Gulls must come out punching for 'Round Two' Maidstone cup tie

The points that Torquay United dropped to Hemel Hempstead Town (2-3) and Maidstone United (0-1) in the last two league defeats are gone now, but the psychological and financial importance of knocking Maidstone out of the FA Cup at Plainmoor on Saturday should not be underestimated (writes Dave Thomas).

The fact that the Stones have also become major ‘bogey’ opposition for the Gulls would make victory over them all the sweeter.

In 14 league and cup meetings, Torquay have lost ten and won only two. Enough said.

With suspended centre-back Ross Marshall joining a handful of injured players on the sidelines, manager Gary Johnson may not be able to fill the seven substitute places available to him.

United fans have been speculating about new signings of late, but Johnson pointed out at his press conference this week: “Clubs don’t want to loan people out and cup-tie them.”

He stressed: “We’ve got players coming back from injury, and when we get a ‘full house’ of players, then we’ll see that we’ve got enough competition.

“I’m happy with our situation and with our squad, and that’s the main thing for me.

“We’re looking forward to playing them (Maidstone) again.

“We don’t know what shape or team they’ll pick, and they don’t know what shape or team we’re going to pick.

“The lads have got to turn up on the day.”

The absence of Marshall is one obvious gap to fill – Shaun Donnellan moved inside from right-back after Marshall’s red card last Saturday.

But another area which may be causing concern is in midfield, since Will Jenkins Davies’ return to Plymouth Argyle through injury.

United looked outnumbered in there at times in Game One, even when Bradley Ash dropped back to help out on the left in the second half.

The Stones are unlikely to make many, if any, changes to a side that’s hit some serious form recently. New loanee striker Joe Gbode from Gillingham made a brief debut off the bench last week, so he could come in if Elokobi is looking for a bit more punch up front.

But Solomon Wanjau-Smith and leading scorer Levi Amantchi gave Torquay plenty to think about in the league match, except in front of goal.

Saturday’s referee is Stephen Parkinson from Watford, there’s £9,375 prizemoney at stake as well as a place in the First Round Proper.

United Women’s team, who fought bravely in a 1-0 defeat at Bridgwater on Thursday evening, have no game this weekend, which is probably a good thing given their current injury problems.

But the Gulls’ Under-18 side will be looking to bounce back from their first loss of the season to Bath City when they travel to Yeovil Town on Saturday in a second successive SW Counties League Cup group-stage tie.