Barrow’s 1-0 win over Guiseley on Tuesday night has left United relying on other results to go their way of they are to survive relegation from the National League.
Barrow are currently on 47 points and can relegate United by winning any one of their remaining games. Two draws would also effectively relegate United because of Barrow’s superior goal difference.
All the squad can do is focus on beating Hartlepool United on Saturday, and then see what Barrow do in their away trip to Aldershot Town.
“We did what we had to against Halifax and came away with the three points,” said TUFC captain Sean McGinty after training on Thursday. “We now have to win all three remaining games to stay in with a chance of staying up.
“It was a bit of a kick in the teeth the other night, Guiseley not being able to get anything out of their game against Barrow. All we can do is concentrate on us and finish the season strongly. We’ve worked well in training this week and we’re looking forward to getting up there and playing in front of a big crowd and giving it a good go, and coming home with three points.”
Hartlepool had a successful March and were able to pull away from the relegation zone. They currently sit in 17th place on 52 points.
“Hartlepool will be looking to end their season well. They’ve been able to pull away from the bottom and they beat Leyton Orient the over night 1-0. It’s going to be a very tough test but I think the team we have got now is very capable. I think if we had these bunch of players at the beginning of the season then we wouldn’t be in the situation we’re in now.
“We’ve got to keep to our side of the bargain and win our last three games and keep the fight going for as long as possible. We’ll keep going until the final whistle against Ebbsfleet.”
Torquay United owner and chairman Clarke Osborne has subsidised 1/2 price travel for those travelling with the travel club. It is a way to thank the superb support that the team has received on the road this season.
“The Yellow Army’s support has been phenomenal, really,” added Sean. “We’ve not been great at all, home or away, but away from home the fans have travelled in their hundreds to most of the games. Most of the time they’ve come away disappointed because they haven’t seen the type of performances they should have done.
“It’s the last away trip of the season and one of the longest ones too. Hopefully, we can reward them with three points and hopefully we’re still in with a chance of staying up when we come back to Plainmoor on Tuesday night.”
Ryan Clarke and Michee Efete returned to training this week. Jakub Sokolik will not be a part of Saturday’s squad as investigations continue as to the cause of his bout of sickness. Reece Mitchell picked up a knock in training and is a serious doubt. TUFC assistant manager Martin Kuhl will be serving a two-match touchline ban after being sent off against Dover Athletic on April 7th.
For a closer look at our opponents click here.
For information on travelling to the game click here.
The match will be broadcast countywide on BBC Radio Devon 103.4 FM, on DAB, & online.
Hartlepool United Vs Torquay United | 21/04/18 | Kick-Off 3pm
Hartlepool United Football Club
Victoria Park
Clarence Road
Hartlepool
TS24 8BZ