Gulls Hope Green Grass Of Home Can Help Lift Mood After Aveley Flop

HAVING BLOWN a big chance to join the National League South pacemakers at Aveley at the weekend, Torquay United need to restore their own confidence and the mood of their supporters when they take on Farnborough at Plainmoor on Tuesday evening (writes Dave Thomas).

The tameness of the Gulls' display at Aveley (1-2) dismayed everyone, including manager Gary Johnson, especially as it came after four successive wins.

But what worried United fans most was that the side had not been convincing even in those victories, and they were then outplayed by an Aveley team they had been expected to beat.

Johnson's side will definitely be relieved to get back on the green grass of home after again struggling to adapt to an all-weather pitch in Essex.

If there's one part of the club which has consistently delivered, right through last season's relegation and again so far this time, it's been the supporters.

Three days after the 3-0 home loss to Worthing last month, just over 2,000 turned up to see United beat Chippenham Town (2-1).

And eight days ago more than 2,500 urged them to overcome Braintree Town by the same score, both winners coming in stoppage-time.

More than ever United need to lift those fans from the first whistle, instead of waiting for the second half.

Johnson brought in 19-year-old Southampton forward Luke Pearce on loan at the end of last week, and he made his debut off the bench at Aveley.

But few doubt that, in Aaron Jarvis and Brad Ash, United (6th) have strikers who should do the business at this level, if they are given better service than they have enjoyed so far. 

Farnborough (9th) have taken ten points from twelve at home, but they have yet to win away, and they lost 3-1 against Truro City in Plymouth on Bank Holiday Monday.

They recruited ambitiously this summer, manager Spencer Day bringing in players like defender Joe Partington from Aldershot, midfielder Ryan Upward from Maidenhead, striker Alfie Pavey from Braintree and also versatile ex-Portsmouth, Northampton, Charlton and Chelmsford forward Ricky Holmes, 36.

Pavey has already scored six goals this season.

It's a long time since the clubs last met, and it was a painful encounter for the Gulls.

Having just beaten Birmingham City (3-0) at Plainmoor in 1991, United could only draw 1-1 at home to Farnborough in the FA Cup Second Round and then lost the replay at Cherrywood Road 4-3.

Tuesday's referee is Phillip Eddie (Royal Navy).