United make the familiar trip to Surrey tomorrow, as they take on their next opponents, Woking.
The two sides’ season-long battle for National League South supremacy in 2018/19 – which eventually ended in title glory for The Gulls – was the precursor to two more memorable clashes last season, and this weekend’s next installment is sure to offer more of the same.
Who’s The Boss?
Alan Dowson has been in charge at the club since May 2018, following a successful spell in charge of Hampton & Richmond Borough. Having represented the likes of Millwall, Bradford and Darlington in the Football League as a player, Dowson began his managerial career with Walton & Hersham, and saw his stock rise with championship-winning campaigns in charge of Kingstonian and Hampton & Richmond.
Having added to that success by leading Woking back to non-League’s top tier and enjoyed a respectable 10th-placed finish last time out, the Gateshead-born boss is now looking to push on in on dual fronts, with Gary Johnson’s men the next obstacle standing their way in both league and Trophy competitions.
How Have They Been Doing?
The Cardinals have been somewhat inconsistent this term, with six wins and eight defeats in their opening 19 matches leaving them in 16th position. Currently on a six-match winless league run, results either side of that spell are proof enough of their potential though, with their last league success coming in the shape of a fine 3-0 win over promotion chasing Hartlepool in mid-December, whilst last weekend saw them seal a place in the FA Trophy quarter-finals thanks to a 1-0 away victory over another of Torquay’s top-of-the-table rivals, in Sutton.
Player To Watch
Imposing midfielder Kane Ferdinand has certainly made himself at home at the Laithwaite Stadium, having arrived at Woking five years ago. Well over a century of appearances, not to mention a decent scoring record, have followed in that time, and the former Southend and Peterborough schemer goes into tomorrow’s game leading the way in terms of strikes, notching five so far this term.
Played For Both
Armani Little made himself a fans’ favourite at Plainmoor from the moment his foot smashed in an audacious free-kick in a pre-season friendly win over Plymouth 18 months ago, however Cards supporters have their own set-piece memories of him to hold dear, with Little’s strike in the National League South play-off final over Welling ultimately securing Woking’s return to this level.
Previous Encounters
Where else to start?
Ben Wynter’s last-gasp equaliser secured a dramatic – almost title-clinching – draw back in April 2019, and it has gone on to become one of the most iconic moments in the club’s recent history since. Two Greg Luer goals, either side of a Jamie Reid equaliser, put the home side in the driving seat, and when Keiron Cadogan made it 3-1 midway through the second half, the title race appeared to be going right down to the wire. However, a Saikou Janneh effort, coupled with a Ben Gerring red card, gave Johnson’s men all the impetus they required to pile forward in the dying stages, leaving Wynter’s late effort to send the travelling Yellow Army into raptures.
You have to go back to December 2007 for Torquay’s last win at Kingfield Stadium though, when Tim Sills’ penalty proved to be the difference between the two teams.
In association with LV BET
Vanarama National League | Woking v Torquay United | 13/02/21 3pm KO
Torquay United will be providing commentary of the encounter via Official TUFC Radio here.