The disappointment that the team and the Yellow Army felt after Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to Boreham Wood has to be put aside. United have a very important match at Plainmoor on New Year’s Day.
United picked up a point in the last meeting against Eastleigh five days ago. A penalty from Jamie Reid put United in front only for Cavanagh Miley to equalize for the Spitfires.
Since then Eastleigh drew 2-2 at home against Woking. Chris Zebroski opened the scoring only for Woking’s Charlie Carter to equalize. Eastleigh conceded two penalties in subsequent games when Danny Hollands fouled Carter inside the box. Inih Effiong converted from the spot to put Woking ahead. Callum Howe scored an equalizer for Eastleigh in added on time to earn a point. The result left the Spitfires in 18th place.
“It’s a very important game,” said TUFC head coach Gary Owers after Saturday’s result. “Three games over the Christmas period. At the minute we’ve got one out of six [points]. If we can get four out of nine then it’s better than a point a game which is what we’re going to need to catch anyone.
“We can’t really afford to take nothing. But it’s a game that I would say we really, really need to think about trying to win.”
The Gaffer is working hard to bring players to the Club, signings that will come slightly too late for Monday’s match.
“I knew it was going to be tough. I’m giving everything, Martin’s giving everything. The players, in fairness, are trying we just need more quality. We’ll keep trying and we’ll keep persevering. I still think we’ll get out of this situation if we can get one or two better players.
“The support since we have walked through the door has been fantastic. We’ve had 250 people at Eastleigh, 250 people here here today [at Boreham Wood]. They’ll come on Monday, they want us to win. We’re going to our best on Monday to win for them.”
Eastleigh goalkeeper Graham Stack is an injury doubt after coming off at half-time against Woking.
George Dowling returns to the squad after serving a suspension a one-match suspension against Boreham Wood. Josh Gowling and Yan Klukowski will be missing from the squad through injury. Jazzi Barnum-Bobb completes the final game of his three-game suspension after receiving a red card against Maidstone in the FA Trophy. Jake Gosling’s 77 minutes on Saturday will serve him well after starting his first game since a fractured leg sustained earlier in the season against Woking.
Torquay United Vs Eastleigh FC | 01/01/18 | 3pm Kick-Off
Torquay United Football Club
Plainmoor
Torquay
TQ1 3PS
For match day information head here.
For ticket information head here.
Gulls Nest
You can join us in the Gulls Nest bar from midday for a pre-match drink.
Access to the Gulls Nest is possible through a Family Stand/Bristows Bench turnstile.
We’ll be showing early Premier League kick-off between Brighton and Bournemouth.