as goals from Rob Milsom, David Ajiboye and Craig Eastman saw them take full advantage of the visitors being reduced to 10 men after just half an hour.
Player To Watch
Harry Beautyman has once again been the main man for The Us, with his five goals making him the side’s joint-top scorer. After failing to make his mark at Leyton Orient, Beautyman made his name on the non-league circuit during his original stint at Sutton and Welling, before his form gained him a chance in the Football League with Peterborough, Northampton and Stevenage. Returning to Gander Green Lane in 2018, he has also been capped at England C level.
Played For Both
Former Gull Brett Williams enjoyed a loan spell at Gander Green Lane after failing to force his way into Gary Johnson’s National League South title-bound side during 2018/19. Notching 3 goals in 22 games for Sutton before leaving for Weymouth in the summer of 2019, Brett is best remembered by Gulls fans for his crucial goals during the 2016/17 finale, which helped secure the club’s fifth-tier status.
Previous Encounters
With the Uniteds of Torquay and Sutton having occupied different divisions for the majority of their respective histories, it is therefore unsurprising that the two sides have only met on a handful of occasions. The team from South London have certainly enjoyed the better of the league fixtures during those meetings though, with The Gulls yet to record three points at home.
Ruairi Keating’s solitary goal in the away fixture just over three years ago did secure a welcome victory at Gander Green Lane, however you have to go back to November 1989 for the only time United tasted success at Plainmoor, as goals from Phil Lloyd, Jimmy Smith (2) and Matt Elliott secured a 4-0 victory in FA Cup 1st round.
There would certainly be no better opportunity for Gary Johnson’s men to break that particular duck tomorrow night!
In association with LV BET
Torquay United AFC will once again be providing full Livestream access for this fixture, including an hour-long pre-match show here.
The club will also be providing commentary of the encounter via Official TUFC Radio here.