Devon Dreams

[displaced_seagull]

Evening all; It's been a fair while since I've posted here, but I've been thinking about doing so again for a while. I decided to wait until FM16 was released, and now having played it for a week I am very much enjoying it, so much so that I reckon I can commit to a story game again

I've been playing FM now for over 20 years. It's given me some memorable moments - and has also led to my involvement with 'real life' football as Secretary of a Step 5 club. For those who don't know me, I've been around these forums for many years now, off and on, and have had some great fun (and a couple of monumental hangovers after OTF meetups!) along the way.

Leagues/Data details for anyone interested;

FM16, Release Day Database. Added files for England (Down to Regional Premier Divisions), Wales (Tier 2 and up).

Also running;

All divisions; Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, France, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Scotland, Serbia, Slovakia.

Top 2 Divisions only; Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden

Top Division Only; Brazil, Argentina, Russia, Switzerland, Uruguay*, USA, Chile, Turkey, Mexico (* = View Only)

Players Retained From;

Africa - Top Division Clubs, Continental Rep, National Rep, Clubs in Continental Competitions

Asia - Continental Rep, Clubs in continental competitions

Middle East, Central America, Caribbean - Players from Top Clubs, players from clubs in continental comps.

Gibraltar, Faeroes, Albania, Luxembourg, Andorra, Malta, Moldova, Lithuania, FYR Macedonia, Georgia, Latvia, Cyprus, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Estonia, Montenegro - Players from Top clubs, Current international players

Columbia, Paraguay, Uruguay, Ecuador, Bolivia, Peru - Players from Top Clubs.

[displaced_seagull]

"Well, here we are" said Robbie, my assistant, as he showed me to my new office. I looked around as he gestured, pointing out the somewhat meagre facilities. "It's not a lot, but it's got everything you'll need" he added with a grin.

"It looks fine" I replied, in what I hoped was a friendly, but assertive way, before adding "What's in those cabinets?", pointing towards a couple of filing cabinets in the usual battleship grey, with the equally usual dents towards the bottom.

"Not a lot" was the reply. "With all the changes over the summer here, a lot of stuff went. That file, on your desk, that's the only one that's current".

I picked up the file, noting the contents of the index labels - First Team, Development Squad, Under 18's. "Dave wasn't kidding was he" I said. "The youth setup has gone".

Robbie nodded, then sighed. "I don't know. Maybe I'm speaking out of turn, but I think it was a daft idea to cull it. I had some good lads in that setup, ones who might just have made it".

"Where are they now?" I replied. "Non-League, most of them" was the slightly morose reply. "We spoke to them all with their parents at the end of the season. They were all gutted. Parents were too, well, those who weren't after our blood".

"That bad?"

"Well, not quite blood" Robbie admitted. "A lot were just stunned. There were some decent players there, nobody saw it coming. Everyone knew there would be changes when the consortium took over, but we all thought that was something they'd want to keep".

As I considered my response, it was at this point I suddenly felt a little foolish. Here was a guy who was showing me where things were, revealing personal thoughts to his new manager within a couple of hours of meeting and I hadn't even offered him a cuppa. Or a chair. "Sit down Robbie" I said. "Coffee?"

He smiled. "Please, one sugar".

The kettle was on a small table, the sort you'd find next to a sofa in an elderly relatives house. It looked, like most things I'd clocked, a hand-me-down. On the floor was a small fridge. That was most definitely a 'pre-loved' item - it still had the sticker on it.

"Torquay Discount Electrical" I read. "£45. Not bad!"

If Robbie thought it was a strange comment, he didn't show it. "Yes, the Chairman bought it a couple of weeks back. Cheaper than a tea lady!"

As I finished making our coffees and sat down myself, I allowed myself a smile. It wasn't a lot, as Robbie had said. But it was mine. My office. My club. My dynasty?

[tenthreeleader]

Great to see you posting again! Keep going, will love to see where you take this

[AlexSizemore]

Loving the story so far, keep up the good work!

[displaced_seagull]

Many thanks both of you

We'd been chatting away for a good ten minutes, and I found myself beginning to like Robbie Herrera already. A local lad, he moved away to London to begin his career, starting out as an apprentice at QPR before moving onto Fulham. In the late 90's, after 144 games there, he moved back to Torquay, before dropping into Non League - including a spell as a Player/Manager at Torrington.

I decided to test the water, and ask him about it. "We got hammered. 7-0, by Melksham. I walked that night. Truth was, I hadn't enjoyed it. Non League is fine, the banter is good, and there are some good players there, but it can be difficult dealing with the politics".

"You're right there" I replied. "I've seen a fair bit of that myself".

"I bet" he said. "Never say never, but it put me off management a little"

He completed his tale by telling me how he had come back to run the youth setup, but was handed his cards at the end of May when it closed. Sensing this was not someone to let slip through their fingers again, the board had offered a years deal - on lower pay, naturally - as Assistant Manager to the still to be appointed boss. He admitted himself it was unusual, but told me, with clear feeling in his voice, that he didn't want to leave. It was his first day back too.

It was then my turn, and Robbie listened as I explained my story, occasionally offering a comment, but mostly listening with what appeared a genuine interest. My journey to becoming the new manager of Torquay United Football Club was a long one. Like Robbie, my football career had seen me move away from home and eventually return there. Unlike Robbie, I hadn't been a professional player - starting out helping behind the scenes at Hailsham Town as a teenager with enthusiasm if not talent, I eventually found myself helping with coaching, then, as I got older and realised that I wasn't much use on the pitch, working through the basic coaching qualifications and setting up a gardening business which allowed me the time I needed for football. With that came opportunities elsewhere as I moved around the Sussex Non League scene, before getting an opportunity at Gillingham as manager of the Under 17's. A good season there, and I moved up to run the Under 19's, before taking the managers job at Eastbourne Borough . Results were good, but the fit wasn't - this was a club who, back in my early days as a fan at The Beaconsfield were our bitter rivals - and after narrowly failing to gain promotion, I left, wondering what my next step would be. More in hope than expectation, I'd applied for the job at Torquay, and to my surprise, got it. I would take control on the 1st of July 2015, two days before my 31st birthday.

It had been a bleak summer at Plainmoor - after the lottery-winning Chairwoman Thea Bristow had decided enough was enough, a local consortium had saved the club but had to cut costs. Chris Hargreaves , the manager, and his staff all refused to take pay cuts, so were gone. I knew Dean Edwards, the ex-Torquay player who became the front man for the consortium, and that was my route in. Now Dean was gone too - after pulling together the band of local businessmen, and persuading David Phillips to take the Chairman role, he had decided to move overseas to return to management. My wife was offered a role setting up a new unit in a Torquay nursing home, and it all came together - I guess you could say I was in the right place at the right time. Most of all, I came cheap.

[displaced_seagull]

The desk phone rang, ending our chatter. I answered, to be greeted by a young lady on the other end. "Mr Fairway" she said. "It's Michelle on the Desk. Mr Phillips is here for you. I've prepared the meeting room up in Boots & Laces. Is Mr Herrera going with you too?"

"Thanks Michelle" I replied. Robbie will be coming with me. And please, call me Stuart".

We walked out into the main Reception before heading to the meeting. I smiled at Michelle, who shot a nervous smile back. I guessed she was about 17, an apprentice. The college book on the desk confirmed it. The office, the manager, the receptionist - seemed like quite a lot was being done on the cheap.

We went up to the meeting room, walking through the supporters bar, where photos of past glories adorned the walls, alongside shirts and scarves of teams now mere memories. The door was open when we got there. David Phillips, the Chairman, greeted us with a warm smile and a handshake.

With the issue of my contract - a year - being agreed before I'd taken over, he explained a little about the club, the consortium who had rescued it, and gave me the details for the press conference on Thursday to introduce me to the media.

David explained the transfer budget - nil - and the wage budget, which was a little more generous, and also revealed that the former management team - and the coaches from the former youth academy - had agreed a payoff, albeit one which came at a cost, with £120,000 worth of debt in cancelled contracts to be paid off at £10,000 a month over the season. Whilst it wasn't good news, it would at least allow all concerned to make a clean break. I'd been asked to achieve a mid-table finish, which seemed fair.

We continued to discuss the morning's events, before a question came which I wasn't entirely expecting.

"Are there any philosophies you want the Board to consider?" the Chairman asked.

I thought for a moment. An idea came into my head. "Yes, give me a couple of days, and I'll come back to you with something I'd like you to have a think about" I replied. Robbie shot me a confused glance.

"OK, I'll get Michelle to set something up. We should be able to use the Boardroom, it was booked out today. Next few days suit?" David said.

I nodded in agreement. "Nice girl" I said. "Seems nervous?"

"Yes, she's an apprentice" he replied, confirming my earlier suspicions. "Does day release at college once a week, which is why the club shop is closed on Tuesdays. First job".

We wrapped things up, warm handshakes all round, and Robbie led us down the stairs before the Chairman handed us both a set of keys each before heading off for another business appointment.

"Wait" I said, as Robbie went to get the Reception door. "Fancy a bite to eat?"

The Cafe in Waitrose wasn't quite the fry up I had in mind, but it was just around the corner, and I reminded myself I was now a Professional Football Manager, and needed to be seen as such - and Robbie bought the coffee and croissants, which helped.

"So what was that about, in the meeting, Philosophies?" he asked, handing me a copy of the local paper.

I looked at him. "Robbie, I'm going to tell you straight. You and me, we both want a youth setup".

He nodded.

"But we both know the club haven't got the money for a formal Academy at the moment. If they did, you would be running it. We've both got the experience in youth football. I'm going to ask him if I can make developing homegrown players part of my remit as manager".

I saw the glint in his eye as he processed what I'd said. "So, you're going to tell him you want to be judged on producing local talent?" he said. I nodded. "He can hardly turn that down!"

"I hope not! - but, remember, it's little steps", I cautioned him. "It's not a full academy that we've both worked at before, but it will be a starting point". I took a sip of coffee. "And I'm going to ask him to set up a relationship with a local club, so we can get players out on loan if we need to".

"That makes sense" came the reply. "There is no Youth Team this season, so it would be good to be able to get players out on loan - I mean, we can always set up friendlies for the fringe players, but it's not the same as competitive football".

"Talking of, can I get you to set some up for the front side when we get back?" I asked. "I want to play several games against Non League sides, home and away - mostly Southern League sides, a few in the Western too maybe"

"Sure" he said. "We've got one in at the moment though, against Yeovil. It was part of a deal last season, a week on Saturday, at home". "Do you want an intra-squad friendly"?

"Not this year, I don't think we'll have the numbers to make it useful" I replied. "But what I do want is for you to help with the staff meetings we're going to have, every couple of weeks or so. I'll lead them, but I want input from everyone - you, Gareth the Physio and the other coaches".

"Got anyone in mind for that?" Robbie asked. "Since Chris and the others went, it's just you, me and Gareth at the moment".

"I know. It's something I want to look at. I'll make a few calls when we get back, there's one or two I want to speak to about it. I want to get the Scouting Team set up too, that will be vital this year"

We returned to the ground a short while later, as the cafe started to fill up - we had work to do. Michelle, meanwhile, was tasked with producing a poster.

Torquay United Preseason Friendlies

Tue 7/7/15 - 19.45 - Chard - Home

Sat 11/7/15 - 15.00 - Yeovil Town - Home

Tue 14/7/15 - 19.45 - Bashley - Away

Sat 18/7/15 - 15.00 - Barnstaple - Home

Tue 21/7/15 - 19.45 - Bodmin Town - Home

Sat 25/7/15 - 15.00 - Evesham - Away

Tue 28/7/15 - 19.45 - Tiverton Town - Away

Sat 1/8/15 - 15.00 - Taunton Town - Home

[neilhoskins77]

Intrigued already. Best of luck.

