OPPOSITION FOCUS | Torquay (H)

This is it! The last game of the season and the title is down to us! The Tudors will be looking to bounce back from their Easter Monday derby defeat and The Gulls could mathematically win the automatic promotion place with enough goals! A big game, in front of a bumper crowd, with a lot at stake for the visitors.

Let's learn a little more about The Gulls.

The Key Info

Founded: 1899

Nickname: The Gulls

Manager: Paul Wotton

Stadium: Plainmoor

Capacity: 6500

The History

Founded in 1899, Torquay United celebrated their 125th anniversary this season, with an impressive record of history attached to the club. Starting out in the local East Devon League, Torquay would achieve immediate success, winning other divisions including the Torquay & District League as well as the Plymouth & West Devon League. In 1927, the Gulls were admitted into the Football League, where they would spend their time between the Third and Fourth Divisions.

Numerous promotions and relegations happened between their admittance before the new millennium, with the Gulls achieving promotion to League One in the 2003/04 season. However, celebrations were short-lived as they spent one season as a League One club, before relegation from the Football League was confirmed in 2007.

They did eventually bounce back to League Two in 2009, spending five seasons before relegation back to the National League was confirmed for a second time. Torquay have been a part of the National League South previously, spending just a season before their promotion back to Step One of the Non-League pyramid. After a tough period of administration, the club has found itself back on track and could secure their place back in the National League if they were to win by three more goals than Truro, should the league leaders also win.

Paul Wotton - Torquay Manager

The Manager: Paul Wotton

After being appointed manager of Torquay United at the end of last season’s campaign, Paul Wotton had led the Gulls to an opportunity to bounce back to the National League at his first attempt. Having spent most of his playing career at clubs on the South Coast including Plymouth, Southampton and Yeovil, this is only Wotton’s second club that he has managed. After a lengthy spell at Truro City, Wotton has led the Gulls to currently 86 points, where his main aim will be to score as many goals as possible in today’s matchup.

LAST FOUR:

WON v Weymouth (H)

3-0

WON v Truro (A)

0-1

WON v Slough (H)

2-0

LOST v Chesham (H)

1-2

Star Man: Matt Jay

Since joining the Gulls from Colchester in January, Matt Jay has been in fine form heading to this final game, with three goals in his last three games. Having spent the majority of his career at clubs in the Devon and Cornwall region, Jay has developed and has shown a great eye for goal.

After breaking through the Exeter City youth system, Jay was immediately sent on loan to Weston-Super-Mare, where he earned himself a first taste of non-league football. Further loan spells at Hayes & Yeading and Truro CIty saw Jay eventually break into the first team, making 206 appearances in all competitions.

His next move saw Jay move to Colchester, where he was involved within the first team, but only spent two years before moving to the Gulls in the January transfer window. Matt Jay, alongside Cody Cooke have been two key acquisitions this season and have helped to put the Gulls in 2nd place.

The Skipper: Sam Dreyer

Despite only being 21 years of age, Sam Dreyer has showcased his maturity as both a central defender and a captain. Having grown up through Stevenage Academy, Dreyer has only been involved in senior football at non-league level, which he has adapted to throughout his short playing career. His 44 appearances this season has proved that Dreyer is a consistent and reliable defender, which has contributed to Torquay’s impressive performances this season. He has only represented Hampton & Richmond at this level as a loanee and has only scored one goal this season. However, his leadership at such a young age gives huge potential for Dreyer in the future.

Last Time Out: Torquay 1-0 Hemel

In what was the first away trip for Lee Allinson after his announcement as the new manager, the Tudors looked to cause an upset and build upon the 3-0 victory over Weymouth in the previous week. In what was a closely-fought battle between two well-organised teams in front of an atmospheric Plainmoor, the Tudors were able to hold firm until the 74th minute as Cody Cooke broke the deadlock for the hosts. As the Tudors continued to push for an equaliser, time was at a premium which meant that the hosts held on for a 1-0 win.