United face familiar opponents on Saturday, as Gary Johnson’s men take on Woking at Plainmoor.
The Cardinals have re-adjusted well to life back in the National League following last season’s NLS play-off success, and with some memorable battles between the two sides in recent memory, tomorrow’s encounter promises to be another intriguing 90 minutes.
Who’s The Boss?
Alan Dowson took charge in May 2018 following the Cards’ relegation from the National League, and enjoyed a superb first season as boss, earning an immediate return to the top flight of non-league football with promotion via the play-offs. After finishing as runners-up to Gary Johnson’s men, Woking defeated Wealdstone and Welling United in the end of season play-offs to bounce back at the first attempt.
How Have They Been Doing?
Following promotion, the Cards began the new campaign at some pace by soaring to the National League summit. Those aspirations took a bit of a hit following eleven matches without a win, however they have recovered well to re-establish themselves in the play-off positions. Boxing Day’s 2-0 home defeat by Sutton leaves Dowson’s men in 6th spot.
Player To Watch
29 year-old Jake Hyde has been a valuable goal threat wherever he has been during a varied career. Spells at Barnet (twice), Dundee, York and Maidenhead are just a few of the clubs to have benefitted from his reliable form in front of goal, and he has continued where he left off last term by leading the way in Woking’s goalscoring department again this term.
Played For Both
It is hard to look past former Gulls centre-back Ben Gerring, who enjoyed a stop-start 18 month spell at Plainmoor under Kevin Nicholson, before going on to represent Weston-Super-Mare, Truro City and Billericay prior to a move to the Laithwaite Stadium early last term. Always a committed performer, Gerring has been one of the top performers in a side that has made a fine start to life back in the National League this season.
Previous Encounters
Last season’s corresponding National League South clash at Plainmoor was Gary Johnson’s first home match in charge of The Gulls. Following a lightning quick start from the visitors, United’s new boss wasted no time in ringing the changes, with recent acquisitions Saikou Janneh and Connor Lemonheigh-Evans providing the much-needed impetus from the bench, and Jamie Reid netting twice late on to ensure the points were shared.
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Vanarama National League | Torquay United Vs Woking | Plainmoor TQ1 3PS | 28/12/19 3pm KO