As the build-up towards the 2020/21 National League season continues, the club have confirmed the opposition for four pre-season friendly matches.
All four fixtures are to be played behind-closed-doors, however full live coverage of each match will be available via the club’s TUFC Radio service.
National League South side Hemel Hempstead will be the first side to make the trip to Plainmoor, with new manager Lee Bircham’s side looking to improve on their respectable 11th placed-finish last season. The Tudors’ last visit to the English Riviera came two years ago, with the 2-0 result going the way of The Gulls thanks to goals from Jamie Reid and Asa Hall.
Three days later, AFC Bournemouth U23s will provide the next test for Gary Johnson’s side at home, with The Cherries’ youngsters looking to force their way into new boss Jason Tindall’s senior squad, as the Championship side look to bounce back following their relegation from the Premier League in July.
Another National League South outfit, Chippenham Town, will round off the Plainmoor action, with Michael Cook’s team looking to emulate their last visit to Torquay, as Matt Smith’s only goal of the game secured a 1-0 victory for The Bluebirds. Prior to the 2019/20 campaign ending prematurely, Town were comfortably placed in 12th position in NLS.
United’s last test prior to the real action beginning on October 3rd will be a trip to Bath City, who came remarkably close to earning their own place in non-league’s top flight last time out. With their 4th-placed finish securing a National League South play-off place, it was Dorking Wanderers who eventually ended The Romans’ promotion ambitions. Manager Jerry Gill’s side are sure to prove a real test for Johnson’s men though, having won their last encounter at Twerton Park 3-2 back in January 2019.
Pre-Season Opponents
- Saturday 12th September 2020 v Hemel Hempstead (H), 3pm kick-off
- Tuesday 15th September 2020 v Bournemouth U23s (H), 1pm kick-off
- Saturday 19th September 2020 v Chippenham Town (H), 3pm kick-off
- Saturday 26th September 2020 v Bath City (A), 3pm kick-off