[Cheesey1975]

will watch this one especially as you have a friendly against Barnstaple...used to live in bideford so watched them a few times and played there junior teams whilst a youth coach at bideford & appledore jfc

Fond memories of my time in North Devon

[displaced_seagull]

Whilst Robbie went off to check the training ground which we now shared with Plymouth Argyle's youth team - again a cost saving - I went back to the office to check in with the wife and make some calls. By lunchtime, I'd offered an old colleague, Paul Gillingham , who I'd worked with in Sussex a job as a Fitness Coach, and George Rooney , a 62-year old who lived locally and had recently left Cheltenham Town, the Head Scout role.

I had one more call to make, but before I could, Michelle rang through to say there was someone waiting for me in Reception. I went through to be greeted with a gift horse, in the shape of recently retired Nottingham Forest goalkeeping coach Peter Williams . Now in his early sixties, he had retired to the English Riviera with his wife, who had quickly tired of having him getting under her feet at home, and he had come to offer his services.

I wasn't going to turn the offer down, and after a quick discussion with the Chairman, who had earlier given me a small budget to bring in the backroom staff I needed, I offered him a deal. He said he would have to think about things, but given the spring in his step as he left the ground, I felt positive.

Robbie came back with the news that he had a contact who he'd like me to sound out about a scouting position. Nathan Wannell then became the second man to be offered a scouting role, albeit on a part-time basis, before I finally got through to Ben Austin , who had played under me at Eastbourne Borough, and offered him terms as a Scout as well. Ben, I knew, was keen to get into professional football, and with his chosen teaching profession always in demand, promised to give the offer good consideration, with the prospect of supply work in the area and the whole of the forthcoming summer holidays to get himself sorted.

The players had been given the morning off - they would begin preseason properly tomorrow - but would be in to meet me at the ground in the early afternoon.

I addressed them with a bit about my background and what I wanted to achieve. To a man, the response was positive, which was very pleasing. Robbie took them through a few bits of admin, before we let them go to enjoy the last day of their holidays, promising them that they would see a few new faces in the shape of some coaching staff over the forthcoming days, and that the friendlies would begin next Tuesday evening, at home to Western League Chard Town .

Soon enough, it became apparent that we weren't going to get a lot more achieved today. I said my goodbyes to Robbie, diverted the office phone to my mobile, and headed back to our temporary home, a summer holiday let owned by the Groundsman which the club had commandeered for a couple of months whilst we found our feet in Devon. It had been a good first day.

[displaced_seagull]

Thursday morning's Press Conference at Plainmoor saw me dealing with the questions of Les Roberts from the Non League Paper, and Sam Summers from the local BBC Radio station, Radio Devon. The questions were, as I had been used to from my time at Borough, banal and standard - but they were just doing their jobs, and it was one I wouldn't want for the world.

Paul Gillingham had travelled across overnight, and after completing the paperwork to seal his arrival as Coach, met up with me shortly after the press conference, before the two of us went over to watch training, which Robbie was leading with gusto. It was there that I met my Physio for the first time, Gareth Law . Gareth had taken up the medical bag at a young age after his own career was ended through injury, and ran the medical department consisting of himself and a couple of part time, 'as required' physios and therapists.

We had a brief chat about the circumstances of midfielder and club captain Luke Young . Luke had been a bright point of a poor year for the club last season, but at the end of the campaign had suffered a horrendous knee injury, damaging cruciate ligaments. Gareth's opinion was that the 22 year old would be lucky to play this season.

After Paul was introduced to the players, he settled into the routine with Robbie, both of them taking small groups of players off for fitness work. It was a small squad of 23, though only 22 were training, with the injured Luke looking a little forlorn at times as he watched on, clearly desperate to get involved. "Not yet" said Gareth, reading his mind.

I decided it was time for a little man management, and took Luke over to one of the portakabins which dotted the edge of the main pitch. "Sorry, it's only from the vending machine" I said, handing him a tea. "I'll have to get another kettle over here, I can't put up with this!"

The comment lightened the mood, and after Luke had told me of the medical prognosis - the surgeon reckoned at least ten months out - I reassured him that he would have a role to play off the pitch, if perhaps not on it, this season and that he should focus on his recovery. Training continued before we called it a day in the early afternoon.

By the time we headed back to the ground, our band of staff had grown - George Rooney took the job of Head Scout, Nathan Wannell , one of Robbie's contacts, had agreed to work under him, and Peter Williams had, as expected, jumped at the chance to get back involved. Friday's training session, with Peter joining in to work with the 'keepers went even better than the first couple of days, but I still felt we were lacking someone who could work with the forwards, as both Robbie and myself had been defenders, and Paul was more focussed on the fitness side of coaching.

It was something to ponder over the weekend - Robbie agreed to meet me at the club on Saturday morning for the obligatory photo session with the club mascot, Gilbert The Gull and another round of local media interviews. There was also the small matter of a meeting with the Chairman, where we would be able to discuss the vision for the club going forward.

[tenthreeleader]

Good, flowing stuff, what we've come to expect from you. Nice work

[Cheesey1975]

keep it going good story so far

[mark wilson27]

Its good to see you back posting and as tenthree said this is good stuff. Will be adding this one to my regular reads

[displaced_seagull]

Many thanks all, I find it adds something to my game to write about it - even in my time away from FMS, I've still found myself playing and thinking "this would make a great story!".

"Well done you!" said Robbie excitedly, as we cracked open a celebratory beer in the bar at the ground on Saturday lunchtime. "You've done well to get him to agree to it!"

The Chairman had seemed a little sceptical at first when I said I wanted to be allowed to develop youth players, reminding me of the cost savings needed when the consortium had taken over, but after we explained we felt it could be done on a cheaper basis, using our existing coaching staff to invite talented local lads to train on a regular basis, without the formal academy setup, he gave us the go ahead. He also admitted that our closure of the academy had ruffled a few feathers at both the County and National FA, and said that we could appoint one new member of staff, as Head of Youth Development, to deal with the paperwork and help smooth over the relations which had been soured a couple of months previously.

"Cheers" I said, raising my bottle towards his. "It means more work for us, but I think it'll be worth it in the long run. Got any ideas for the Head of Youth Development position?"

"There's a guy called Grant we worked with last season, at the College. He could be useful. I'll get his number for you. Oh, I meant to say, Happy Birthday!".

I thanked Robbie, pocketing his gift of a box of Roses, and whilst he went away to check back on his notes for a number for Grant, I called Ben Austin to see if he had made a decision yet.

"It's difficult mate" he replied. "The Mrs isn't keen on me working that far away. I'll let you know by Monday".

There was nothing more to say - I would have to let Ben make his own mind up. He was my first choice as Scout, I knew he had a good footballing brain and could help us with his vast experience of Non-League football. We'd have to wait and see.

Robbie, on the other hand, had more luck with Grant Marsh , who seemed very keen to take the Youth Development job - he was just coming to the end of his contract with the local college, so would be ideally placed. We put together a package, not a great deal so as not to upset our newly receptive Chairman, and would let him consider it over what remained of the weekend.

As we went our separate ways, Robbie handed me a dossier. "Have a look at this tonight or tomorrow" he said. "Give me a ring if you want anything else. It's a list of the current squad, bit of information for you. I've not had a chance to do anything too detailed, but it will let you put a face to a name if nothing else. I know you need to see things for yourself, but I hope it helps a bit".

When I got back to the holiday cottage, I had a flick through. It was detailed - the complete career history of each player, with pen pictures offering a reminder of who was who. Whilst it would be useful, I turned to the summary - Robbie's personal thoughts on each of the positions. If I was to get things off to a good start, it was what I needed to see. I decided to set myself a target of having an idea of our basic tactical framework in place for Monday morning, ready to work on ahead of the first friendly.

Goalkeepers

Fabian Spiess - GK - 21

Daniel Lavercombe - GK - 18

Both of our two goalkeepers are young - Fabian is 21 and has recently joined, whilst Dan is 18 and was one of my Academy players last season. Fabian is perhaps the stronger of the two at the moment, but I've got high hopes for Dan, I think he could be one for the future.

Defenders - Full Backs

James Hurst - D/WB/MR - 23

Durrell Berry - D/WBR - 23

Dan Butler - D/WBL - 20

James and Dan are both new faces to me, Durrell has been here before but came back this season. All of them are natural fullbacks, but ones who like to get forward as well, which might help us.

Defenders - Central

Angus MacDonald - DC - 22

Nathan Smith - DC - 19

Ben Gerring - DC - 24

Oneil Odofin - DC - 18

Exodus Geohaghon - DC/DM - 30

Of the centre backs, Angus and Exodus are your stand out players. Both of them are strong and tall - what they lack in distribution they make up for with power. Nathan is a lad we were offered on loan from Port Vale for the season, and Oneil is one who came out of the academy a couple of years ago. I'm not sure about him long term, he was always a big, powerful lad which is why he got the nod though. Finally, Ben is a local lad who has been around a lot of clubs - mostly lower level than us. He had a good half of the season at Bideford last year, and is with us on non-contract terms, so we will need to make a decision on him fairly quickly.

Midfielders - Central

Courtney Richards - DM/MC - 21

Luke Young - DM/M/AMC - 22

Simon Heslop - MC - 28

Sam Chaney - MC - 19

Bayan Fenwick - M/AMC - 21

Luke is the big name here, but he will be lucky to play this season with his cruciate problem. It's a shame, he's a cracking player and will be a big miss. Courtney did well last year, he's a hard worker, ball-winning type, whilst Simon is a new arrival in a similar mould but with a lot more experience. Bayan likes to get forward, but is a little weak, whilst Sam is a grafter, works hard and is quick off the blocks, but needs to bulk up - he's been a pro here for 3 years now and hasn't made his first team debut as yet.

Midfielders - Wide

Will Hancox - MR - 18

Shepherd Murombedzi - MR/L, AMRLC - 20

Louis Briscoe - MR/L, AMRLC, ST

Louis is quality. Just what you want at this level, good with the ball at his feet, quick, strong, can finish - and he's versatile too. Will is a first year pro, he's quick but needs further development, whilst Shepherd is quite tricky, quick off the mark and with a decent work rate, but can be a bit blinkered with his passing.

Forwards

Waide Fairhurst - 26 - AMR/ST

Ashley Yeoman - 23 - AMC/ST

Alex Fisher - 25 - SC

Tyrone Marsh - 21 - SC

Liam Prynn - 18 - SC

Waide is probably your best natural finisher, he leads the line and is an asset on the air and the ground. Alex is powerful but a little inconsistent, whilst Tyrone is quick. Put the two of them together and you'd have a great player. Ash is a really nice lad, he came through the youth team a few years ago but has only been a bit part player - he's on a short term deal, till Christmas, but this is probably his last chance to make it at 23. Finally there is Liam, who I had in the academy - works hard, scores goals for fun at youth level, and is fairly good in the air despite his average height. Going forward, he is one I have high hopes for.

I thanked Robbie for his hard work when I met him on Monday at the office - it was a very useful document, and had given me plenty of food for thought. We were there to welcome Grant Marsh to the club. Robbie explained to him what we wanted him to do as Head of Youth Development, to focus on making links with local youth clubs and to keep an ear to the ground for any local talent we might otherwise of missed out on, as well as dealing with the paperwork which came with it. Grant was the lead in to Monday's other arrival, 34 year old Malcolm Naylor, our final coach. Malcolm had recently completed his UEFA B license, and was looking for a role - like me, he had come up through the Non League scene.

Monday's training hadn't come entirely without cost, after a collision saw Waide Fairhurst sidelined for around a week with concussion after a collision with a goalpost. It was a blow, but physio Gareth reckoned there was no long term damage, with Waide ruled out just to be on the safe side.

