Torquay United head to Plymouth on Sunday for arguably the most important game of their season, and know that avoiding defeat will see them closing in on the South West Regional Women’s Premier League crown, and the promotion that goes with it.
United made it nine straight wins and four consecutive clean sheets with last Sunday’s victory over Forest Green Rovers Women. And, though the win didn’t display their most dynamic football of the campaign, it was a measured and controlled performance, something that will need to be repeated against league leaders, Marine Academy Plymouth Ladies.
There was nothing to choose between the sides when they met at Exwick in Torquay’s ‘home’ fixture. Both sides dominated for spells. Both keepers, Jas Read for United and Leigh Black for M.A.P were in imperious form. And after a midfield lapse allowed Beth Overton to score the game’s only goal, the Plymouth side had the goal frame to thank on four occasions in the second half.
M.A.P were comfortable winners in the County Cup encounter at Manadon, played in a howling gale in February. United gifted their opponents two goals with sloppy defensive play in the first half, and another as they were chasing the second-half deficit.
The Plymouth outfit are strong, physical and well organised, but Torquay matched them stride for stride with their width and pace in the previous league encounter and were unlucky not to share the spoils.
Lee Mann and his coaching team know the dangers come from all over the pitch but will be more focussed on their side playing the Torquay way, and executing the game plan they’ve devised, rather than allowing M.A.P. to dominate.
The permutations on the outcome aren’t quite endless, but are complicated, nonetheless. The simplest is that a Marine Academy win hands them the title. A draw would leave United having to win their last two (at Sherborne and at home to Pucklechurch) to win the title on points – or to draw one and win one of those last two but factor in Torquay needing the win to be by six clear goals!
A Torquay win still leaves United needing a win and a draw from their last two, though beat M.A.P by three on Sunday, and draws in both remaining fixtures would be enough!!
As always, Mann will only be focused on his side earning the three points, and will want to have as full a squad as possible to choose from. Lucy Solloway, still chasing the top scorer award, played through illness last weekend, so there will be hopes she is back to full fitness. Chloe Williams is a definite absentee with a knee injury. Meanwhile, Jasmine Barker’s excellent cameo in the final 15 minutes against Forest Green might give the manager a nice dilemma.
If you can get to Manadon Sports Hub (St Peter’s Road, Plymouth, PL5 3FD) on Sunday and make your voice heard, your support could make a real difference!
However, as always, if you can’t be there, you can still listen to live radio commentary online at https://tufcwomen.mixlr.com/events/3947490 and we will be on air from 1.45 pm.