Torquay United kick off their 2024-25 season on the road in Bristol on Sunday, as they travel to play AEK Boco Ladies.
Boco are new to the South West Regional Women’s Premier League this season, having been promoted from the Northern Division as champions in the spring. They saw off Weston Super Mare AFC Women by eight points in the end, losing just one, and drawing two of their 18 games, finishing with a +43 goal difference. That was largely down to the prolific goalscoring of Aimee Clark (25) and Lucy Atkinson (22).
They also reached the semi-final of the Divisional Cup, where Ilminster narrowly beat them. But after an 8-0 FA Cup win over Dursley, they were beaten in the third qualifying round by Helston Athletic.
Like United, AEK Boco, had a blank opening week on the fixture calendar, so they too will be raring to go, and to get three points on the board to start their campaign. Managed by Abi Nicholas and Jay Powell, and assistant manager and goalkeeping coach, James Sanderson, and conceding on average only once per game last season, Torquay can expect their hosts to be well-drilled and difficult to break down.
If you can make the trip up the M5 to add your support, Sunday’s kick-off is at 2 pm at Greenbank Road, Hanham, Bristol, BS15 3RZ. Due to unforeseen circumstances we regret that we are unable to provide radio commentary this afternoon, but you can follow updates on our social media channels.
Here are the thoughts of United Manager, Lee Mann, on preseason, the squad and the challenge of AEK Boco…