With Storm Ashley’s intervention last weekend, Torquay United finally play their second road game of the still fledgling season, as they travel to Gloucestershire on Sunday, to face Forest Green Rovers Women.
While a game in late October is unlikely to decide the outcome of the South West Regional Women’s Premier League, the fixture between two sides both unbeaten in their opening four matches could become the season’s first pivotal point.
Rovers hold the division’s only 100% record. Opening the season with away wins at Ilminster Town Ladies (5-1) and Poole Town Ladies (2-1) before recording home successes against AEK Boco Ladies (4-1) and most recently a 1-0 win over Marine Academy Plymouth Ladies.
Their only defeat of the season so far has come in the F.A. Cup, where after a 6-1 win at Frampton Rangers Ladies, they found National League side Bridgewater United Women a step too far, losing 4-2 after a goalless first-half. Bridgewater, of course, will visit Torquay next weekend in the first Round Proper.
League-wise, Forest Green aren’t the highest scorers but have a very tight defence, so United will need to be clinical in front of goal. Equally from a Torquay perspective, clean sheets have been hard to come by, conceding in two of their four outings in the league, and both in the F. A. Cup!
Rhian Robbins and Victoria Taylor have three apiece so far this campaign for Rovers while Irene Aguado has two. All players who know where the net is if Torquay allows them the opportunity.
Having said that Sunday’s game is not likely to be decisive in the title, it’s one Torquay can ill afford to lose. Arguably, even a draw puts Forest Green further in the driving seat and might add unnecessary pressure to United when they play other teams who have started well, like M.A.P and Sherborne Town.
Torquay’s away credentials haven’t really been tested yet. The team has matured much as a unit since the opening day 3-3 draw at AEK Boco, and with one or two welcome squad additions in recent weeks to more than make up for some of the longer-term absentees, United are now well set. But this is their toughest test of the short campaign, so far!
If you fancy a trip to Gloucestershire on Sunday, the ladies value your support. The postcode for Hartpury College is GL19 3PE and kick-off is a 2 pm.
If you can’t get along there will be full commentary from 1.45 pm at https://tufcwomen.mixlr.com or you can follow updates on our social media channels.