The run in!

Although with only 2 games to go Sutton United are the clear favourites to be crowned champions of the National League and so grab the one automatic promotion spot, I think there are good grounds for a bit more optimism.

I suppose though that the typical Torquay United supporter has good grounds for pessimism. It is based on years of experience.

The fixtures next weekend though are ideal to turn around a 6 goal deficit in goal difference.

Torquay are at home to Barnet, the lowest placed club of those still playing in the National League this season. With no relegation there is nothing at stake, and we will have home supporters back in the ground to urge the team on.

Sutton United though has a tough fixture at home to Hartlepool. For Hartlepool a win is vital to try to grab one of the home semi-final play off places. They are certainly capable of it.

The way final positions are decided in the National League will come into play if we do manage to finish on equal points with Sutton. The first is Goal Difference, then if that is equal it is most goals scored, then if that is equal it is matches won, and if that is equal it is head to head between the teams.

At the weekend a 3-0 win for us and a 0-3 defeat for Sutton would put us equal on points, equal on goal difference, equal on goals scored, and equal on matches won.

We would though go top going into the final day on our head to head record, with a 0-0 at Plainmoor followed by a 1-0 win at Sutton.

Of course I cannot see Sutton losing 0-3 at the weekend. I could though see them losing 0-1 or 0-2, and us winning 5-0 or 4-0. That would put us top going into the final game on the basis of goals scored.

Of course Sutton also play Barnet in the final game. It is though at Barnet, it is a local derby, and Barnet will have a home crowd in. It is the type of scenario where any club needing a result could get final day wobbles.

All in all grounds for some optimism I would say, and if it all pans out I will raise a half full glass of beer to you all! 😉🍺⚽️

Balanced by his match day predictions 😃😉

A warm welcome to this forum by the way.

Alex Ferguson won the Premier League with Man Utd in 2007/08 & in 2008/09. His son Darren managed Peterborough Utd in 2007/08 and 2008/09 and they finished 2nd both seasons in a row and gained 2 successive promotions, from League 2 and League 1 respectively. That's the closest I can find to come close.

Solihull v Barnet postponed from yesterday due to a waterlogged pitch has been re-arranged for today. I suppose that could be regarded as good news for us. It gives Barnet only a 3 day gap before they come to Plainmoor, and had it not been re-arranged so quickly there was the prospect of Barnet having to play Tuesday and Thursday next week before hosting Sutton on the Saturday.

Yep, I was hoping they would rearrange for tonight after seeing that postponement. My thoughts Stefano exactly. It’s about time we got the rub of the green with the fixture list.

I’m calling that not being the outcome now, stefano. At least we have time to regroup now. Not sure who might be available for something behind doors at this time of year to see if Wright, Whitfield and Cameron are good for starts. Would imagine Cameron is already deemed so.

Whilst next week is a competitive fixture, I am not concerned what side we put out as nothing riding on it, unless you believe in winning momentum from one solitary game. Would love to see Wright and Whitfield get some minutes, but doubt it’s a possibility.

Yes, too many permutations right now in terms of who plays who. Whilst a possibility, agreed, I should perhaps have said probability. Shouldn’t think either would be fit to start. If they are, then that would be smashing. I wouldn’t tinker with the defence too much, but might save Asa’s legs for the big game(s).