Back-to-back 5-1 wins finally have Torquay United picking up momentum again in the South West Regional Women’s Premier League. And it’s a trend that should continue and needs to continue if United are to maintain pressure on leaders, Marine Academy Plymouth.
While M.A.P. faces a difficult trip to AEK Boco, Torquay’s month on the road takes in their next stop in Dorset, and the return game against a Poole Town Ladies side, who sit just above the relegation places. On paper then, a United side at its best ought to add three more points to the travel bag.
But, and it’s a big but… Torquay made hard work of the earlier encounter between the two this season. Albeit in atrocious conditions at Coach Road, where defensive errors led to conceding twice, and where two Anthea Kaptein penalties guided United to a 4-2 win, in a game where they missed a plethora of chances.
Their one win so far in 2025 came at home to bottom side, AFC St Austell Ladies, but they beat Ilminster Town Ladies in the league, back at the start of December, and more recently won 2-1 at Sherborne Town Ladies in the County Cup. United will take them too lightly on their home turf, potentially at their peril!
United’s other worry is the lack of clean sheets, which Lee Mann will be keen to address. Alex Sheppard is back though, and Sasha Mole will add strength and depth in the back line as she gets more match minutes following her lengthy injury lay-off.
At the other end, Torquay possibly still needs to be more clinical, and the title could yet come down to goal difference. Lucy Solloway was on target last week, and that will surely renew her challenge to the division’s top scorers. And with seven different goal scorers of the ten Torquay goals in the last two outings, it’s fair to say United can find goals from almost everyone on the pitch.
It’s back to the usual 2 pm kick-off time at the Dorset County Ground, Blanford Close, Poole, BH15 4BF. If you can make the trip to support the ladies, it is greatly appreciated. Regrettably, we are unable to bring you live radio commentary on this Sunday’s fixture, but radio coverage will return next weekend (16th).