United return home tomorrow, as National League South action resumes with Welling’s visit to Plainmoor.
With Paul Wotton’s men suffering a comprehensive FA Trophy defeat at Worthing last weekend, the table-topping Gulls will be looking to continue their superb home form against the Wings, however they will be on their guard against one of just three teams to defeat Torquay in the league this season.
Who’s the Boss?
Photo credit: Welling FC
Rod Stringer celebrates a year in the hotseat this month, having been appointed as the Wings’ First-Team Manager back in January 2024 following the departure of previous boss Danny Bloor.
A vastly experienced manager on the non-league circuit, Stringer’s first managerial position was with Aveley, where he went on to guide The Millers to the Isthmian Division One North title in 2009. In 2011, he made the switch to Braintree Town, where he went on to enjoy further success, this time guiding The Iron to the National League South title
A five-year stint at Bishop’s Stortford followed, before in 2016 he moved on to Chelmsford City. During his time in charge, he led City to three play-off campaigns before departing in 2020. A return to management with Brentwood Town saw him again battling at the top end, as he led Town to the Isthmian Division One North play-off final.
How have they been doing?
Although 27 points from 25 outings leaving Stringers men in the National League’s lower reaches in 18th position, they remain well clear of real trouble at the moment, boasting a nine-point advantage over Enfield in 21st position.
Last weekend’s 2-1 home win over struggling Weymouth was a real boost to their survival chances, however Welling have proven on more than one occasion this term they have the ability to mix it with sides much higher in the table, with their September win over The Gulls following up an impressive 4-1 rout of Farnborough earlier in the campaign.
Player to Watch
Photo credit: Welling FC
Forward Martell Taylor-Crossdale came through the academy ranks at Chelsea, winning the FA Youth Cup, before making the move to Fulham in 2019.
A two-year stay at Craven Cottage saw him embark on a loan move to Colchester United before joining Weymouth for the 2021/22 campaign. Spells with Gloucester City, Hendon and Met Police followed before Taylor-Crossdale joined Welsh Premier League side Haverfordwest County last term, netting 12 goals in 33 appearances, including four outings in Europe as part of his side’s UEFA European Conference League qualifying campaign.
A former England youth international, he has represented his country at U16, U17, U18 and U20 level, scoring eight times in nine appearances across the various age groups.
Martell joined Stringer’s men in June, and although his opportunities have been restricted of late, he will now be looking to fulfil his potential during the second half of the 2024/25 season.
Played For Both
Popular left-back Dan Martin spent three years at Plainmoor, overcoming illness and injury to become a firm favourite with the Yellow Army.
The Kent-born full-back signed for The Wings in the summer following his departure from the English Riviera, with the move seeing him link up with fellow Gulls Rhys Lovett and Chiori Johnson.
Beginning his career in the academy at Fulham, Martin moved onto Cardiff City at the age of 18.
Whilst with the Bluebirds, he embarked on a loan spell with Weston-super-Mare, before joining Gary Johnson’s Torquay United in 2021.
Previous Encounter
Torquay 5 – 1 Welling | National League South | Saturday 21st October 2023
United will be hoping for a repeat of Welling’s last visit to Devon, as the men in yellow produced a wonderful performance to defeat the visitors in style on Community Day at Plainmoor.
Things didn’t start well, as it Kain Adom who opened the scoring for The Wings, however The Gulls soon reposnded with penalty-specialist Aaron Jarvis levelling things up from the spot, before Brett McGavin produced another show-stopper to put his side ahead at the change of ends.
The second period saw Torquay run clear, with Shaun Donnellan, Jarvis – with another penalty – and Jack Stobbs sealing a handsome victory.
Tickets for tomorrow’s match are available HERE, whilst full live commentary will be available via TUFC Radio HERE.