[displaced_seagull]

Malcolm Naylor completed the paperwork to become the final piece of our Coaching jigsaw on Tuesday morning, with a light training session before Robbie and myself decamped to the office to try and begin another jigsaw - that of fitting what we had into a formation ahead of the first of the friendlies.

From what I'd seen in training, a couple of ideas were floating around, but it was clear that there wasn't the players available to play the same expansive, free-flowing 3-5-2 that had brought me success at Eastbourne Borough. We'd have to go with something simpler, and as I explained my vision for the team to Robbie, it became clear that we were on the same wavelength. Primarily, I wanted to use a 4-4-2 - two banks of four, keeping it compact and tight in the middle and breaking quickly. The fullbacks could get forward - something Robbie had earmarked as a potential idea in his dossier. Out wide, one would stay wide and stretch the play, whilst one would cut inside to offer a threat from deep, whilst up front we would have a striker who started high and dropped deep to link the play, with another starting deep but bursting into the space behind. On paper, it looked good.

We'd not given a great deal of focus to tactics in training so far - the aim being to get the lads as fit as possible in the early part of preseason - but before long, the various Post-It notes began to come together, and we had a system, of sorts, planned out between the two of us. All we had to do now was put it into practice - and hope it worked as we envisaged. It was clear that there were certain roles that were vital - up front, the traditional 'Number 9' would need to be prepared to work hard with potentially little personal reward, whilst the right back would need to overlap his midfield colleagues with the right sided midfielder drifting inside.

One thing we would also have to do is find someone else to add to the Scouting team - Ben Austin ringing to confirm that, for domestic reasons, he wouldn't be joining us and instead was staying in Sussex. It could wait until the morning. The buzz of a ground on a matchday had always been something I've enjoyed, and I couldn't help myself from smiling as I saw activity begin to increase - the gate staff, the stewards, all starting to arrive as afternoon slowly turned into evening. It may only be a preseason friendly against a Western League club, but I couldn't wait.

[Cheesey1975]

good luck

[displaced_seagull]

Many thanks

Torbay Online - Sport - Tuesday 7th July

New Era At Plainmoor Begins With Narrow Win

A 1-0 victory against Western League minnows Chard Town gave new Torquay boss Stuart Fairway a winning start to his Plainmoor career. Torquay bossed the game from start to finish, but were guilty of wasting several chances in the first half, especially from dead ball situations. James Hurst should have put the Gulls in front after 9 minutes, but headed against the crossbar from a matter of yards, whilst 'keeper Lavery got down well to deny Alex Fisher. The only goal of the game came just after the restart, with Tyrone Marsh , one of nine Torquay subs at half time, picking up a clever cutback from Dan Butler to steer a shot across goal and into the far corner. Chard rarely threatened at the other end, although Dan Lavercombe did make one good stop late on. Despite the scoreline however, there was plenty for the Gulls supporters to enjoy, with Torquay playing some lovely football at times despite an apparent lack of cutting edge - although Yeovil will be a far sterner test on Saturday.

Torquay (4-4-2); Spiess (Lavercombe 46), Berry, Butler, MacDonald (Smith 46), Geohaghan (Gerring 46), Hurst (Hancox 46), Heslop (Richards 46), Fenwick (Chaney 46), Murombedzi (Marsh 46), Briscoe (Yeoman 46), Fisher (Prynn 46)

Attendance; 624

A win in my first game in charge was what I wanted, and a win was what I got. True, it wasn't the cricket score you sometimes see on these sort of occasions, but given that it was a side playing with a new system, for a new manager, there were certainly some encouraging signs. With my wife planning to head down with the kids for the first time at the weekend, there was little reason to head back 'home', and I needed little prompting to join Robbie and newly arrived coach Malcolm Naylor for a beer to pick over the result and the performance.

Generally, we were pleased - there were elements of square pegs in round holes, especially after half time, but our dominance of proceedings couldn't be overstated, although there was still room for some tinkering, both in terms of the duties I'd asked the players to perform, and certainly in personnel, with areas which perhaps required strengthening now a little clearer. By the time last orders was called we had decided that we'd be calling a meeting of the Scouting team in the morning, with the aim of bringing in at least one or two trialists to have a look at by the weekend.

[displaced_seagull]

"Right then, let's get down to business". I felt a little guilty for ending the pre-meeting chat between the coaching and scouting team who were all new to the club, and new to working with each other, but decided we needed to get some urgency to the proceedings.

Two hours later, we had a plan in place for the scouts - George Rooney would be responsible for putting together reports on forthcoming opponents, with a secondary job of taking a look around at what others may have missed, scouting in the regional Premier divisions. Given our geographical location, we all envisaged that this would primarily be the Southern and Isthmian leagues, with the Northern league a considerable trek from Devon, especially midweek.

With a third scout still in the pipeline but not confirmed, Nathan Wassell would pick up the task of scouting Britain and Ireland, looking for young players who could come in and do us a job. Whilst I had never been an adherant of the 'Moneyball' approach - I still consider that a manager's best asset is what he sees rather than what statistics say - it was obvious that, going forward, we would need to be looking for young players who could benefit the team in the short term, and the club in the long term with potential to be sold on for everyone's benefit.

On the coaching side, we hammered out roles and responsibilities for the whole of the coaching team - everyone would have something they would individually lead on, with assistance from others. It was an approach I'd applied both in the part time game and in my youth management days, and I knew it could reap rewards - too many 'generalist' cooks can most certainly spoil the broth.

As the meeting broke up, it was myself and Robbie who again found ourselves in the office, looking at options to bring some trialists in. We'd earmarked some positions as lacking cover - both fullbacks, right midfield and left wing chief amongst them. Neither of us were also entirely happy with the midfield balance, so after scouring the PFA retained list, and making a few calls to various people we had dealt with over the years, several players were invited for trials until the end of preseason.

Never having been a pro, I hadn't experienced the difficulties of this time of year for the out of work footballer, however Robbie had, and his experience was invaluable. In line with our general philosophy, a lot of the lads we were looking at were ones who had not quite made the grade, although there were also some more well-known names amongst those to be offered the chance to prove themselves. We were, of course, not the only ones in the market for several of them - but I must admit to having been a little disappointed that we went into Saturday afternoon's friendly with Yeovil without any new additions - although that was far outweighed by the arrival of my family on Thursday evening.

I'd taken a day off on Friday to show two excited kids around their new town - it was a glorious day, and both had fun as we hit the seafront, and, for the first time since my arrival in Torquay, had some time as just the four of us. Whatever happened on Saturday, nothing would beat it.

Torbay Online - Sport - Saturday 11th July

Glovers Edge Gulls At Plainmoor

League Two Yeovil Town provided a good workout for Torquay this afternoon, coming away from Plainmoor with a 1-0 victory. Prior to the match new Gulls boss Stuart Fairway was formally introduced to the home supporters, but it was a slow start for both sides, with chances at a premium. In his programme notes Fairway had explained that his preseason plans included making wholesale changes at the interval, and he was true to his word, replacing nine again at the break. The only goal of the game would come on 51 minutes, with a pass into the corner from Bassett releasing Smith, who centred for Samyan Ismail to glance home from close range. Torquay came out strongly after falling behind, with Sam Chaney, Tyrone Marsh and Ash Yeoman having chances to level. Yeovil, by contrast, could only force one more chance of note - Dan Lavercombe a virtual spectator at times. As time ticked away the Gulls saw young Liam Prynn become more involved, and it was his drive in injury time which saw Torquay closest, forcing a smart stop from Krysiak.

Torquay (4-4-2); Spiess (Lavercombe 46), Berry (Odofin 60), Butler, MacDonald (Smith 46), Geohaghan (Gerring 46), Hurst (Hancox 46), Heslop (Richards 46), Fenwick (Chaney 46), Murombedzi (Marsh 46), Briscoe (Yeoman 18), Fisher (Prynn 46)

Attendance; 1,219

I told the players after the game not to worry about the result - we were expected to be beaten, but the performance was particularly encouraging against a higher level side. Whilst the system appeared to be reaping dividends, it was clear that we needed something a little extra - the trialists, I hoped, would provide this if and when they arrived - but, as Robbie pointed out when he popped round with some flowers for my wife courtesy of the Chairman on Sunday morning, we would have a clearer understanding after the next couple of games.

Less positive news came from Gareth Law, who rang to confirm the injury to Louis Briscoe was confirmed as a broken nose. Louis had offered to play with a mask for the next couple of weeks, but given that it was preseason, between us we decided he would be better taking the time out to recover properly.

My wife was used to the phone going constantly, but the glare as she dished up Sunday lunch suggested I needed to remember that my temporary return to bachelor pad days was over, although the call from Rory Campbell to accept our offer of a Scouting role meant that my backroom team was now complete. One further call, and then the phone went off for an hour or so - Rory would be asked to travel to Northern Ireland and Wales to have a look for untapped talent in the lower leagues. With most clubs at that level amateur, I hoped that we would find potential which wouldn't cost us a transfer fee.

[displaced_seagull]

Monday morning brought with it the first couple of trialists to arrive at Plainmoor, with Phillip Tisson and Will Summerfield squeezing into the back of the car to come to training. Initial impressions, certainly regarding 19-year old Will, were promising - a versatile player who had been released by MK Dons, he can play on the left or in the attacking midfield 'hole'. Phillip, by contrast, is an out and out winger, who made the unlikely trek from the Caribbean to Gateshead towards the tail end of last season. He has a couple of St Lucia caps to his name, and certainly looks quick if perhaps a little lacking in other areas.

The following day saw a shortened session, with the trip along the coast to the pretty New Forest village of Bashley for our third friendly. We welcomed Waide Fairhurst back into the fold following his return from injury, and after a quick discussion en-route with Robbie, we decided he would start.

Torbay Online - Sport - Tuesday 14th July

Second Half Strikes See Torquay Win

Torquay's preseason friendly against Southern League Bashley ended in a two goal victory this evening - although again the Gulls struggled to make their many chances count. Waide Fairhurst, back after injury, saw a goalbound effort blocked in the second minute, but whilst Torquay's link up play was good, the finishing left a little to be desired throughout the first period. The Gulls seemed at their best when they broke with pace, and it was from one of these that Courtney Richards netted on 53, taking two touches to bring down a headed clearance from Banton before rifling home from the edge of the box. Whilst it was relatively one way traffic after the goal, Bashley sub Daryl Loft would graze the bar from a free kick following a foul by Smith, whilst Chaney's passing, so accurate in the first friendly, showed the young midfielder still has areas for development. It was the second goal, however, five minutes from time, which will give Fairway more optimism - Ashley Yeoman tapping home after Alex Fisher had driven into a wide area to cross. The movement of the forwards improved throughout, and Torquay will hope this upward trend continues as preseason progresses.

Torquay (4-4-2); Spiess (Lavercombe 46), Berry (Hancox 46), Butler (Odofin 65), MacDonald (Smith 46), Geohaghan (Gerring 46), Hurst (Marsh 46), Heslop (Richards 46), Fenwick (Chaney 46), Murombedzi (Tisson 46), Summerfield (Yeoman 46), Fairhurst (Fisher 46)

Attendance; 146

We headed back home in good spirits, with a brief stop at Exeter to pick up Jamie Latham off the last train - the 18-year old midfielder, a product of the Swansea City youth academy, joining us on trial for the remainder of preseason.

Jamie was one of the topics to be discussed at Wednesday morning's staff meeting - as were the first scouting reports which were beginning to trickle through. There were a couple which I felt merited further attention, with George Rooney asked to go and take a look at the next couple of games involving perennial Ryman League strugglers VCD, who may just have a diamond in the rough according to our sources.

