Torquay United back after a breather with tough trip to Hemel

Ten days without a game, in the wake of that 3-0 win at Walton & Hersham, has given Torquay United an important breather as they try and stake a claim to be included in the National League South promotion argument.

Six points off the Play-Offs in November is not insurmountable, of course, especially as United (14th) have a game in hand on most rivals.

But they are in the middle of four successive away league matches, plus an FA Trophy tie at Horsham on Saturday, and they need to make the most of trips to lowly Hemel Hempstead Town on Tuesday night and Braintree Town (Nov 21) if they’re going to be taken seriously.

After that, it’s Chelmsford at home and leaders Ebbsfleet away.

The most pressing personnel problem for manager Jimmy Ball is at centre-back.

In the wake of loanee Luke Browne’s return to Notts County, United have Jordan Dyer injured, Jake Wannell starting a four-match suspension and a doubt over Oludare Olufunwa, who dropped out during the warm-up of United’s 3-0 win at Walton & Hersham with a knee problem.

Ten days of treatment and rest may have done the trick for Olufunwa.

But unless Ball has brought in a late replacement, Olufunwa and Taylor Scarff, even though both are in their mid-20s, are a relatively inexperienced pair to lock down the middle of United’s defence.

Scarff came in at the last moment at Walton and did a solid job, but there are sterner tests ahead.

Ball has turned to Tyler Hill as a centre-back on occasions, but left-back still looks his more comfortable slot.

One possible benefit of United’s recent break is that midfielder Sonny Blu Lo-Everton may return after a frustrating foot injury.

The Gulls’ 2026 Player of the Year hasn’t kicked a ball in anger since the 3-0 defeat at Billericay on September 26.

Despite the good form of Matt Jay and the obvious potential of Caleb Roberts, the availability of Lo-Everton would be a timely boost.

Striker Deon Moore is also available for this game before he flies off for another international break with Guyana.

United certainly owe Hemel one.

The Tudors were the only team to do the ‘double’ over them last season, and very costly it proved, especially the 2-1 defeat at Plainmoor two games from the end of the regular season.

After two pretty strong years under manager Lee Allinson, Hemel lost him to Dagenham & Redbridge in May and brought former boss Lee Bircham back from Bedford Town.

They started with seven points out of 12, but have now slipped to 20th place on a run of one win in 12 games.

That result came at bottom of the table Slough Town.

Still giving admirable service are Michael Johnson, 33, in goal and ex-Wales international George Williams (Fulham, FGR, Grimsby) on the right of midfield.

And up front should be well-travelled striker Lee Angol (Peterborough, Leyton Orient, Sutton, Morecambe), despite a second-card dismissal against Maidstone (1-2) at the weekend.

Tuesday’s referee at Vauxhall Road is Tom Berry from Surrey.

In the night’s only other NLS match, in-form Salisbury entertain Braintree Town.

Torquay’s home league game against Dover Athletic (Nov 7) was postponed because of the Whites’ FA Cup progress, and they’re looking forward to a Round Two tie at home to Leicester City after knocking out Wealdstone.

The Plainmoor fixture has now been rearranged for Tuesday, December 15 (7.45pm).

Meanwhile, United’s win at Walton, plus a 3-1 loss at Slough last Saturday, has prompted yet another managerial change for the Swans.

Ruben Gaspar has gone only six weeks after the US-owned club, which won the Southern League last season, appointed him.

Walton’s next team boss will be their fifth in 14 months.