Second place chance for Torquay United

It is not beyond the realms of believability that a win for Torquay United at home to Weymouth tonight could lift the Gulls up to second in the National League South table.

Given the unrest often found on the Plainmoor terraces this season, it would be an impressive response from Gary Johnson’s men, although they will need other results to go their way for this mini moral victory to be achieved.

The Weymouth challenge won’t be easy but Johnson is naturally feeling buoyed by important successive wins over Eastbourne Borough and Tonbridge Angels.

“We have five wins from the last seven games but we have to fight for every point,” said Johnson. “Some people think you just need to turn up but it is often a cup final [for the away team at Plainmoor] and they’ve got nothing to lose because we’re always the favourites.

“We have to deal with that and we’ve got some new lads who have to learn our way. We’re getting through it and we know there are two or three who have been out, but we’ll have to see whether they’re back [for Weymouth].”

Managed by Bobby Wilkinson, the Terras had a weekend off after their game at Braintree fell foul of the weather, so the last outing was an excellent 1-1 draw with high-flying Aveley.

Tonight should be a special occasion for United forward Brad Ash, who moved to Plainmoor from Weymouth in the summer.