After picking up four points in back-to-back Vanarama National League away fixtures before being knocked out of the FA Cup by local rival Woking, the Shots have a quick turnaround back to league action as they host Torquay United on Tuesday evening.
Following a fast start and a strong opening half-an-hour to the game, things were looking promising for Aldershot in the FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round match. However, after Woking equalised before taking the lead in the second half with Max Kretzschmar taking advantage of a Mitch Walker slip, it was another disappointing day for the Shots at the EBB.
On Tuesday evening, the Shots play again at the EBB, this time hosting Torquay United back in the National League.
In association with LV BET, Connor Laing previews the game:
Shots Squad:
With the exception of Lewis Kinsella’s MCL injury, which will keep him side-lined until Spring 2021, all of Danny Searle’s injuries appear to be minor ones. Harry Panayiotou, who picked up an knock against Eastleigh, is still a doubt, but will be assessed before the game. As will Alex Finney and Ross McCormack, who picked up a slight knock in the first half against Woking.
Opposition:
Name: Torquay United FC
Founded: 1899
Nickname: The Gulls
Manager: Gary Johnson
Stadium: Plainmoor (6,500)
2019/20 National League Final Position: 15th (when season ended). Awarded 14th position on Points Per Game (1.33)
The Gaffer: 65-year-old manager Gary Johnson is entering his third season in charge of Torquay United. A very experienced manager at this level and above managing the likes of Bristol City, Yeovil Town, Cheltenham Town, Peterborough United, Northampton Town and even the Latvian national team, the London-born boss has settled back in Devon where he is doing a fine job with former League side Torquay. In his first season at the Gulls he got them promoted back into the National League after winning the National League South title in the 18/19 season. He managed to get them to finish 14th after the points per game calculations for the interrupted campaign, and has started strongly this season.
Departed:
The biggest miss from Plainmoor this summer is Jamie Reid. The striker got 18 goals in the National League last season for them, but has now moved onto play League Two football with Mansfield. Jarred Lewington and Ryan Dickson were amongst other departures, of which there were five in total.
Retained:
Winger Aaron Nemane was probably the most important of the players who stayed at Plainmoor this summer. The Frenchman only played nine times in the National League last campaign, but has started every game so far this season and will certainly be a threat. The majority of Johnson’s squad stayed with the club with only the five departures.
Arrived:
Including loanees, the Gulls nine new faces at Plainmoor. Experienced duo Gary Warren and Dean Moxey have arrived from Exeter City while younger talents like Sam Sherring and Adam Randell have joined the club on loan deals. Add to that forwards Josh Umerah and Danny Wright as well as Fraser Kerr at the back and Johnson has had a reasonably successful window with a blend of experience and youth to add to his ranks.
Form:
Torquay have started the season in great form, winning four out of their opening five fixtures in the 20/21 National League campaign. They currently sit in second, only behind Solihull Moors on goal difference.
Referee:
Tuesday’s referee will be Scott Simpson, who has refereed one game in the National League so far this season, dishing out four yellow cards in the match between Weymouth and Sutton United.
Match Coverage:
The match will be streamed and available on ‘Shots TV Live’ with Presenter Mark Butler, Match Commentator Rob Worrall and they will be joined by Special Guests; Damon Lathrope and Lewis Kinsella in the studio at The EBB Stadium from 6:30pm. BBC Radio Surrey will also be covering the match live with live online commentary.
