Match Preview: Torquay United face relegation showdown at Taunton

Torquay United travel to Taunton Town tonight for a game that will define the future of both football clubs.

In a season of incredible turbulence and uncertainty, the Gulls know that three points would be a huge step toward confirming safety in the National League South.

However, Taunton Town, who have endured their own financial struggles in recent months, have an equally powerful incentive. A victory for the Peacocks would take them one point above United in the table.

Dover Athletic, Havant & Waterlooville and Dartford have all been relegated, which leaves one club from Taunton, Eastbourne, Torquay, Hemel Hempstead or Truro will join that demoted trio.

Taunton and Truro both have an extra game in hand, which they play on Thursday night, before heading into a potentially nerve-shredding final day of fixtures on Saturday.

The omens are worrying for United, as they slumped to a dismal 3-0 defeat at home to Taunton last month and looked toothless in going down 1-0 at Bath City on Saturday.

The bottom of the table looks like this:

Truro: Played 43, Points 51, GD -9
Hemel: Played 45, Points 49, GD -16
United: Played 44, Points 47, GD -9
Eastbourne: Played 44, Points 48, GD -22
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Taunton: Played 43, Points 45, GD -25
Dartford: Relegated
Havant & Waterlooville: Relegated
Dover: Relegated