"Damn" was Robbie's first word when I walked into the old kitroom which was rapidly becoming something of a second office on Friday morning. It hadn't been used for its intended purpose since the new stand went up a few years ago, but still contained a couple of sacks of old kit. There was a curious, almost old-world, smell about the place - if you closed your eyes you could almost imagine the linement and balls with laces of the 50's. The old wooden table had probably seen both. Needless to say, as soon as I set my eyes on it, I loved it, and with little to do aside from work before the family had arrived in Devon, with thoughts of Bill Shankly's famous Boot Room in mind, I'd trawled round some local charity shops to get some furnishings. It was to be the place where we would go when we needed to get away from the phone and the training ground - the place where dreams would be dreamed and victories would be plotted.

"What's up?" I replied. It was unlike my usually chirpy assistant to be downbeat, even first thing in the morning.

"Two trialists have called already to say they have taken other deals, and it's not even half nine" came the reply.

Making further enquiries, I found the two were flying fullback Damien Batt, who both Head Scout George and coach Paul Gillingham rated highly, and wide midfielder Eric Odhiambo, someone who I'd earmarked for a look after watching him tear apart our FA Cup opponents when I was scouting ahead of a 'Boro game last season. I sunk into one of the threadbare old armchairs and sighed. It was not a good start to the day.

By the time we arrived at the training ground, the mood had lightened slightly, with a new arrival in the shape of 36 year old Irishman Martin Rowlands. Martin, a midfielder, was a veteran of over 400 league games, and obviously felt he had enough left in the tank to make the journey from his London home for a 3 week trial spell. The attitude was instantly endearing.

Torbay Online - Sport - Saturday 18th July

Geohaghon Injury Mars Gulls Preseason Win

Central defender Exodus Geohaghan could miss the rest of preseason after he left Plainmoor requiring stitches for a facial injury sustained in this afternoon's 1-0 victory over Barnstaple Town. The Gulls continue their low-key buildup to the new campaign under new manager Stuart Fairway with Waide Fairhurst bagging the games' only goal with a tap-in from Durrell Berry's fine cross on 24 minutes. Fairhurst would see another first half effort saved, whilst trialist Will Summerfield volleyed wide when well placed. Again, the lower league opposition hardly troubled Torquay, but Alex Fisher deserved better in the second half after twice bursting through the Barnstaple back line. With four preseason games remaining, it remains to be seen if Fairway will change his policy of multiple half time substitutions as he aims to finalise his starting eleven ahead of the season opener.

Torquay (4-4-2); Spiess (Lavercombe 46), Berry (Chaney 80), Butler (Odofin 65), MacDonald (Smith 46), Geohaghan (Gerring 46), Hurst (Hancox 46), Heslop (Richards 46), Rowlands (Latham 46), Murombedzi (Tisson 46), Summerfield (Yeoman 46), Fairhurst (Fisher 46)

Attendance; 688

[displaced_seagull]

Sunday morning brings with it certain inevitabilities. Firstly, the kids will be arguing over the TV. Secondly, the bacon sandwich will seem to take an age to be cooked. Thirdly, the Sports news on the local radio will be rushed and limited as they try to get through it in time to rejoin the religious debate and listings of Jumble Sales. Whilst they barely mentioned the result of yesterday's game, they did see fit to confirm something which the Chairman had agreed to earlier in the month.

BBC Radio Devon, Sunday 19th July

"That was the travel, and now over to Sam with the Sport"

"Thanks Emily. Torquay United news first, and the Gulls have announced a link up with National League North side Curzon Ashton. Chairman David Phillips announced the news last night, after the Gulls had recorded a 1-0 win against Barnstaple. As part of the deal, Torquay will be able to send players on loan to Curzon Ashton, whilst from next summer 'The Nash' will host an annual friendly".

It was the second part of what I had asked for at the start of the season, and I couldn't be happier. I'd been given a list of potential options, and chose Curzon as it would give us a foothold in the North and also allow anyone loaned out to play at a decent level, something which would surely benefit pacey frontman Tyrone Marsh . Tyrone became, on Sunday afternoon, the first player to benefit from the deal - whilst we rate him, both Robbie and myself feel that at the moment, he doesn't quite fit into our system, and six months away would give him the opportunity to go and get some games, hopefully some goals, and come back a better player.

The news regarding Exodus Geohaghan , however, wasn't so rosy. The big centre back would be out for a fortnight with a nasty gash to his chin, the result of a collision with the right boot of Barnstaple forward Russell. Gareth confirmed he would be out for around a fortnight and would be a doubt now for the rest of preseason.

Torbay Online - Sport - Tuesday 21st July

Three-sy Does It For Torquay

Three goals in the first half hour of tonight's friendly saw Torquay east past Bodmin Town with a comfortable victory. Young striker Liam Prynn opened the scoring with a pinpoint header from Berry's cross after a fine, flowing move on 10 minutes, but his evening would be over just three minutes later after turning an ankle. Torquay continued to dominate, and doubled the lead when sub Fisher found Ashley Yeoman on 28 to slot beyond 'keeper Dix. Alex Fisher himself was on the scoresheet less than a minute later, racing through to meet James Hurst's ball forward with a first time shot into the corner. Bodmin's first chance of the game came just before the break, but it would be the visitors who netted the final goal of the game, a consolation strike following a mistake at the back from Torquay centre back Gerring, two minutes from time.

Torquay (4-4-2); Spiess (Lavercombe 46), Berry (Hancox 46), Butler (Tisson 46), MacDonald (Gerring 46), Smith (Odofin 46), Hurst (Chaney 46), Heslop (Richards 46), Rowlands (Latham 46), Murombedzi (Summerfield 46), Yeoman (Fenwick 46), Prynn (Fisher 13)

Attendance; 627

It was another victory, but the manner of the performance - in particular our clinical finishing in the first half - had given all of the coaching staff a big lift. Unfortunately though, there would also be a couple of negatives. Liam Prynn's finish was superb, as was his movement leading up to the goal - but his injury would see him ruled out for around 6-7 weeks with strained ankle ligaments. The other blow concerned young trialist Jamie Latham . We liked the look of the young Welshman, and indeed he was enjoying a bright performance before, five minutes from time, he pulled up sharply. He completed the game, but was clearly struggling and I switched him to a position out wide where he played the final minutes as a virtual passenger. Gareth Law came to see me first, before breaking the news to Jamie - it was a pulled hamstring, and he would be out of action for around 6 weeks.

You could see the fear in the young man's eyes instantly. He knew, and he knew that I knew, that it would keep him out beyond the end of his trial. It gave us a dilemma - we rated the lad, but nobody knew if the Board would approve signing a player we knew to be injured.

Not for the first time, Jamie Latham found himself one of the subjects of Wednesday morning's catch up. During preseason, I'd decided the players would be without their usual 'post game rest day', so whilst the coaching staff led training at Seale Hayne, Robbie Herrera, George Rooney and myself met for the guilty pleasure of a McDonalds breakfast in the old kitroom to discuss the trialists and for George to update us on Scouting matters. There would be another name to consider - that of former Blackburn midfielder Yeray Torres , a 19-year old Spanish midfielder who was being put through his paces in Newton Abbot with the rest of the squad following his temporary arrival.

I decided to start with a positive. Martin Rowlands had shown enough in two halves of football that we all felt he would be an asset, and we would be offering him a deal. We were unanimous on that one - but for the others, it wouldn't be quite so clear cut. For a start, I seemed to be the only one who rated Phillip Tisson . Whilst I retained overall control, I had decided right from the start that I needed to work with the backroom team I'd assembled, and both Robbie and George felt the St Lucian winger could do better, especially with Louis Briscoe back in training to give us another option in that wide left position. Will Summerfield , of course, was another to consider. George sang his praises, Robbie agreed - and I, this time, was the one who had slight misgivings, considering him a little slight and weak for the hurly-burly of Conference football. We decided that we'd give the pair of them another couple of weeks to prove themselves - but I was quite clear it would be one or the other. The deal for Martin would take up around a quarter of my available wage budget, and there were other areas of the squad which needed strengthening.

George was also able to advise on a couple of players he'd been looking at for me. Austin Lipman , a 19-year old who could either play up front or out wide was one to consider - currently with Ryman Premier side VCD , he would be available on a free. There was a 'but' to follow, however, with George unsure of his physical suitability. Like Will Summerfield, he is very slight and appeared to be bullied off the ball. A little more promising though was versatile Kieran Bywater at Bishop's Stortford - capable of playing on either flank and, given time, up top as well, his intelligence had impressed in a friendly, with great movement off the ball. Again, George would keep us updated.

On Friday morning though it was time for the press to pay a visit as the traditional photo-call saw Jamie Latham unveiled as my first signing as Torquay United manager. Although the young midfielder was injured and would be out for another 5 weeks or so, what he had shown so far was enough for us to take a chance, and give the flame-haired teenager his second bite at professional football. Pleasingly, the Board had backed my judgement, despite him inevitably failing a medical, and I could only hope the gamble would pay off. Jamie's one-year deal came at a cost of £180 a week - proof, if ever it were needed, of the gulf that exists between the top and bottom of the game. He would wear Squad number 15, with Michelle faxing off our Squad number list in the afternoon. There were still gaps to be filled.

Torbay Online - Sport - Saturday 25th July

Evesham Shock Gulls

Torquay United were stunned this afternoon as they went down 1-0 to Southern League Evesham United in this latest preseason friendly. Striker Dan MacDonald lashed an unstoppable effort into the top corner after just 12 minutes to give the hosts the lead, whilst Torquay created just one chance of note when Yeoman shot straight at 'keeper Bowyer in the first half against a dogged lower league side, who were encouraged at every step by a loud and partisan, if sparse, crowd. Things improved after half time for Torquay, who saw Louis Briscoe returning from injury, although both he and trialist Summerfield were guilty of wasting good opportunities. Manager Fairway cut a frustrated figure on the touchline as his side simply were unable to break through, with plenty for the new man at Plainmoor to think about after a game which left Torquay with more questions than answers.

Torquay (4-4-2); Spiess (Lavercombe 46), Hurst (Berry 46), Butler (Tisson 46), MacDonald (Gerring 46), Smith (Odofin 46), Rowlands (Briscoe 46), Heslop (Richards 46), Torres (Chaney 46), Murombedzi (Summerfield 46), Yeoman (Fenwick 46), Fairhurst (Fisher 46)

Attendance; 148

[tenthreeleader]

The news regarding Exodus Geohaghan , however, wasn't so rosy. The big centre back would be out for a fortnight with a nasty gash to his chin, the result of a collision with the right boot of Barnstaple forward Russell.

Geohagan is 6'8" IIRC. If that collision happened standing up, you could rename Russell "Bruce Lee".

Looking forward to seeing where Torquay goes now that they got rid of that loser Kyle Cain. Great stuff!

[jdoyle9293]

Wow, an awful lot of detail and effort clearly goes into this, fair play to you - to maintain the level of writing whilst updating as regularly as you do is tough.

[EvilDave]

d_s is back! I remember reading your work way back when, and you've got off to a brilliant start here. Looking forward to seeing how your Gulls get on, you've got a reader in me.

[edtheguy]

This is fantastically addictive stuff, I like the format and it has a wonderfully flowing narrative - I am hooked!

[displaced_seagull]

10-3; He's obviously been practicing his gymnastics! Poor Kyle, got a feeling it will work out alright for him though

jdoyle9293; Cheers - I am ahead in the game of where I am on the story, helps to build up a bit of a backlog!

EvilDave; Cheers, glad you are enjoying it! - it's been a while!

edtheguy; Many thanks

[displaced_seagull]

"That", I thundered as we squeezed into the changing room, "was rubbish". We were second best, especially first half, against a team who we should have been beating. I expect a lot better on Tuesday night".

The players seemed to take my reaction with good grace, and there were few grumbles when I announced I expected them all to be in on Sunday morning for extra training.

