United head into precarious territory on Saturday when defeat to Halifax Town could mean relegation to National League South.
The margins of error small against the Shaymen. The team have to win to avoid a possible chain of results elsewhere taking survival out of our hands. United’s inferior goal difference could also play a part as the season draws to a close.
The two teams above United in the National League, Barrow (P41 | 21st | 44pts) and Woking (P43 | 20th | 45pts) play Ebbsfleet United and Bromley respectively. Maidstone United (P43 | 19th | 47pts) are at home to AFC Fylde and Solihull Moors (P42 | 18th | 47pts) take on Guiseley (P40 | 24th | 30pts).
Knowing what could happen, TUFC head coach is well aware that four wins are needed out of United’s remaining fixtures against FC Halifax Town, Hartlepool United, Guiseley AFC, and Ebbsfleet to keep United in the hunt.
“Yes, I accept that, “said Gary Owers at his weekly press call. “But, it has got to be the first one of those four wins and that’s against Halifax. We’re trying to focus on that game and that result in trying to get the right outcome.”
Thoughts returned to Tuesday night’s 3-1 defeat to AFC Fylde at Plainmoor. The Gaffer was happy with some of what he saw but disappointed by the team’s defending on the night.
“I thought we started well in difficult circumstances or conditions. I thought we played a good team on the night so let’s not underestimate how strong Fylde were, and their league position shows that. I’m looking at them thinking they may finish in second position and get promoted. I can’t fault the effort of the players, they all had a go, I said that to them, it’s important that they do that in all of the remaining games. We lost the game in the end because of the nature of the goals that we conceded.”
FC Halifax have pulled themselves away from the relegation zone and come into Saturday’s game after drawing 2-2 with Gateshead on Thursday night. Their packed schedule is something Owers is keeping an eye on.
“We have to be prepared to take advantage of that situation. I’m keeping an eye on the team and the changes their making in the team. When they get down here on Saturday we have got to make it the toughest place it can be.”
Goalkeeper Vincent Dorel came back into the squad for Tuesday night’s match after injury. Reece Mitchell has been away with sickness and is unlikely to make the squad. Jakub Sokolik continues his recovery from illness and should be available for selection once again.
United will be bolstered by the return of Cardiff loanee Rhys Healey after he served his one-match suspension against AFC Fylde. The Gaffer is eager to see him back in the team.
“I have to play him, he’s a quality player and I have to get him in the team somewhere. We have to go out all-guns blazing if you like and have to make sure that we have the players in the team to score goals and win the game.”
The Yellow Army displayed their understandable displeasure at Tuesday night’s result but the Gaffer appreciates how much support the team have been given over the course of the season.
“They’ve been brilliant away from home – got behind the team 100%. They always respond to what they see on the pitch and if the players are having a go then they’ll get behind them. The last home game before Fylde, I said, the Woking game, they definitely got the players over the line. Everyone knows how important the game is, hopefully they’ll come and get behind the team.
“If we get the victory that we want and depend on other results we could be in a similar position to last season. A five point gap and three games to go and who thought they would’ve managed to do that last year but they did and we have to hope that it is a similar scenario.”
For more information on our opponents click here.
Torquay United Vs FC Halifax Town | 14/04/18 | Kick-Off 3pm
Torquay United Football Club
Plainmoor
Torquay
TQ1 3PS
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For ticket information head here.
Gulls Nest
You can join us in the Gulls Nest bar from midday for a pre-match drink. We’ll be showing the early kick-off between Southampton and Chelsea.
Access to the Gulls Nest is possible through match day reception.