Back to Eastbourne all-weather for under-pressure Gulls

TORQUAY United hope to have senior goalkeeper Mark Halstead available for a delayed return after injury as they head to Eastbourne Borough in urgent need of a win after Saturday’s flop (3-0) at Dartford (writes Dave Thomas).

Halstead was named to start at the weekend – he’s been out for several weeks after being concussed in a 3-1 defeat at Hampton & Richmond – but then felt unwell during the warm-up and had to be replaced by Rhys Lovett. Manager Gary Johnson has stressed that Halstead was clear of the concussion ‘protocol’ and had passed additional tests, but simply didn’t feel 100% before kick-off.

“Mark was on the bench anyway, and it was difficult to drop Rhys as it was, because he’s done well,” said Johnson. United have also released ex-Sutton United keeper Filip Chalupniczak after a short non-contract spell at the club.

It’s back to another all-weather surface at Priory Lane, and everyone in the Gulls’ camp is under pressure after going down so tamely at Dartford. Five defeats in six away games, with 14 goals conceded, has dropped United to 12th place in the NL
South. A win could lift them up to sixth. As each injury clears up, another couple appear to complicate team selection, and neither Shaun Donnellan nor Ryan Hanson was in the squad at Dartford. A return for Tom Lapslie (hamstring) in midfield would be a welcome boost, but the fact remains that United again looked lightweight up front at Dartford in the longer-term absence of centre-forward Aaron Jarvis.

Eastbourne were taken over earlier this year by local businessman Simon Leslie, and new manager Mark Beard was brought in to replace the pretty popular Danny Bloor with a remit to start guiding the club towards full-time status. They’ve had a hot-and-cold season so far – bursts of good form followed by series of defeats – and it sees them down in 20th place. They’re a young side, apart from one or two more experienced players like defender Alex Finney (Maidstone, Aldershot, Ebbsfleet). Brighton loanee Zac Emmerson has proved a lively signing in attack, and the word is that a good start against them is essential.

The referee is Harry Wager from Kent.