Sal could always tell when we'd lost, and she left me alone with my thoughts for the first hour or so when I got home. The kids, on the other hand, didn't, and after being roped in to playing with Mega Blocks with my two year old daughter, my mood had improved by bedtime.

I adopted a more conciliatory tone when I met the players for training on Sunday. At the end of the day, it was just a friendly, and we had a few players unavailable, with Will Hancox breaking down in the warmup with a calf strain only adding to that list. He'd be out for at least 3 weeks, which would delay my plans to send him up north with Tyrone Marsh for a few months.

One of the other benefits Grant Marsh bought to the club was a young student, and mad-keen Gulls fan, Nik Jackson . Nik, who stood on the Pop Side, was keen on a career in film, and when offered free travel and entry into home and away games to film matches for us to gain experience had jumped at the opportunity. Myself and Robbie retired to the office to watch the tape back, before confirming the signing of Martin Rowlands , who would take squad number 27, after training.

Monday's local paper claimed an exclusive on the arrival of Rowlands, which wasn't strictly true, given that I'd given an interview to BBC Devon in time for the breakfast sports bulletin, but the reaction seemed positive nonetheless. Martin would also earn a one year deal, with another year after 15 games, on just under £500 a week. It was a reasonable sum for a player with his experience, and I just hoped that he would be able to stay at his current level given his advancing years.

"What do you still want then?" asked Robbie as he made the coffee on Tuesday morning.

It was a fair question, and one I had also been pondering. After two weeks, I still wasn't entirely sure myself. We'd had several trialists, but also had missed out on a few, and perhaps the most interesting options had been found by Head Scout George - although our approaches to take Lipman and Bywater on trial had been given short shrift by their clubs.

"Someone for the right of midfield, who could also cover in the role behind the striker" I replied. "Oh, and a backup left back". I left the third position I wanted to fill unsaid, but my assistant sensed I hadn't finished.

"Agree on those two" said Robbie. "What was the other one?"

"Robbie, what do you think of Ben Gerring?"

Now it was Robbie's turn to seem unsure. "Honestly, I don't know. There's a reason why he's not made it yet, but I can't put my finger on it".

Ben Gerring was, essentially, another trialist. He was here prior to my arrival on non-contract terms, and to be fair, was essentially paying his own way, a professional footballer in all but contract. "I want to bring in another centre back" I said. "Ben... I think he's not what we need long-term".

I silently contemplated what I'd just said. I was essentially turning the screw on a young man's dream. Ben is 24 years old. He comes in, trains, risks his fitness and he's not even getting paid. He's not likely to get another opportunity like this. He'd played a part for us throughout preseason, making us the 12th club of his short career, giving up a full-time job to make one last attempt at professional football.

I explained to Robbie what I wanted to do. We had two friendlies remaining. Phillip Tisson , more than likely, wouldn't earn a deal. Will Summerfield might , depending on how much he wanted in wages. For Yeray Torres it would be too early to decide, though I wanted to see more from him. We'd keep Ben on until after the friendlies had finished, then make a final call. If he went, I wanted another defender - Oneil Odofin could go out to Curzon Ashton, as, like Robbie, I didn't feel he had enough to offer at this point. We would await the latest reports on Austin Lipman and Kieran Bywater , whilst also holding out hope that Elliott Ptak , a youngster who failed to make the grade at Sheffield United, hurried up on the trial offer which had been with him for a week.

It was a 'clear the air' kind of meeting, and I felt all the better afterwards - in fact, the perfect preparation for the penultimate friendly.

Torbay Online - Sport - Tuesday 28th July

Fisher Strike Seals Win

Continuing their preseason preparations, Torquay handed a start to new signing Martin Rowlands in a 1-0 win at Ladysmead tonight against Tiverton Town. The hosts pressed from the off, with Torquay sitting too deep at times in the first half, before wholesale changes at the break saw a change in emphasis to a more attacking outlook. This reaped quick rewards, with Alex Fisher volleying home on 49 minutes from Summerfield's cross before Fenwick fired inches wide. Torquay continued to play with style, but were unable to add to the scoring, whilst for Tiverton, only a quick break which saw Jamie Calvin-Pay shoot wide in the second half offered any comfort in the second half. The Gulls have one final friendly, at home to Taunton on Saturday, with Fairway's men no doubt hoping to put the good spells of recent matches together for a more consistent performance.

Torquay (4-4-2); Spiess (Lavercombe 46), Hurst (Berry 46), Butler (Tisson 46), MacDonald (Gerring 46), Smith (Odofin 46), Rowlands (Briscoe 46), Heslop (Richards 46), Torres (Chaney 46), Murombedzi (Summerfield 46), Yeoman (Fenwick 46), Fairhurst (Fisher 46)

Attendance; 142

We were finally joined by Elliott Ptak on Thursday morning, with the young fullback likely to get a half in the final friendly, and then spending a couple more weeks training with the club whilst we took a look at him.

More good news would follow with the return to training of Exodus Geohaghan , meaning we now just had the long-term injury of Luke Young to contend with. The final friendly would see final chances too - Torres, Tisson and Summerfield all having their last chance in a match situation to impress.

Torbay Online - Sport - Saturday 1st August

Chances Galore - But Gulls Win 1-0

Again Torquay United faced a lower league side - this time Taunton Town - in a preseason friendly, and again they record what, on paper, was a narrow win. The scoreline though doesn't tell the whole story of the game, as Torquay again dominated both possession and shot count without adding another goal. The Gulls took the lead through Louis Briscoe's angled drive on the stroke of half time after Waide Fairhurst had been denied by a fine stop from 'keeper Irish. The ball broke back to Fairhurst, who laid off for Murombedzi to square for Briscoe to fire home. Phillip Tisson, who later came off injured, and Bayan Fenwick both saw efforts saved after the break, whilst Taunton's Jak Morton fired straight at Dan Lavercombe on a rare foray forward for the visitors. The result sees Torquay complete an eight-match preseason with six wins and two defeats, but only nine goals in total - and it is surely that which Stuart Fairway will be working on in the final week before next Saturday's visit of Macclesfield.

Torquay (4-4-2); Spiess (Lavercombe 46), Hurst (Berry 46), Butler (Ptak 46), MacDonald (Geohaghan 46), Smith (Odofin 46), Briscoe (Fenwick 46), Heslop (Richards 46), Rowlands (Torres 46), Murombedzi (Tisson 46, Chaney 64), Yeoman (Summerfield 46), Fairhurst (Fisher 46)

Attendance; 631

[displaced_seagull]

It's funny how fate can make decisions for you, and on Sunday morning, it had. We said our goodbyes to Phillip Tisson after his injury during the game against Taunton was confirmed as a sprained ankle that would rule him out for up to nine weeks. I felt sorry for the lad, who had spent his entire spell with us playing with a smile on his face. On another day, he might have come in as a backup, but with other options, I felt that he would be, at best, a luxury - and one we could probably do without given the limited wage budget.

On Monday morning I knew I had a potentially awkward situation to deal with. With four trialists still at the club, it would be the first of several this week. This one, however, concerned the captaincy. Luke Young was appointed Club captain last season - but given his injury, I felt that it was something which needed to change. Luke though made the situation a whole lot easier by agreeing with me, and that he wanted to focus on his recovery.

That though meant I had a decision to make, and after discussions with Robbie and the Coaching team, a delighted Simon Heslop left my office as newly appointed Captain of Torquay United. Waide Fairhurst would be his deputy, despite the experience of the newly arrived Martin Rowlands, who appeared a little miffed at not being chosen, though at least had the good grace to offer his congratulations to the two that were.

Whilst it was a new beginning for Heslop as captain, it was farewell to trialist Yeray Torres , who had shown little in his brief spell, and with Martin Rowlands now on a permanent deal, was unlikely to want to move the 300-odd miles from Lancashire to Devon as a backup player. That was the relatively easy conversation, as Yeray never seemed overly keen on being here - whilst for Will Summerfield , being told he was being let go seemed to crush the young man who had worked really hard and got on well with everyone at the club during his trial spell. Again, it came down to numbers - both financial and statistical. With several other options in his position, not to mention several chances when he really should have done better in preseason, we couldn't justify taking a chance on him. George Rooney had been looking at others too, and I felt that Will couldn't justify a permanent deal. It was, however, very much a 'with regret' decision, and I couldn't help but hope it didn't come back to haunt us in the future.

I didn't sleep well on Thursday night, and I knew why. By Friday morning, I had completed a U-Turn that a politician would be proud of, and phoned Will Summerfield to offer a deal. Whilst, as manager, I didn't have to justify it, Friday morning's kitroom meeting involving Robbie, George and myself gave me the perfect opportunity to do so. I explained to my colleagues that I'd offered low wages, but that I thought Will could have a part to play - we didn't have a backup natural left winger, which Will could do - and his negatives were physical, rather than mental, which could be worked on in training.

Some gentle ribbing about me being soft followed, but by the end of our chat, I think my staff were looking at things in the same way I was. Will promised to get back to me over the next couple of days, though he wouldn't be back in time for the first game of the season. Someone else who wouldn't be here for that one was Elliott Ptak , who elected to leave at the end of preseason despite having another week left on his trial. The fullback had evidently decided life in Devon, far away from his family, wasn't for him, and I felt that it wasn't worth trying to persuade him.

For now though, transfer talk could wait. We had a game to prepare for, and I wanted, desperately, to get off to the perfect start. We would have to do it with a couple of injury issues, with both Louis Briscoe and Exodus Geohaghan fit, but not overly match sharp given their preseason layoffs. It was something to ponder - both could make a real difference for us, but equally, this would be the first game of many.

www.bbc.co.uk/football - National League - 8/8/15

Torquay United 2 - Macclesfield Town 0

Plainmoor - Referee; N Hancox

Attendance 2,038

Torquay; Spiess, Hurst, Butler, MacDonald, Smith, Briscoe (Berry 65), Heslop ©, Rowlands (Richards 78), Murombedzi, Fairhurst (Yeoman 85), Fisher

Unused Subs; Geohaghan, Lavercombe

Cards; Rowlands (Yellow)

Goalscorers; Murombedzi 56, Fairhurst 85

Macclesfield; Jalal, Halls (Cowan 64), Pilkington, Diagne, Fitzpatrick, Meikle (Carroll 51), Turnbull ©, Lewis, Whitaker, Whithead, Sampson (Dennis 45)

Unused Subs;Branagan, Holroyd

Cards; None

Goalscorers; None

Opening Day Win For New-Look Gulls

Torquay United, under new manager Stuart Fairway, got the season off to a winning start against Macclesfield Town. The visitors started brightly, with three corners inside the opening ten minutes before the Gulls began to grow into the game with Alex Fisher seeing an effort blocked. The closest either side came in the first half also involved the tall striker - his effort blocked, earning a corner from which Nathan Smith's header was hooked off the line. Macclesfield 'keeper Shwan Jalal would then superbly deny Fisher again, before the visitors would see Jack Sampson's effort blocked on the stroke of half time.

The hosts continued to press after the interval, and finally made the breakthrough on 56, James Hurst collecting the ball after a throw-in which he had taken to cross to the far post for Shepherd Murombedzi , who scored with a bullet header. After taking the lead, Torquay seemed content to control play, though had to be alert to increasing pressure from Macclesfield, with skipper Paul Turnbull narrowly wide on 67. Waide Fairhurst would then go close for Torquay, before Fabian Spiess was called into action, holding a Danny Whittaker strike from distance - but five minutes from time Torquay would seal the victory in some style. The move began with a throw level with the edge of the Torquay box - Dan Butler knocking a hopeful ball along the touchline for Alex Fisher to chase, who clipped a ball back for former Macclesfield striker Waide Fairhurst to half-volley home from the edge of the area. It was typical of Macclesfield's performance that their best chance of the game came two minutes from time, with sub Kieran Dennis able to bring down Whittaker's corner, only to shoot straight at Spiess.

