It will be an historic evening at the Somerset Campervan Co Stadium tomorrow (19th December) when the Peacocks lock horns with Torquay United in a competitive league fixture for the very first time.
The last occasion Town met a Torquay side for a league fixture was back in the 1992-93 season when Torquay United Reserves were members of the Western League. Times have changed markedly since then with the Gulls’ first team, then in the old Third Division, having now dropped to non-league football whereas Taunton have climbed the ladder to reach the Vanarama National League South, thereby laying the scene for tomorrow’s highly anticipated encounter.
The Peacocks will need to put Saturday’s disappointment at Havant & Waterlooville well and truly behind them as they look to bounce back against a Torquay side on a roll of five successive wins. They recovered from two goals down to overcome Hemel Hempstead Town 3-2 at Plainmoor on Saturday, which followed up victories over Eastbourne Borough, Tonbridge Angels and Weymouth since the end of November along with Isuzu FA Trophy progress after a comfortable win at Frome Town. It has taken the Gulls some time to get to grips with the Southern section following their relegation from the National League last season, but their recent form has elevated them to second place in the table with 40 points from their 22 games played. To put things in context though, despite Town sitting lower down in 16th spot, they have three games in hand on the Devonians and a maximum haul from those matches would make the gap only three points.
Head of Football Rob Dray knows his team can do and must do better than their weekend display as they prepare to take on a United side they met last season in the FA Trophy. He commented:” A week ago we were magnificent after our best ever win in the National League. A week later we had a below par performance, that’s football sometimes and at the present time this group of players and the club needs all the positivity it can muster. We are still in a good position in the league and don’t become a bad side overnight, but it is important that everyone pulls together at the moment in difficult times and shows unity for the players. That starts tomorrow with a local derby against Torquay – who would have thought on our entrance to this league we would have this fixture! So please embrace it and get behind the best group of players this club has had.”
The squad remains unchanged from Saturday.
Matchnight Information
Turnstiles, Bars, Club Shop and Refreshment Outlets open at 6.00pm
Segregation will be in place for this game with Torquay United supporters housed at the Fire Station End of the stadium. No further tickets are available for away supporters.
Tickets are available to purchase in advance online HERE for HOME FANS ONLY. Admission is also payable by card or cash at the turnstile, priced at £14 for Adults, £11 for Concessions (state pensioners & Students with ID), £5 for Youth (13-18 years), £2 for Juniors (6-12 years). Children aged under 6 are free with paying adult. However payments will only be permitted on the gate to spectators who are able to provide both photo ID and proof of a TA postcode. This is mandatory and no exceptions will be made.
Printed Match Programmes will be available to purchase tomorrow from the Club Shop.
The programme is also available to read online HERE
Match commentary will be available on Peacocks Radio HERE
Live Streaming: the game is being streamed live on National League TV
We extend our grateful thanks to tomorrow’s Match Sponsors Walpole Dunn
Last meeting: the sides met last season on 17th January in the Isuzu FA Trophy 4th Round at Plainmoor. Dillon De Silva and Ali Omar gave United a two goal lead before the Peacocks fought back to level through Nick McCootie and Jake Wannell who was then sent off, handing Torquay the advantage as they progressed 4-2 thanks to two further goals in the second half from Aaron Jarvis including a penalty. Relive the match highlights HERE