Match Preview: Reaction required from Torquay United

A painful 3-0 defeat at home to Taunton Town, swiftly followed by the ten-point deduction from the National League, has left Torquay United just three points above the relegation zone with nine games remaining.

After the Gulls announced their intention to enter administration and the departure of manager Gary Johnson, interim boss Aaron Downes enjoyed two solid draws and a superb 4-1 trouncing of Dartford, but that momentum came to an abrupt halt on Tuesday night.

Tonbridge Angels await United on Saturday and some heart can be taken from positive performances on astro turf in previous games this season.

“We were really disappointed on Tuesday night because we didn’t see that coming,” said Downes. “Since I took over, it had been three games where we felt the performances were good, the levels of energy and enthusiasm were really high.

“We dropped off on certain elements of our standards on Tuesday night. I praise Taunton for their performance but we were disappointed with our levels. We’ve had a good chat and made sure we all know that wasn’t acceptable.

“The main thing from us is to make sure it is a one-off and it doesn't happen again. We nip that in the bud, so we can progress into the Tonbridge game by going back to the basics that need to be in a performance to win a football match.

“The players have all bought into that and what we need now is a reaction.

“We haven’t become a bad team, we’ve got some good players in our changing room and there is a role for them all to perform on Saturday.

“They’re itching to get back out there on Saturday and to right a few wrongs. I’m really looking forward to the game and I know the players are.

“We have to instil confidence and belief in the players to get a victory. The wins we have got on the road have been on astro turf. We know it’s going to be a tough game, they’re coming on the back of a loss, so they will want a reaction as well.

“We’re looking forward to getting there and trying to put our away day blues behind us.”

In terms of availability, Ronny Nelson has returned to Colchester following his brief loan spell but Downes has Ross Marshall back in the squad, and he his hopeful that Dan Martin and Austen Booth will recover from knocks.

“Ross was available on Tuesday and looking well in training,” he said. “Dan Martin pulled out in the warm-up for the Dartford game, he just felt a slight tightness in his hip flexor. That’s settled down nicely and we will see where he’s at.

“Austen Booth felt something in his foot on Tuesday night, so we will assess him for the weekend.”