Reaction

Torquay United manager Stuart Fairway spoke to BBC Radio Devon;"It's great to get underway with a win, but we can't get ahead of ourselves. Games come thick and fast at this stage of the season, and we need to go to Wrexham on Tuesday night and do this again. I was delighted with our movement up front"

Macclesfield Town manager John Askey spoke to BBC Stoke; "I'm very disappointed. We were not good enough today in the key areas. Credit to Torquay who pressed us hard, but I can't help but feel this is the sort of game we need to get something from if we want to be looking towards the playoffs at the end of the season".

[displaced_seagull]

There was a great vibe around the club after the result, and on Sunday morning we added to it, completing the signing of Austin Lipman from VCD on a free transfer, going on my intuition despite our initial doubts about his physical strength. The 19 year old signed a one year deal with the club having an option of a second year on the same terms. Austin had come through the ranks at Arsenal, but left at the end of last season without playing a game, though had enjoyed a couple of loan spells with Boreham Wood, where he was a regular and scored 7 times in 33 games across both spells.

Austin would be introduced to the local press on Monday morning, alongside Will Summerfield , who became the second signing of the week when he put pen to paper to join permanently after his on-off trial spell. Signing two players had an impact on the wage budget - with just £300 a week left in the kitty should I wish to add to the squad further, but the deals had also given us cover in two areas which we were lacking in, with Austin appearing to me to be at his best just behind the main striker, whilst Will, as mentioned previously, would give us another option out wide.

We left for Wrexham just after lunchtime on Tuesday morning, with an unchanged squad making the 243 mile journey up the M5 in good spirits. I had done my homework, and expected Wrexham to come out strongly after their shock 4-1 reverse against Bromley on the opening day. It would be a tough one for our first away trip, and I felt that it would come too soon for either of the new signings.

www.bbc.co.uk/football - National League - 11/8/15

Wrexham 1 - Torquay United 1

Racecourse Ground - Referee; K Evans

Attendance 3,119

Wrexham; Sutherland, White (Smith 51), Hudson, Chilvers, Newton, Saunders, Fowler ©, Vose, Moke (Logan 51), Banya (Carrington 51), Gray

Unused Subs; Belford, Fyfield

Cards; Saunders (Yellow)

Goalscorers; Gray (36)

Torquay; Spiess, Hurst, Butler, MacDonald, Smith, Briscoe, Heslop ©, Rowlands (Richards 75), Murombedzi (Berry 59), Fairhurst, Fisher (Yeoman 45)

Unused Subs; Geohaghan, Lavercombe

Cards; Fairhurst (Yellow)

Goalscorers; Fairhurst (45+2)

Points Shared At Racecourse

Wrexham earned their first point of the season tonight with a 1-1 home draw to Torquay United. A slow, ponderous start to the game saw chances at a premium for both sides, although Adriano Moke should have done better with a chance that was deflected wide after 4 minutes. Torquay, with front man Alex Fisher struggling after a heavy challenge had to wait until the 29th minute for their first chance of note when skipper Simon Heslop volleyed over from a well-struck Martin Rowlands free kick. The Red Dragons broke the deadlock on 36, with Sean Newton's cross headed home by James Gray at the far post. Four minutes later Liam Chilvers could have doubled the lead, sending a free kick curling just over from some 30 yards out, but on the stroke of half time Torquay would level when a fine ball from Rowlands set Fisher away on the left, his pass splitting the defence for Waide Fairhurst to coolly slot past the advancing Jonny Sutherland.

Torquay forward Fisher would not re-emerge for the second half, and after a similarly slow start to the first, the game exploded into life just before the hour mark when Adam Smith headed Newton's centre into the side netting for Wrexham before, 60 seconds later the same player saw his cross hit the underside of the crossbar from an acute angle. Wrexham's dominance was increasing, but on 66 it was Torquay's Ashley Yeoman who had an effort blocked bravely, before James Hurst skewed an effort horribly wide as Torquay finished strongly. The final ten minutes saw chances at both ends in a game which proved a slow-burner, Blaine Hudson heading just over before Louis Briscoe's well-struck half volley drew a fingertip save from 'keeper Sutherland.

Reaction

Wrexham manager Gary Mills spoke to BBC Radio Wales;"I'm pleased we are off the mark, but it's a little disappointing that were pegged back when we had bossed the first half. Sean (Newton) did well today though, and caused them real problems with crosses, and on another day we'd have taken all three points."

Torquay United manager Stuart Fairway spoke to BBC Radio Devon; "We got away with that a little first half, but I thought we came out strongly in the second period. Getting the goal just before half time helped, and we could have snatched it at the death. Four points from the first two is a decent start".

Whilst Wednesday morning's sports pages were full of reports on Liverpool's capture of highly rated Brazilian striker Luan from Gremio and the results around the country of what seemed an exciting night of League Cup action, Wednesday morning at Plainmoor brought with it only a headache - Alex Fisher , who came off complaining of knee pain after a heavy early challenge at half time against Wrexham, would be ruled out for around five weeks after being diagnosed with a twisted knee by physio Gareth. Whilst Waide had got the goals this season, Alex had set both up for his strike partner - in effect, exactly what we had planned what seemed like ages ago when Robbie and I sat down to talk tactics - the front runner dropping off to allow the 'second striker' to break through into space.

It was something we would discuss at Wednesday's staff meeting - the kitroom, where I preferred to have such chats, was too small for all of us, so with no training after the long journey home from Wrexham, the Plainmoor boardroom substituted. Central to discussions was who would replace Alex for Saturday's trip - another long one, I hope the Chairman is collecting the clubcard points for petrol - to AFC Halifax Town, but Robbie and Malcolm Nayor also had some points to raise regarding training. Finally, there were transfer issues to consider - and by lunchtime, the increasingly confident - and competent - Michelle, who was now handling more and more football paperwork as well as her other duties had advised other clubs of the availability of Bayan Fenwick and Will Hancox on loan.

By the end of the week there had been no interest, but we at least had the lads names' out there. Saturday morning's early start to make the long trip to West Yorkshire would see a new face on the coach. Austin Lipman would make his Torquay debut at The Shay. Both physically and metaphorically, it was a hell of a long way from The Emirates.

www.bbc.co.uk/football - National League - 14/8/15

AFC Halifax Town 1 - Torquay United 1

Racecourse Ground - Referee; L Swabey

Attendance 1,435

Halifax; Glennon, Bolton, Brown, Hutchinson, McManus, Walker (Kay 58), J MacDonald (Hibbs 68), James, Bencherif, Hughes, Burrow (Carney 63)

Unused Subs; Porter, Bradley

Cards; None

Goalscorers; McManus 68

Torquay; Spiess, Hurst, Butler, MacDonald, Smith, Briscoe, Heslop ©, Rowlands, Murombedzi, Fairhurst, Lipman

Unused Subs; Geohaghan, Lavercombe, Richards

Cards; None

Goalscorers; Murombedzi (29)

Long Range Effort Lights Up Turgid Draw

AFC Halifax Town and Torquay United both offered little in this dull draw at The Shay which was enlivened only by two well-taken goals. Torquay handed a debut to new signing Austin Lipman, although neither side offered little in the early exchanges. The games first real chance - indeed the only real opportunity of the first half for either side - would lead to the opening goal for the visitors on 29, when Lipman found space to play James Hurst in down the right hand side of the area and his cross was met with a thumping header from Shepherd Murombedzi , who ghosted into the area from the left wing.

Waide Fairhurst saw a shot blocked by Matty Brown as the Second Half began with a little more pace than the first, before veteran Martin Rowlands saw an effort palmed over from the edge of the box. There seemed little danger to Torquay, but on 68 that would change when a cross from James Bolton was headed towards the touchline by Torquay defender Hurst. Shaymen left back Scott McManus intercepted, and taking the ball in his stride, tried a deep, curling cross to the far post - which was too long for the intended target of Gage Carney, but instead sailed over Fabian Spiess and nestled in the far corner of the net. Bolton would again create an opportunity with a direct ball on 81 minutes, this time as Halifax countered down the left hand side, with a long ball into the channel, wastefully skewed wide by 16-year old debutant Gage Carney. Torquay would also have late chances - Nathan Smith's header wide from a Lipman corner, whilst the young forward himself, who had showed some promising touches, sent a free kick wide in injury time.

Reaction

AFC Halifax Town manager Darren Kelly spoke to BBC Radio Leeds;"It was hardly a classic, but I am delighted with Macca's goal - although he will be telling us all he meant to do it!. We shut them down well today, the big lad, Fairhurst, up front hardly got a kick"

Torquay United manager Stuart Fairway spoke to BBC Radio Devon; "This is the second time inside a week we have travelled over 200 miles, and I think it showed at times as we looked a little leggy, especially late on. Shepherd took the goal for us really well, but you can't legislate for ones like that at the other end".

[displaced_seagull]

The journey home was a little subdued, as everyone knew but for what was really a fluke, we'd have come back with a win. As it was, we at least came back unbeaten, and we had a home game on Tuesday to prepare for.

It was a quiet couple of days, although I was pleased to hear from Gareth Law that Alex Fisher was coming on better than expected, and could be back within a fortnight. It was better than the five weeks we initially feared, and gave a boost which was quite unexpected.

Talking to Robbie after Tuesday's training in the kitroom, I told him that we would make a couple of changes for the evening game. With Louis Briscoe struggling for fitness having missed a good chunk of preseason, he would be on the bench, meaning a start for Durrell Berry. There would also be a return for Exodus Geohaghan, who, like Louis, had sat out most of preseason, but was now ready to go, and would replace Nathan Smith, who had looked a little tired to both of us on Saturday afternoon.

www.bbc.co.uk/football - National League - 18/8/15

Torquay United 0 - Woking 2

Plainmoor - Referee; C Evans

Attendance 1,934

Torquay; Spiess, Berry, Butler, MacDonald, Geohaghan, Hurst, Heslop © (Smith 75), Rowlands (Richards 57), Murombedzi (Briscoe 57), Fairhurst, Lipman

Unused Subs; Lavercombe, Yeoman

Cards; None

Goalscorers; None

Woking; Cole, Caprice, Saah, Thomas, Arthur (Mills 67), Ricketts, Keohane, Goddard, Andrade, Daniel (Jones 75), Holman (Rendell 56)

Unused Subs; Hamann, Poku

Cards; None

Goalscorers; Rendell (77), Andrade (90+1)

Late Goals Seal Cards Victory

Woking deservedly took all three points from their trip to Torquay tonight, but needed two goals in the final thirteen minutes to earn them. The Cards started strongly, with Kadell Daniel firing wide with the goal gaping when the ball broke to him following a second minute corner, before Jake Cole held from Austin Lipman's shot at the other end a minute later. After a frantic start play settled down, although Torquay's best spell of the game, just before half time, saw James Hurst crash over from close range and Brian Saah block from Austin Lipman.

After the interval however it was one way traffic - Shepherd Murombedzi and Martin Rowlands both tiring rapidly and replaced early on for Torquay, denying them both pace out wide and a creator through the middle, and after Kadell Daniel had twice fired wide and Dan Holman had seen a header saved, it was substitute Scott Rendell who finally made the breakthrough on 77. Jimmy Keohane played a delicious ball from the midfield out wide, and Jake Caprice's first-time cross was headed in by the former Torquay striker. The Gulls went more direct in a bid to get back into the game, but this only served to give possession up, and it was no surprise when, in injury time, Woking seized on a misplaced pass with Bruno Andrade scoring at the second attempt after Rendell had seen his initial effort parried by Fabian Spiess.

