The Peacocks begin a manic spell of three games in five days when they travel to Torquay United in the Vanarama National League South tomorrow evening (12th March), ko 7.45pm.
This will be the first occasion that Taunton have played the senior Torquay side in a competitive league fixture, with previous meetings having been with the Gulls’ reserve team in the Western League more than 30 years ago. How the Peacocks would love to follow up on Saturday’s excellent 3-1 victory at 3rd placed Worthing with another notable scalp in the shape of a Torquay side who have found it harder than maybe anticipated both on and off the pitch this season. Fancied for a quick return to the National League following relegation last year, their form has been variable for much of the campaign which sees them occupying 11th place with 15 wins and 15 defeats from 36 fixtures played. They gained their first win in 10 games at the weekend when beating Dartford 4-1 at Plainmoor, their 11th win from 19 home matches, to end a run of three consecutive draws but prior to that had suffered five losses on the bounce since the end of January.
Similar to the Peacocks, Torquay are another club facing major monetary challenges with the threat of administration hanging over them following the withdrawal of financial backing by former chairman Clarke Osborne. With manager Gary Johnson having also departed after five and a half years at the helm, assistant manager Aaron Downes has taken over as caretaker for a Gulls side which includes former Town defender Austen Booth who switched to the Devon club at the start of February.
Callum Dolman returns to an otherwise unchanged Peacocks squad after missing the Worthing game which marked Town’s first win in 14 league outings. Head of Football Rob Dray remarked:” A great night under lights awaits. We have to be looking to follow things up with another positive result, Saturday was great but there is still much work to do.”
Traveller Info
Ground: Plainmoor Stadium, Warbro Road, Torquay, Devon TQ1 3PS
Ground to Ground: 54.4 miles
Directions: at the end of the M5 follow the A38 and then turn left onto the A380. Take the exit signposted Torquay A3022. On reaching a large retail park on your left (including a Currys PC World) turn left at the traffic lights towards Babbacombe/Plainmoor. Go straight across at the next roundabout. On reaching a T-Junction, turn left and then go right at the mini roundabout onto Westhill Road. Continue along this for 3/4s of a mile as it becomes Warbro Road. The ground is on the right. Plenty of street parking is available in the local area.
Admission: Adult £20, Concessions £18, Under 18’s £11, Under 7’s Free. Tickets for the game can be purchased in advance HERE
Match Commentary: live commentary will be available on Peacocks Radio
Live Streaming: the game is being streamed live on National League TV
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