Match Preview: Rare underdog day for Torquay United

It is has been a season blighted by some painful results for Torquay United but, even with their struggles on the pitch, the Gulls still go into virtually every game in the National League South as favourites.

There is, however, one exception.

The Good Friday trip to runaway leaders Yeovil Town is going to be a major challenge for United, who did secure an excellent 1-0 win over Hampton & Richmond last weekend and will take some encouragement from a rare blip in form for the Glovers.

One guarantee is that the Yellow Army will be there in force and a top atmosphere for a big game.

“I know our supporters will travel in good numbers to Yeovil and it should be another great atmosphere,” said interim boss Aaron Downes.

“Yeovil are a good side; they’re not seven points clear with a game in hand for no reason. We know it’s going to be a tough game and a good game. It’s an opportunity for us to carry on from Saturday [against Hampton].

“I know they’ve lost the last two home games but they picked up a very good win at Braintree, a tough place to go, and they will be buoyed by that. They will want a reaction in front of a big crowd.

“It is very rare that Torquay United in the National League South are looked at as underdogs but we will relish that position and we know, if we perform the way we can, we can get a result.  

“We’ve got fantastic supporters and this is a big game in the calendar. Yeovil v Torquay is a big game for both clubs and we know our supporters will make the noise to boost us when we need it.”

After successive defeats to Taunton and Tonbridge, the win over Hampton was particularly important, giving United a four-point and four-place cushion above the relegation zone ahead of an Easter weekend that includes tomorrow's trip to Yeovil and a Monday visit from Weston-super-Mare.

A penalty from Asa Hall was enough to beat Hampton, as United matched an enterprising first-half display with a determined second half to secure maximum points.

“It was a good result and the players performed really well, especially in the first half,” said Downes. “We were really happy with how we played in possession first half, and then out of possession we were also good.

“It was something that was needed and a clean sheet was nice. The focus in the week was our defensive structure and the boys performed the game-plan perfectly.

“There was a great atmosphere in the stadium. Late in the game, we were under pressure and we dug in to get through that. When we needed an extra boost, we got it from the supporters.”

While the three points were very welcome last weekend, there were a couple of casualties, with Ross Marshall and Kevin Dawson major doubts for Yeovil.

Striker Aaron Jarvis is a confirmed absentee tomorrow, which should mean Brad Ash leading the forward line, but Downes will have the physical presence Duane Ofori-Acheampong back as another attacking option.

“Marshall and Dawson are both touch-and-go, we will have to assess them out on the pitch,” Downes added. “Jarvs is definitely out. He was ill last week and also copped a knock to his knee at Tonbridge. We’ve had that scanned and waiting on the final outcome, but it doesn’t look like a long one.

“There are a couple of ways to lead the line as a striker and Brad did that for us last Saturday. He harassed the defence, kept his shape when we needed it, stretched the opposition and caused problems in the box to get himself a penalty. He is someone we’ve relied on and he’s back, fully fit and flying.

“Duane is fit again. He missed last Saturday after a knock in training but he’s raring to go. I know Duane, I’ve played with him and I trust him. We know what we will get from him and he will be really important to us for the next seven games.”