Reaction

Torquay United manager Stuart Fairway spoke to BBC Radio Devon; "The defeat is hard to take, but the manner of it makes it worse. We just didn't seem to get going tonight, and we have work to do this week on the training ground".

Woking manager Garry Hill spoke to BBC Radio Surrey; "It's a long way to come on a Tuesday night and the lads have done me proud. We dominated the game and I'm pleased we got our reward in the end"

"The hard work starts now". It's perhaps the ultimate cliché after a team has lost their first match of the league campaign, but, fully aware of that, I used it anyway. It seemed apt. After a first half that had shown promise in fits and starts, we had folded after the break, and the only surprise was how long it took for Woking to score.

My assistant, however, took a different view. "Look at the positives", Robbie said as I picked at my plate of post-match food. "We may have lost, but it's the first one we have lost in four. It's the last Tuesday game for a few weeks - we will be able to work the lads in training and get them all ready to go. There were some tired legs out there tonight, at the start of the game I mean, let alone the end".

He was right. Four games in less than a fortnight had come hard to some of the squad, and that two of them had been long away trips didn't help either. Typically, Saturday would be another long one, away at Grimsby. It was one of the few that the Board had allocated as requiring an overnight stay, which I hoped would help, given that The Mariners sat second in the table.

www.bbc.co.uk/football - National League - 22/8/15

Torquay United 0 - Grimsby Town 0

Blundell Park - Referee; S Tomlinson

Attendance 5,133

Grimsby; McKeown, Tait, Nsiala, Gowling, Robertson, Mackreth, Clay (Rudge 56), Disley, Arnold, Amond (Bogle 50), Fallon (Monkhouse 56)

Unused Subs; Warrington, Jones

Cards; None

Goalscorers; None

Torquay; Spiess, Hurst, Butler, MacDonald, Smith, Briscoe, Heslop ©, Rowlands (Richards 81), Murombedzi, Fairhurst (Yeoman 74), Lipman

Unused Subs; Geohaghan, Lavercombe, Berry

Cards; None

Goalscorers; None

High Flying Mariners Frustrated By Gulls

Grimsby were held to a goalless draw by Torquay this afternoon in a game of few chances which could have gone either way inside the final minutes. After Padraig Amond had headed wide for Grimsby in the third minute, Austin Lipman saw an effort fly wide before the game settled to an even, nip-and-tuck affair in the first half. The Mariners saw Rory Fallon head over, whilst at the other end Shepherd Murombedzi fired wide from distance as Torquay's deep defence nullified Grimsby's midfield, with several hopeful balls into the channels cut out by the excellent Nathan Smith, who dominated the aerial battle.

Grimsby rarely troubled Fabian Spiess in the Torquay goal, with sub Omar Bogle wasting a 65th minute effort, whilst at the other end Grimsby had clearly done their homework, closing down in-form Torquay fullback James Hurst at every opportunity in a bid to deny him crossing opportunities. Torquay dominated the possession statistics, but were at times too keen to hold onto the ball, although when Ashley Yeoman's clever pass found Dan Butler, the fullback's cross come shot required Grimsby 'keeper James McKeown to tip over the bar on 75. Grimsby's best chance of the game came four minutes from time - Jack Mackreth's ball into the middle just too high for Omar Bogle, whilst at the other end, a devastatingly quick Torquay break was only denied by a combination of 'keeper McKeown and the woodwork in injury time.

Reaction

Grimsby Town manager Paul Hurst spoke to BBC Radio Humberside; "It wasn't much of a game for the fans to get excited about, but there were positives for me today at times. We do need to make sure we are getting our passes connecting though, as far too often we gave the ball away - luckily for us, they were sitting quite deep so we got away with it, but that chance at the end proved what I was saying pre-game about them being a threat on the Counter".

Torquay manager Stuart Fairway spoke to BBC Radio Devon; "I'm pleased, it was a good point to get away from home - they are one of the form sides and Fabian only had one real save to make, which even then was comfortable. We set out to do a job today, and we've done it well - we were definitely deserving of a point at least"

[Greyfriars Bobby]

I'm enjoying this quite a bit, DS. You write up a match well, and your story is engaging when it leads us off the pitch, too. Good luck to you and Torquay United...I'll be following.

[displaced_seagull]

Many thanks Greyfriars Bobby, it's great to have you on board!

As I climbed into bed in the early hours of Sunday morning after what seemed like an eternity on the coach, I felt relieved. We had gone to the side second in the table off the back of a home defeat, and got a point. Better than that, we now had a full week until the next game, at home to Cheltenham - it meant a week in which we could work on things and I could pay full attention to both the staff and, closer to home, the family. The first month of the season was always hard on them, and I knew it.

Tuesday saw the return to training of Liam Prynn and Jamie Latham , with the two youngsters both now fit and raring to go after injuries sustained in preseason. It was good news, and with their availability in mind, I asked Michelle to set up a friendly for what would be designated as a 'Torquay XI' with local, Newton Abbot based Western League outfit Buckland Athletic . The game would take place on Thursday evening, and although Robbie would be taking charge from the touchline, I would be a very interested spectator, with several of the fringe players given a game. It would also give me a chance to have another look at Ben Gerring , who was still with the club despite our preseason dilemmas. Ben had picked up some work locally, but was still coming in for mornings, and I felt it only fair that we made a decision by the end of the month.

On Wednesday lunchtime the England squad for the Euro 2016 qualifiers against Switzerland and Estonia was announced, with Roy Hodgson naming uncapped quartet Eric Dier, Saido Berhaino, James Ward-Prowse and Aaron Cresswell in a squad for the two vital games, with England able to wrap up qualification if they were able to take maximum points.

Whilst I looked at the latest Scouting reports with Robbie and George later that afternoon, Michelle rang through to say Buckland would be delighted to host us in a friendly. I also took the opportunity to check in with Rory Campbell , who was back to attend to some family business before resuming his search of Northern Ireland and Wales. Rory seemed pleased to get off the road, and admitted to us that he was looking forward to a few days at home. The life of a scout is not quite as it sounds to all the dreamers who see it as getting paid to watch football.

Late summer evening football can be wonderful, and for a brief moment at Holmers Heath I was taken back to my teenage years, leaning on the rail at The Beaconsfield. Unfortunately for us, the result was similar to many I had seen there too - a 1-0 defeat. Buckland were very 'up' for the game, perhaps too much so, as Will Summerfield took a knock to the ankle from an overly aggressive challenge which would keep him out for a few weeks - and in stoppage time at the end of the game too. There wasn't a lot that young Daniel Lavercombe could have done about the goal, a low, skidding effort through a crowd, though Jamie Latham showed up well and Will Hancox struck the post. Saturday would perhaps come too soon for Jamie, but given the imminent Bank Holiday weekend, we may need to rotate the squad for Monday's trip to Eastleigh - If the tourists don't block the roads in and out of town, that is. The week without a game had done everyone the world of good, with the first team fully fit and raring to go, so much so that when I arrived at Plainmoor on Saturday morning, several of the players were already there - a great sign!

www.bbc.co.uk/football - National League - 29/8/15

Torquay United 2 - Cheltenham Town 2

Plainmoor - Referee; C Knowles

Attendance 1,920

Torquay; Spiess, Hurst, Butler, MacDonald, Smith, Briscoe (Berry 76), Heslop ©, Rowlands (Richards 59), Murombedzi, Lipman, Fairhurst

Unused Subs; Geohaghan, Lavercombe, Yeoman

Cards; Rowlands (Yellow), Heslop (Yellow)

Goalscorers; MacDonald (20), Berry (90+1)

Cheltenham; Phillips, Barthram, Downes, Paul, McLennan, Hall, Storer, Rowe (Wright 62), Dayton (Munns 71), Morgan-Smith (Pell 66), Richards

Unused Subs; Kitscha, Wynter

Cards; Storer (Red)

Goalscorers; Downes (33), Richards (77)

Gulls Leave It Late To Save Point

Torquay United led at Plainmoor against Cheltenham Town, but needed an injury time leveller to salvage a point, despite the Robins going down to ten men in the second half. It was a bright start for the hosts who saw Louis Briscoe head wide on 12 before Waide Fairhurst nodded James Hurst's centre wide four minutes later. On 20, Torquay would make the breakthrough, with Dan Butler's corner headed powerfully home off the underside of the crossbar by Angus MacDonald . The goal seemed to stun the visitors into action, with Amari Morgan-Smith shooting wastefully wide on 23 before James Dayton's excellent cross was diverted wide for a corner. Dayton took the resulting corner himself, and although Fairhurst got to the ball first, heading away, Jack Barthram returned the cross for ex-Gulls defender Aaron Downes to power a header into the corner of the net.

Torquay would see Austin Lipman shoot wide just before the break, but the hosts seemed to struggle with their final ball, Fairhurst moving too soon when well-placed on 52 and was flagged offside. Fairway replaced the tiring Martin Rowlands with Courtney Richards in a bid to change things around as Cheltenham enjoyed greater possession, but on 66 a late challenge by Kyle Storer on Shepherd Murombedzi saw the midfielder dismissed just five minutes after he had been booked. The visitors abandoned the flanks as a result, switching to three across the midfield but retaining two up front, and it was the direct approach which paid off, as the Torquay defence stopped, expecting an offside flag which never came, allowing Eliot Richards to slot home from a long ball from Harry Pell. Torquay would throw the kitchen sink forward, and within a minute were only denied by goalscorer Richards, clearing Nathan Smith's header from a pinpoint Butler corner off the line. On 79 they would come close again - a fizzing effort from James Hurst crashing off the post before the fullback skewed a volley wide on 84. When it did come, the goal was something of a fortunate one - Durrell Berry netting with a cross which took the slightest of deflections off a defender to divert it into the net. Still there was time for more action, with, three minutes into injury time, a superb ball from Courtney Richards released Hurst who cracked a shot against the bar and over the top.

Reaction

Torquay United manager Stuart Fairway spoke to BBC Radio Devon; "Against ten men, at home, you could consider that two points lost, but I can't fault the lads today. We conceded an unfortunate goal to go behind, but their effort all over the park to get back into it was superb".

Cheltenham Town manager Gary Johnson spoke to BBC Radio Gloucestershire; "Kyle's very subdued in there, he knows he let himself and us down this afternoon. I thought we'd done enough to hold on, but a hit like that at the end isn't something you can prepare for. We are still unbeaten though, and the longer that goes on, the more we will grow in confidence."

[displaced_seagull]

Whilst there was little time to reflect on the result with another game to plan ahead for on Monday, there was still plenty to deal with before the bank holiday Monday game.

Nathan Wannell phoned through on Sunday to advise he had finished his scouting trip to look for younger players, with a weighty tome of reports forwarded through for George to run the rule over. He would start again on Tuesday, this time exclusively focused on Scotland, where we had not yet sent anyone.

