Match Preview: Clean sheets are top priority for Torquay United

The goals against column has made for horrendous reading at Torquay United this season, and that will need to change if the Gulls are going to secure their place in the National League South.

Over the course of 41 games played in the league so far, United have conceded 72 goals. Only Havant & Waterlooville, second from bottom and with 83 goals conceded, have a worse record. In a league of 24 teams, a league United were predicted to win before the season started, it is a gloomy defensive record.

Interim boss Aaron Downes is clearly under no illusions that defensive stability will be crucial over the remaining five games, four of which are being played away from Plainmoor, and that starts with Saturday’s trip to Welling and then the Monday evening game against Truro City.

“We’ve talked about the importance of clean sheets in this run-in,” said Downes. “We’ve not had enough and we know we’ve got to be better at goals against as a group.

“The amount of goals we’ve conceded is disappointing and we are working at our overall shape. If we can tidy up on certain aspects, clean sheets will come.

“Welling have picked up some good results, they are organised and hardworking but also with an attacking intent. We’re not expecting an easy game but we have to look after ourselves, make sure we have the focus, work-rate and desire for 90 minutes.

“We have to maintain a good shape to enforce ourselves on the opposition and then a quick turnaround for Truro on the Monday.

“There is a natural mindset change for an away game because there are lots of things involved, such as travel and preparation. We feel it is an opportunity to rectify some of the away form this season and to give back [to fans] because people travel a long way to support us.

“It is an opportunity to right a few wrongs and we’re excited by the next four games. Our first focus is on Welling.”

The latest defensive struggles came in the 3-3 draw with Weston-super-Mare on Easter Monday, a game United led 2-0 after just 15 minutes and then 3-2 with just seven minutes remaining, but Weston still came away with a draw.

“Immediately after the game, it was a feeling of frustration,” said Downes. “To be 2-0 up and 3-2 up with such a short period of time to go, it was disappointing not to win the game and take maximum points.

“Overall, I felt it was a fair reflection of the game. Weston had their threat and we had ours. It was a good game for the neutral but at this time of the year, it’s all about results and points.

“Sitting back and taking a look on reflection, it’s another point gained and it’s important we take points from every game. It was mixed emotions and things to work on, with moments we can learn from in the game.

“We were excellent in the first 20 minutes, 2-0 up and worthy of it. Brett McGavin had a chance to make it 3-0 and that might have put the game to bed but I was then disappointed with the reaction to being 2-0 up.

“There are definitely areas to improve and we’re excited for this weekend, playing two games in such a short period of time. We’ve had a couple of days to rest and we’re now fully prepared for both games.

“We have an experienced group and those boys are taking responsibility to help the less experienced players. We’ve talked about how we deal with being 2-0 up, 1-0 down and how we manage different moments.”