The second instalment of United’s Easter programme sees a return to Plainmoor for Aaron Downes’ side, as they take on Weston-super-Mare.
Having been defeated by The Seagulls at the Optima Stadium earlier this season, The Gulls will be looking to set the record straight on Bank Holiday Monday, in what is Torquay’s penultimate home game of the season.
Who’s the boss?
Scott Bartlett is in his second spell as Weston manager having taken his first managerial role with the club back in 2016, and in his eight months at the helm he led the Seagulls to National League South safety. Prior to his management stints, Bartlett had a playing career that started with him coming through the AFC Bournemouth and Cirencester Town ranks before moving to Salisbury City in February 2000, and during nine years and with over 400 games for the Whites, he helped them win the Southern Premier League title as well as leading them to a Play-Off win in the Conference South.
His release from the Wiltshire club saw the defender/midfielder firstly move to Weston-super-Mare in March 2009, before then moving to local rivals Bath City in February 2010. Forest Green were the last club Bartlett played for before a knee injury forced him to retire. Coaching roles including being Head of Academy came while at Forest Green, before the move to Weston, but eight months later he was back at Forest Green until leaving in May 2019, which was quickly followed up by The Seagulls re-appointing him for his second spell in charge.
How have they been doing?
Monday’s visitors from Somerset arrive at Plainmoor suitably placed in mid-table, with the Play-Offs a distant prospect, whilst Bartlett’s side are also in little danger of being dragged into a relegation dogfight.
The Seagulls’ position is hardly a surprise, with Weston’s 2023/24 campaign being something of an inconsistent one, with the recent four match losing streak including a 3-0 drubbing at home to Farnborough being in stark contrast to some eye-catching results earlier in the season, as Worthing suffered a 4-0 thumping in Somerset, whilst Bath City were also humbled by a four-goal margin, this time in front of their own fans (6-2).
A return to form on Friday saw them hit four again, this time against Somerset rivals Taunton Town (4-0).
Player to watch
Versatile midfielder Jordan Bastin spent time in the youth teams of both Exeter City and Plymouth Argyle before taking his first senior steps with Elmore and Tiverton Town.
A move to the Optima Stadium three years ago saw his career move up a gear, and he was a key component of the Seagulls side that saw the club win the Southern League Premier South title in 2023 and return to the National League South after four years away.
Played for both
One of the few players to have represented all three Devon clubs, Reuben Reid will be remembered by Gulls fans for a successful short loan spell towards the end of the difficult 2006/07 campaign, where his first Football League goals were unfortunately not enough to prolong The Gulls’ lengthy stay in the Football League
The Bristol-born forward continues to enjoy life in the West Country, with two spells art Yeovil included within a career that has also included stays at Forest Green and Cheltenham, in addition to earlier spells at the more-northerly destinations of West Bromwich Albion and Rotherham.
Previous Encounter
United 1 – 2 Weston-super-Mare
National League South, March 2nd 2019
A rare blip in United’s 2018/19 National League South-winning campaign, United slipped to a first league defeat at home since September in the closing weeks of the season, as a rugged Weston-super-Mare soaked up a second half onslaught to secure all three points at Plainmoor.
A Gethyn Hill strike had the Gulls chasing the game early on, however a dominant second half display was eventually rewarded with a Jamie Reid penalty. Disaster struck for Torquay late on though, with Weston substitute Alex Bray running the length of the field to score the winner.