Bishops Lydeard in Town for Mother’s Day clash at Plainmoor
United play their second game on the Plainmoor turf this weekend, as they look to make it seven league wins on the spin to keep their title hopes alive in the South West Regional Women’s Premier League.
Their first game at Plainmoor, a 2-1 victory over Sherborne Town, paved the way to the 23/24 league title and promotion to the National League. There’ll be hopes that Plainmoor again brings the good omens, with lowly Bishops Lydeard Ladies in town, and Torquay needing the three points to stay on track for this season’s title.,
Again, on paper, second-placed United should be too strong for the Taunton-based outfit, who start the weekend second to bottom. But Torquay will still need to be at their professional best, as Bishops Lydeard can still escape the bottom two, and with games in hand on Poole Town above them, will know an unlikely win in south Devon, could pave the way to safety.
Lydeard have two wins and two draws to their credit from 14 outings so far this season. Their victories came at home to Frampton Rangers on opening day and over Poole Town in late October, while they shared the points in both games against Pucklechurch Sports.
Because of the numerous winter postponements, they’ve yet to play AFC St Austell Ladies, the only side below them and will do so in the last two games of the season. And, with a game at Poole at the end of April, their destiny is by no means defined. They do represent another potential banana skin for United, but were they to win at Plainmoor, it would surely be the shock of the season.
Holly Meakins has 7 goals this season but having only scored just 16 times in their 14 outings, Chloe Shipway (3) is the only other player to have netted more than once.
United by contrast have Lucy Solloway amongst the contenders for league top scorer on 17, Tee Kaptein has a dozen including five from the penalty spot, and Ellie Bishop ten. They and others will be looking to add to their tally on Sunday and help United sneak their goal-difference back above that of league-leaders Marine Academy Plymouth, should the title race come down to that!
A reminder that the clocks spring forward on Saturday night / Sunday morning – so don’t be late for the usual 2 pm kick. Tickets are available in advance at https://torquayunited.ktckts.com/brand/match-tickets but will also be on sale between 12 noon and 2 pm at Plainmoor on Sunday.
Don’t forget too, that you can still treat mum and the rest of the family to a pre-match Mother’s Day lunch in The Cove Restaurant, or afternoon tea in a private box – full details are at https://torquayunited.com/book-an-amazing-mothers-day-at-plainmoor/ .
Yellow Army, please come out and support your ladies. Just like with the men’s team YOU can make a difference.
However, as always, if you can’t make it, you can still listen to live radio commentary at https://tufcwomen.mixlr.com/events/3947503 , and we will be on air from 1.45 pm.