If you were at Plainmoor on Saturday to watch United’s 4-1 win over Concord Rangers then you will have seen a Torquay United team to be proud of.
Saikou Janneh and Jamie Reid will take the plaudits after a hat-trick and a stunning strike from around 30 yards respectively. The whole team put on a show of in the first half; it was a pleasure to watch.
“I thought the first half was the best that we have played,” said TUFC striker Jame Reid. “We got the early goal and it was pleasing to get a goal from a set-piece that we have been working on.”
Saikou Janneh’s first senior hat-trick took the game away from Concord Rangers and Reid couldn’t be happier for his teammate.
“I’m absolutely delighted for Saikou to get a hat-trick in the first half. He’s such a great lad that works so hard for the team. He’s so honest and I’m completely happy for him.”
Reid capped the first half display with an outrageous strike from 30 yards. It is a goal that will live long in the memory. Has he scored a better one from distance?
“I don’t think so, no. I scored a free-kick before that was quite far out but that’s probably going to be my favourite. I think one from outside the box has been coming. I don’t think I shoot enough in games; I’ve had managers that have told me that before. I tried one at Weston which I thought I was unlucky with. The one I had today went exactly where I wanted it to go and I couldn’t be more happy with that strike.”
United have racked up ten goals so far in November. With such victories comes entertainment that the Yellow Army hasn’t seen for some time.
“Yes, it is something that the Gaffer has talked to us about. I’ve never really looked at football in that sort of way before. He compares it to going to a show at the theatre and if people are going to bring their family to the game then they’re going to want to be entertained.
“They’ve [the fans] obviously had a hard time. I’ve been here for quite a while now so I’ve seen what they’ve been through. Hopefully the team is now showing what we’re capable of.”
Saikou Janneh is a young man of few words but you could see after the final whistle how delighted he was with his hat-trick.
“It was my first proper hat-trick, and I was glad to get it,” said Janneh. “I was trying to score more goals but the ‘keeper made some good saves.
“It was a good feeling to make the fans happy. That’s why I’m here, to try and score goals.”