Following last weekend’s excellent 3-2 win away at AFC Fylde, Gary Johnson’s men will be looking to make it back-to-back wins against Ebbsfleet tomorrow.
However United, who triumphed 4-2 at the Kuflink Stadium back in October, will need to be on their guard against a Fleet side that will be equally determined to claim three points to ease their relegation worries.
Who’s the boss?
Kevin Watson was appointed as Ebbsfleet’s permanent manager in November 2019. The 45-year-old had been in caretaker charge since Gary Hill’s departure the previous month. Previously in charge of Maldon & Tiptree and Bishop’s Stortford, Watson enjoyed a long career in the Football League representing the likes of Spurs, Swindon, Rotherham and Reading, before moving into management.
How have they been doing?
A highly-respectable 8th place finish last time out has failed to inspire the Fleet onto greater things so far this season, with the team locking in a fight against relegation this term. A spell at the foot of the division, culminating in the 4-2 home defeat against Gary Johnson’s side signalled the departure of previous boss Garry Hill, with Watson now charged in reviving the side’s fortunes. Last weekend saw the side go down to a 2-0 home defeat against promotion-chasing Harrogate Town, leaving the Fleet eight points adrift of safety, in 23rd position.
Player to watch
Towering frontman Gozie Ugwu is leading Ebbsfleet’s battle for survival in the scoring charts , with the 26-year old netting nine goals so far this term. After beginning his career at Reading, Ugwu got his first taste of first-team football at Stonebridge Road as a youngster, before going on to enjoy fruitful spells with the likes of Yeovil, Dunfermline and Woking. A second spell at The Fleet, on loan from Chesterfield last season preceded his permanent move to the club last summer.
Played For Both
Alex Lawless, now 34, made his league debut for Leroy Rosenior’s Torquay United side back in 2005. After winning caps up to Under-21 level with Wales, Alex went on to feature in 16 matches, including the memorable 0-0 draw against Premier League side Birmingham City at Plainmoor. After moving on to stints with Forest Green, York, Luton and Yeovil, Lawless signed for Ebbsfleet in the summer, after helping Leyton Orient regain their place back in the EFL.
Previous Encounters
Our last clash at Plainmoor saw roles reversed, with Ebbsfleet chasing National League play-off success, whilst Torquay were already planning for life in the National League South. Jack Connors’ 69th minute strike gave the visitors the lead, however it was one which lasted only two minutes, when Cardiff City loanee Rhys Healey stepped up to level the scores.
In association with LV BET
Vanarama National League | Torquay United Vs Ebbsfleet | Plainmoor TQ1 3PS | 25/01/20 3pm KO