Answering the goals conundrum at Torquay United in absence of Young and Dennis

Quite how well any other side at National League South level would cope without two strikers who have scored 26 goals between them and a match-winning midfield player is a matter for speculation.

But Torquay United, still three points behind leaders Worthing, must handle exactly that scenario at Enfield Town on Saturday.

Paul Wotton’s Gulls (4th) should have Jordan Young back against Farnborough at Plainmoor next Tuesday night.

But the rejection of their appeal against Louis Dennis’ red card against Maidstone (1-1) last Saturday will count him out of Farnborough and promotion rivals Hornchurch away the following weekend.

Callum Dolan is also sidelined for at least the next two months after knee surgery this week.

United have been here before this season, at times missing up to half-a-dozen senior players through injury.

To their credit, they’re still in the thick of the title race.

With Enfield (22nd) and Farnborough (20th) up next, there’s a temptation to take one or two things for granted.

But only a few weeks ago Worthing were on a run of 33 points from 36, and they looked poised to charge clear in games against lowly Chippenham and Salisbury plus Horsham at home.

The Rebels have managed only two points from that lot. Enough said.

Wotton made no secret of his disappointment at the Dennis verdict, especially as United had run the video evidence past a couple of experienced refereeing figures, who had encouraged them to appeal.

“It’s hugely frustrating, but we move on,” said the Gulls’ boss.

“We’ve got good options in forward areas. I believe in the squad and the personnel.”

Even with Sonny Fish out on loan at Folkestone Invicta, and not available for recall, those options are last season’s leading scorer Cody Cooke, the hugely experienced Matt Jay and Exeter City loanee Kieran Wilson.

Wilson may be only 19, but the tall Scot has impressed everyone, on the training ground and in matches recently, with his maturity and talent.

Cometh the hour, cometh the young man..?

Wotton has managed at this level long enough, and suffered enough upsets, to take nothing for granted at Enfield, and he was quick to warn of the potential dangers against a side that looked in similar peril last season and saved themselves.

But since they beat Maidstone at home (2-1) on November 25, Gavin MacPherson’s side has taken only two points from seven games, and they had defender Ruaridh Donaldson sent off in the first half at Maidenhead (0-3) last time out.

Elsewhere this weekend, the pick looks like Weston-super-Mare (3rd) at home to Hornchurch (2nd), with Worthing at Bath City and Dorking (5th) entertaining Chippenham.

Saturday’s referee at Enfield is Brandon Scaife (Cannock) – he’s tackling his first season at this level and has issued 46 yellow cards in ten games so far.