NLS: Torquay United v Welling 3pm 8/12/18

I do hope a decent crowd turns out for this one. It really is a biggy at the level we are. Top two. Both top in the form stakes. And we are playing good football with expectant fans expecting another win. Let’s hope it goes to plan in front of the local faithful, many of whom were recently treated to a couple of 4-1 victories.

I think you’re right and reckon there might be a bit of goalkeeper rotation, although my guess is MacDonald will be next back for the Trophy game at Boreham Wood. I’ve no idea, mind.

I felt everyone put in a good shift at Dulwich and it sounds as though most feel the same was the case at Dartford on Tuesday, including Keating and Niate who I had thought most likely to be first in line for outfield player rotation. Notice no longer any concerned mentions of Wynter by others (or me) - he continues to improve under this Manager. Good stuff.

I reckon we’ll be unchanged. Why not? But great to have a ‘back from injury’ bench like we did on Tuesday. Haven’t heard any more about Opi, though last I did suggestion was he is still a week or so away.

Was great reading Stewart posting that he had never felt so confident that his side would win the next and many more games this season in a way he cannot recall feeling in his support since 1954. I feel similar, albeit my supporting number of years are lesser and I haven’t experienced the Plainmoor heights that he has seen. Long may that feeling continue.

This Manager won’t let them sit on their laurels and will give Welling the respect they deserve when rallying his troops to work hard and earn the right to play over 90+ minutes. Bring it on. Bring on the festive fixtures. Let’s be top by a few points at 4.50 on New Year’s Day as we perhaps wave goodbye to Connor Lemonheigh-Evans and whoever else may be moving up the Leagues.

C’mon United. Keep at it.

Another big test for the team and the pitch after another awful week of wet weather.
Watching the Welling highlights from last week and they don't look a particularly big side but have one or two small nippy forwards that score goals and could cause us problems on a heavy pitch that may suite them more than us.
Interesting to see if GJ makes changes. Hes switched on tactically that's for sure and does his homework.
Sure to give Hall and Dickson some pitch time at some point I would imagine as they need to get back up to speed asap.
Strong gale force winds but a little less rain is the forecast not the best condition for fast flowing football.
Hopefully another afternoon of proper entertainment and another victory. Much to look forward to these days.

Great result. Onwards and upwards!

When will we get a 3000+ home crowd?

It was a pity that there was a heavy shower just before kickoff which made playing conditions quite difficult in front of Bristows bench. For the first couple minutes Welling seem to have the best of the play but from our first attack the ball came out to Andrews just outside the area who had too much time and space for a player of his quality and slammed the ball into the bottom right hand corner of the net with their keeper only able to watch it go in.

We had a dodgy moment when MacDonald hit a clearance into one of their players and was too slow to clear the rebound which was again blocked before the ball was scrambled to safety. Then we had the “champagne moment” of the game when a through ball beat for Janneh to run on to which he then shot early from well outside the area to sail into the net to the delight of the home crowd. Watch the highlights of this if nothing else. The scores remained the same for the rest of the half, MacDonald had to make one good save low down and Reid had an excellent chance at the other end which was well blocked.

We started the second half with a bit of pressure and looked lively getting a goal for our endeavours with a freekick to the far post half cleared to Janneh who quickly half turned to shoot with the subsequent save spilled and Niate of all people being there to scramble the ball home to effectively win the game.

Not that Welling gave up by any means and in fact had their best spell of the game with Cameron being our best defender and up to the challenge in particular. A penalty was conceded which got their goal when their striker got through and tripped over MacDonald but he had lost possession by this point so from my view point it was a little harsh on us. It remained at this score line though with Reid having a notable chance well saved by their keeper.

Another really impressive display by the Gulls again today as we ran out deserved 3-1 winners over promotion rivals Welling. There was a huge downpour just before the match and I got drenched walking to the ground. The goalmouth at the Family stand end looked cut up before kick-off and it must be a goalkeepers nightmare not knowing how the ball will travel in the muddy conditions. From the off there were times when you got a spray of water when the ball hit the ground and the ball would stop suddenly sometimes when running along the ground. However both teams adapted well to the conditions and it was a good spectacle to watch. Credit must go to Welling, unlike Woking and Billericay, for playing the game in the right spirit and attacked Torquay until the final whistle. At 3-1 it was still quite nervy as the game got stretched and both teams going for it. Crowd 2,467 which is Plainmoor's best yet this season with 52 from Welling, sponsors MOTM going to Janneh.

Torquay made a positive start and took the lead thanks to Andrews who found the bottom corner from outside the box. Welling were clearly one of the best opposition teams I have seen this season as they attacked with purpose. However there is a real slickness to Torquay these days, they have such great pace, movement and most importantly we can finish. Janneh got put through and curled the ball beautifully from outside the box giving their keeper no chance. The rest of the half settled down to more of a midfield battle, there were plenty of sliding tackles in the slippery mud and a couple of mistimed ones that earned bookings for both sides. There was nothing really malicious or nasty, it was a good competitive game with both teams giving their all in deteriorating conditions. Torquay held out relatively comfortably to lead 2-0 at half-time.

Torquay made another positive for the second half and laid siege to the Welling goal. Torquay deserved their third from a free-kick outside the box on our left. Janneh made something out of nothing with an overhead kick that was saved but put in from close range by defender Niate. The Pop side were in full voice but Woking got one back from the penalty spot. Welling were through on goal and MacDonald rushed out but mistimed his challenge and brought down the player. I will be interested to see a replay of this incident to see if MacDonald was indeed at fault. He does have a rush of blood at times and gets his decision making all wrong. MacDonald nearly handed Welling a goal by handing Welling possession outside his box soon after we took the lead today but we just survived that scare.

There was great commitment from the team today, none more so from Cameron who made some really crucial tackles and is very calm in possession. As a friend said at half-time, we should not be surprised if a team higher in the leagues came in for Cameron before this season has finished. Our defense looked solid through the whole game and it was only the decision making of MacDonald that was any cause for concern. Torquay could have finished off the game in style in the second half as Reid and Janneh had clear chances. Reid was through on our right and hit it cleanly that brought a decent save from their keeper. Reid still had a good game today despite not scoring, it is noticeable that all his shots today were on target and did some lovely trickery in the box. There is much to admire about this present Torquay team and they are a real joy to watch. We are winning in style, what more can you ask for?