Saturday 23rd September | 3:00pm Kick Off | The Focus Community Arena
This afternoon we welcome Torquay United to The Focus Community Arena. This will be the first time the Gulls have visited Hemel Hempstead since their last spell in the National League South in 2019. On that night it was Torquay who took all three points winning 4-1 on a cold February evening, helping them extend their league at the top of the table. Torquay then went on to finish that season as champions confirming their place in the National League.
It was there they stayed until the end of last season where their relegation to the National League South was sealed on the final day of the season, with a 1-1 draw vs Wrexham. The Gulls had gone on an impressive run having only lost 1 game in 8 matches in the closing stages of the season, but it wasn't enough to cling on to safety.
Gary Johnson's men had a slow start to the season picking up just one point in the opening two games, but since then they've kicked on. The Gulls currently sit in 3rd place and have taken 18 points from a possible 21 recording six wins from seven. It will be a tough test for The Tudors but recent positive results over the likes of Yeovil, Worthing and Chelmsford City means that we can certainly be a match for the in form side.
There will be one familiar face in the Torquay line-up as Aaron Jarvis returns to the Focus Community Arena. Jarvis spent a period on loan in the 2019/20 from Sutton United. It was he who scored the last Tudors goal of that season in a 2-1 away defeat to Dulwich Hamlet. Shortly after the game, football was then stopped due to the pandemic resulting in the season ending abruptly. It was during that period of time the forward man had found his rhythm having hit two in a cup game vs Royston Town a few nights before that encounter at Champion Hill.
The Tudors go into this game on a six game unbeaten run but will be wanting to create something for the fans to cheer about, having only registered one win in the first four home games. Despite that, The Tudors do boast the joint 2nd best defensive record in the league.
Tickets will be available on the gate for fans to purchase right up until kick off time.
Adults - £15
Concessions - £10
Under 18's - £5
Matchday programmes can be purchased at the programme kiosk as you enter the ground priced at £3. This edition includes a player feature with top goalscorer Joe Iaciofano.
Torquay Facts & Figures
Distance from Torquay to Hemel - 200 miles
Nickname: The Gulls
Founded: 1889
Manager: Gary Johnson (joined 2018)
Captain: Asa Hall
Biggest win: 9-0 Vs Swindon (1952)
Last match: Wimborne 0-3 Torquay (FA Cup)