Big game for both teams

Torquay United have set their sighs on second place, at the very least, in the National League South and Saturday takes them to the current residents of that position.

While Yeovil Town have a 12-point advantage at the top, Worthing lead the chasing pack but United have games in hand on their weekend hosts, which makes this a massive game for Gary Johnson’s men.

Worthing forward Ollie Pearce leads the scoring charts in the division and containing him could be the deciding factor for United.

“Every game is winnable and we’ve got two games in hand on Worthing,” said Johnson. “We’re five points behind and a win would obviously take us two points behind with two games in hand; we lose and it’s eight points.

“There is a lot of the season still to go but it’s a big game for them and a big game for us. The season is not won or lost on Saturday but the three points would be very handy in this type of game.

“They’re a good side, they keep the ball and we’ve got to cope with that by keeping the ball ourselves. They’ve got a striker [Pearce], who has managed to keep himself fit all season and has scored 22 goals. We have to be aware of what they do well.”

The Gulls head to the West Sussex coast with the understandable hope of better conditions after the wind and rain that battered the players and fans in Tuesday night’s 1-1 draw at Chippenham.

As well as horrible weather, United had to play the final half-hour following the dismissal of goalscorer Will Jenkins Davies, but Johnson was delighted with the chances created after that numerical setback.

“We had four unbelievable chances and they [Chippenham] did very well to keep those opportunities out of the net,” he said. “For every chance, we had our heads in our hands, thinking it was a goal.

“It was a good finish by us with ten men and the lads put in a fantastic effort throughout the game, but especially when we were down to ten. It was a 60mph gale with wind and rain in our faces.

“We were brave to see the game out and a very good half-hour by a group of lads who really wanted to keep the opposition out.

“They [the fans] were fantastic and I don’t think they had too much cover from the rain. It [the weather] really was unbelievable and they could see the boys were putting in a real effort, and very unfortunate not to come away as winners.

“We thank them for a fair old trip in that weather and hope they all got home safely. We need them and really appreciate their support.”

As well as the support of the Yellow Army, United will need reinforcements in the ranks and it appears the long-suffering injury list is finally coming under control.

“Brad Ash has come back, Finley Craske was on the bench at Chippenham and he’s now ready to start, if selected, and there are quite a few who are just days away,” said Johnson. “Aaron Jarvis feels it is a couple of weeks but we will try to bring that closer because he’s working hard.

“Jack Stobbs is very close. He did a pitch session and he’s running was very good, as well as his ball-striking being very good.”