With United just two matches away from making a sixth visit to Wembley, Gary Johnson’s men head for Surrey tomorrow to contest their Buildbase FA Trophy quarter-final with 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 the latest installment between the two teams is sure to offer more of the same.
Fresh from Tuesday’s superb 2-1 league victory at Solihull, Torquay will now be setting their sights on Trophy matters, with a place in the final four of the competition at stake.
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 add Trophy glory to those notable achievements.
How Have They Been Doing?
Since securing their last-eight place thanks to a 1-0 win at high-flying Sutton, it’s been more of the same for The Cardinals in the league, with away trips to Wrexham and Barnet resulting in a 2-0 defeat and victory respectively. Those results have provided further evidence of what has been an inconsistent term so far for Dowson’s men, with their seven wins and nine defeats leaving them in 17th position, courtesy of 26 points in 21 games.
Player To Watch
Jamaican-born forward Jamar Loza returned to Kingfield in December, after bringing an end to his brief spell at divisional rivals King’s Lynn Town. Loza has already established himself as a real favourite with the Woking faithful, following two previous loan spells with the club, prior to his arrival on a permanent basis two months ago.
Quick and strong, Jamar has earned a reputation as regular goal threat at various different clubs including Norwich and Maidstone amongst others, and following a goal in Tuesday’s win at Barnet, more of the same will be expected amongst the home contingent tomorrow.
Played For Both
Midfielder Damon Lathrope represented both clubs during a career that amassed over 200 games, prior to injury curtailing his career shortly after his move to Woking.
After failing to make a breakthrough at Norwich City, a move to non-league Bishop’s Stortford preceded a successful trial with Paul Buckle’s Gulls, with Damon playing his part in the United side that narrowly missed out on League Two promotion in 2010/11.
It wouldn’t be until the following season that Lathrope really made his mark though, becoming a mainstay of the side that made it to the Play-Offs for a second successive season under new boss Martin Ling, prior to a two-legged semi-final defeat to Cheltenham.
After departing the Club in 2014 following the club’s relegation from the Football League, a successful two-year spell at Aldershot paved the way for an 18-month return to Plainmoor, before an undisclosed fee saw him make the move to Kingfield in January 2018.
Previous Encounter
Putting Ben Wynter-inspired heroics to one side – just for a moment – United’s last victory at the home of tomorrow’s opponents came during the 2007/08 campaign, as The Gulls secured a narrow 1-0 victory, with Tim Sills netting the solitary goal from the penalty spot.
Buildbase FA Trophy | Woking v Torquay United | 27/02/21 3pm KO
Torquay United will be providing commentary of the encounter via Official TUFC Radio here.