After four points in two games United look for back-to-back wins against East Thurrock United at Plainmoor on Saturday (3pm KO).
A late goal from Liam Davis earned United all three points against Bath City on Tuesday night and TUFC head coach Gary Owers is pleased with the three points and the atmosphere generated inside Plainmoor.
“You always reflect the day after, listen to what’s been said in both camps and I was just pleased that we came out with the three points,” said Owers at his weekly press call.
“My last memory of the game was a fantastic atmosphere in the stadium and that is what we have got to try and build on Saturday.
The competitiveness of the National League South holds no surprises for the Gaffer. The practicalities of needing points on the board outweigh the need for flashy scorelines.
“If we win ten games 1-0 this season I won’t be bothered, in fact I’ll be very. very pleased. Two points a game, the season’s four days old, I am pleased with what we’ve got. Them games are done and dusted and now we’re looking forward to Saturday.”
Owers made two half-time substitutions to bring Samir Nabi and Ruairi Keating on against Bath City. Could they make their way into the starting line-up?
“It’s a possibility but everyone’s under consideration. Some lads that have been on the bench are desperate to play and I know that. One or two of them stepped up to training today [Thursday] and that’s nice to see. We’ve got a strong squad and everyone’s going to get an opportunity and it’s up to the players when they get that opportunity when it presents itself.”
Nabi, in particular, stood out in Tuesday’ win, and Owers is pleased with how he has performed since joining the Club.
“I thought he was one of the players that have done really well [in] pre-season. Unfortunately was unavailable [for Chelmsford] and his time come. I thought he looked really calm and influenced the way we played and got hold of the game a little bit better in the second half.”
Owers saw East Thurrock play on Wednesday night against Dulwich Hamlet, and he took much from the game.
“Very resilient – they got beat on the night and I was really impressed with Dulwich [Hamlet] to be honest. I thought they put in an excellent performance.
“They’ll [East Thurrock] be hard to break down. They’ll pick their moments to go forward so we have to be wary that we don’t get picked off on the counter attack. They’ve got some experienced players. It will be a tough game, but they will all be tough. We have to be a little sharper in possession. We have to move the ball quicker and we have to take more care of the ball in the final third.
“They’ll be dangerous from setplays because they have a lot of height in the team. It’s the team ethic, really, they work hard for each other but it’s up to us to overcome that and my focus is on how we’re going to play, not necessarily how they’re going to play.”
The first team squad is relatively free from injury at the moment. Goalkeeper Alex Bass could return to the squad.
“Josh [Gowling] is back in training and available, and he was on Tuesday evening. Alex [Bass] is getting better. He’s just gone back into full training today [Thursday] so I’ll get an update from him later this afternoon. After that we’re free from injuries so we’ve got everyone to pick which means one or two have to sit in the stand, which isn’t ideal. It’s nice for me to know that I have got a stronger squad to choose from.”
Torquay United Vs East Thurrock United | 11/08/18 | 3pm Kick-Off
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