There would also be news from Gareth Law , who carried out an impromptu fitness test on Monday morning on Alex Fisher . The result was inconclusive. Gareth felt that the striker, who we had missed of late, could maybe manage an hour against Eastleigh. It was a tough call, and with a home match against strugglers Guiseley to come next weekend, both Robbie and myself felt it would be better for Alex to sit out the trip to Hampshire with the aim of returning instead on Saturday.

www.bbc.co.uk/football - National League - 31/8/15

Eastleigh 1 - 2 Torquay United

Plainmoor - Referee; R Whitton

Attendance 1,696

Eastleigh; Poke, Turley (Atyeo 66), Reid, Harding, Masson, Payne, Drury (O'Sullivan 56), Reason, Cook, Constable (Midson 51)

Unused Subs; Noice, Strevens

Cards; None

Goalscorers; Reason (80)

Torquay; Spiess, Hurst, Butler, MacDonald, Smith, Briscoe (Yeoman 66), Richards, Rowlands (Heslop 85), Murombedzi (Berry 45), Lipman, Fairhurst ©

Unused Subs; Geohaghan, Lavercombe

Cards; None

Goalscorers; Lipman (6), Fairhurst (32)

Spitfires Suffer As Gulls Battle To First Win In Five

Torquay United took all three points back from The Silverlake on Monday evening to record their second victory of the season and the first since the opening day. After a quiet start with both sides, noted for their control of possession this season, sitting deep, it was Torquay who drew first blood after 6 minutes when Dan Butler's throw was passed back to the fullback, who crossed from deep for Austin Lipman to burst through the Eastleigh offside trap and slot home from close range. With the home side uncharacteristically quiet, Torquay roamed forward at will, with Shepherd Murombedzi striking the bar from distance and Waide Fairhurst firing wide. On 32 however they would finally make the pressure count, with Lipman this time turning provider, turning Dan Harding to cross for Waide Fairhurst to net at the near post. If Chris Todd looked furious on the touchline, you could hardly blame him, and his mood certainly wasn't helped by Joe Partington on the stroke of half time, planting a header from Lee Cook's free kick against the crossbar when well placed.

Todd sent his players out a full five minutes early for the second half, with the quiet James Constable replaced by Jack Midson three minutes later. On 52 though it should have been three, with Durrell Berry given far too much room to swing a crossfield pass to the dangerous Dan Butler, who whipped the ball across the area towards Fairhurst, who could only divert an effort straight at Michael Poke from close range. This let off did seem to inspire the hosts, and on 62 a Dan Harding free kick was tapped short for Lee Cook to strike low and hard, forcing Fabian Spiess to parry with no teammate following up. It was the first real sign of intent from Eastleigh, with Cook looking bright, causing panic with three corners in the space of ten minutes before a rare Torquay break saw Austin Lipman shoot wide from distance. As Eastleigh continued to press, Torquay changed things around, content to play for time, but on 80 Angus MacDonald went in too strongly on Jack Midson, with Jai Reason rifling home a terrific free kick to give The Spitfires hope. Torquay replaced Rowlands with skipper Simon Heslop, who had taken a knock in the warmup and abandoned all attacking pretence, though were helped by Eastleigh adopting a 'shoot on sight' policy as the side who went into the match second in the table tried desperately to salvage a point - Josh Payne, Mani O'Sullivan and Jack Midson all shooting wastefully when a pass would have been a better option. The visitors were helped in the final moments by a superb cameo from Heslop, who battled hard in midfield, blocking well and proving a real thorn in the Eastleigh side.

Reaction

Eastleigh manager Chris Todd spoke to BBC Radio Solent; "We fell into the trap today of allowing Torquay to control the play early on. By the time we started playing, it was too late. Whilst you couldn't call their style attractive, it can be effective and we were naive today".

Torquay United manager Stuart Fairway spoke to BBC Radio Devon; "We set our stall out to do a job and did it - I'm delighted for the fans who made an awkward trip on a Monday night. Austin Lipman deserved his goal, he's worked hard with little reward since he's come into the side, and I'm pleased for him. We need to build on this though and also learn from the way we had to hang on a bit at the end."

Our first win on the road, and our third game unbeaten to boot made me a happy man as I returned to Torquay and a very happy wife. Our relationship is not one that is based soley on football, but her support - especially in these past couple of months - has been a massive help. What had lifted her spirits this time though was not our victory at Eastleigh, but the fact that we had got the house we had looked at last week. The life of a football manager can be a nomadic experience, and we would be renting, but it was - hopefully - long term, and would at least allow us to put down some roots. Charlie had been accepted into a decent local school, solving that domestic dilemma, and her secondment at work was going well too.

Tuesday brought with it the first monthly awards of the season - Waide Fairhurst earning third place in 'Goal of the Month' for his stunner on the opening day - and it would also bring that day beloved of supporters and the bane of bosses across the country, Transfer Deadline Day. Whilst I didn't expect a lot of action, there was one player leaving the club, with a difficult conversation with defender Ben Gerring after I confirmed to him that we would not be offering a full deal. Ben took the news badly, accusing me of not giving him a fair crack of the whip, although neither Robbie nor myself felt this was particularly fair.

BBC Radio Devon were on the phone early, asking Michelle, who was enjoying her last Tuesday of the college summer holidays, if I would be available for a lunchtime update on transfer dealings. I agreed, but warned them not to expect too much from me. The day would begin with Leicester City as the headline makers, bringing in Spaniard Víctor Álvarez , a 22-year old fullback from Espanyol for a reported fee of £2 Million. Sports reporter Sam Summers must be a fan of an early lunch, as Michelle rang through at about 10.30 to let me know he was at the desk to see me.

Breaking off from a discussion with the estate agents about our move, I took him into the bar, feeling that both my office and especially the kitroom were sacrosanct, and that journalists shouldn't be there. His first question was one that came out of left-field, asking if I felt that it would be a busy deadline day. It was the sort of question that the Sky Sports News pundits loved to ask, and I wondered exactly what Sam was aiming for. He didn't get a particularly enlightening response, as I told him that it would be a long day at clubs across the country, and we would all have to wait and see.

He asked a few more questions, both about deadline day and the club in general, before leaving to put together his report for the afternoon 'drive time' show. As I showed him out, I was left wondering if it was entirely worth his while, as apart from saying goodbye to Ben Gerring, we did no further business. In fact, not a lot of clubs did, with Álvarez by far the biggest deal of the day, although both Birmingham and one of my former clubs, Gillingham both signed four each - the biggest business done much earlier in the summer.

Whilst there would be no signings, Wednesday morning did see a welcome return to full training for Alex Fisher , back after his knee strain before I headed off to meet the Chairman for our monthly meeting. It went well - David informed me that he and the board were pleased with the way things had started, although the Woking result had been a disappointment, which was something I could hardly disagree with. He also revealed the interesting news that a deal had been negotiated with Southampton , currently top of the Premier League, regarding a transfer clause - Neal Osborn , a young 'keeper, had moved from the academy to The Saints as a 15 year old with a 15% sell on in the agreement. We could, in effect, cash this in - in exchange for just over £25,000. There was also a clause which promised us the even bigger sum of £100,000 should Neal make 10 appearances at a National League club whilst still with Southampton - this, however, hadn't been discussed as the board wanted us to keep it, which was fair enough given that a young goalkeeper could quite conceivably get his first taste of professional football on loan at the top level of the Non-League game.

As I pondered his words, I would then be stunned as the Chairman explained that, if we did take the money, it would go into my transfer kitty. That sealed the deal, and 20 minutes later David left to confirm with his counterpart at St Mary's - and I had some money to spend. It was typical that it had come the day after the deadline.

Robbie was delighted when I told him the following day - he hadn't worked with Neal, who left before Robbie's stint as Academy manager, but we both toasted the young 'keeper nonetheless who had made a huge contribution despite not making a first team appearance at Plainmoor. With the windfall in mind, and George Rooney bringing to the kitroom the pick of the reports that Nathan had sent through earlier in the week, I asked George to arrange for some more in depth scouting of some of the players highlighted.

www.bbc.co.uk/football - National League - 05/9/15

Torquay United 2 - Guiseley 0

Plainmoor - Referee; W Atkin

Attendance 2,016

Torquay; Spiess, Hurst, Butler, MacDonald, Smith (Geohaghan 58), Briscoe, Heslop ©, Rowlands (Latham 75), Murombedzi (Fisher 75), Lipman, Fairhurst

Unused Subs; Lavercombe, Richards

Cards; None

Goalscorers; Briscoe (43), Latham (78)

Guiseley; Atkinson, Thompson (Hendrie 70), Lockwood ©, Lowe, Atkinson, D Boshell, Lawlor, Brooksby, Hatfield (Johnson 61), N Boshell, Dickinson (Boyes 56);

Unused Subs; Drench, Craddock

Cards; None

Goalscorers;

Gulls Tame Stubbon Lions

Torquay United moved up to 7th in the table this afternoon after a 2-0 home win against struggling Guiseley, but took their time on a breezy, wet afternoon in Devon. Early exchanges between the sides saw several fouls, with Nicky Boshell twice sending free kicks over the bar for the visitors, before James Hurst made up good ground to block a Will Hatfield effort. Torquay remained patient, and as Guiseley upped the tempo in a bid to go in ahead at half time, the Gulls hit them on the counter. On 43, Austin Lipman found space in front of the deep-sitting Guiseley central midfield, and angled the ball left for Shepherd Murombedzi to swing over a cross to the far post, which Louis Briscoe powerfully headed home. Torquay could have had a second just before the break when Briscoe's effort from the edge of the box came back off the bar, but although Shepherd Murombedzi rolled home the rebound, the winger was in an offside position.

The hosts would have to wait until the second half to put together a spell of dominance of their own, with Murombedzi close before Lipman grazed the post with a free kick. Guiseley were holding their own but offered little going forward, and fifteen minutes from time Fairway rang the changes, with the tiring Murombedzi replaced by the fit again Alex Fisher, and sent on 18 year old Jamie Latham for his senior debut. The changes seemed to re-invigorate Torquay, and three minutes later they had a second - Austin Lipman's free kick floated into the area for Jamie Latham , who cleverly controlled on his chest before firing beyond Rob Atkinson into the corner of the net for a dream start to his Torquay career. As Torquay again cranked up the pressure, Waide Fairhurst saw his header held, whilst the impressive Lipman saw a corner flash across the goalmouth without a finishing touch. Guiseley would see an Oli Johnson effort hit the side netting at the death, but manager Mark Bower looked forlorn as his side slumped to their sixth defeat of the campaign.

Reaction

Torquay United Manager Stuart Fairway spoke to BBC Radio Devon; "They defended so deep and I think it threw us a little at first, but I'm pleased we were able to get the result this afternoon. I was delighted for Jamie to get a goal within 3 minutes of coming on, and it was great to see Alex Fisher in amongst it after coming back from injury".

Guiseley Manager Mark Bower spoke to BBC Radio Leeds; "We matched them early doors, and if we could have gone into half time level I think it would have been different. We knew they had pace out wide and up front, which is why we sat so deep, but we just couldn't make those set pieces count. This division is a steep learning curve for the club and for me personally, but I'm confident we are moving in the right direction"

[displaced_seagull]

Sunday morning's papers were full of England's 2-0 victory over Switzerland on Saturday evening, with an Adam Lallana brace moving the Three Lions to within a point of Euro 2016 despite Gary Cahill's first half dismissal, but I was more interested in the Non-League Paper , who named Austin Lipman in the team of the week - a first for a Torquay player since I had taken charge. The youngster would get some good-natured stick on Monday, but I felt it was a good reward for a lad who had come into the side and had, over a very short period of time, really grown into the role.

It gave me something of a dilemma, with the fit again Alex Fisher also chomping at the bit to get involved again. It was something to ponder, with both working very hard in training to impress. Tuesday evening saw England hit three in the first 12 minutes to cruise to victory over Estonia and qualify from Group E to reach Euro 2016 - Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Wayne Rooney and Raheem Sterling all scoring with Eric Dier no doubt giving Roy Hodgson food for thought after his man of the match performance on his first international start, replacing the suspended Cahill.

We discussed the 'Lipman/Fisher' issue on Wednesday morning ahead of training. Robbie felt that Austin had deserved to continue, and although Malcolm Naylor , who also revealed that he would shortly begin taking the course to earn his UEFA 'A' badge, felt that Alex's strength would be more useful against Saturday's opponents, Welling . I was still torn, but what we did all agree on was that we would put Austin on a training regime designed to increase his upper body strength.

Something that I wasn't expecting though would happen after the final training session of the week on Friday afternoon. Durrell Berry asked to see me, and the full back was none too impressed. telling me he felt that he deserved to be playing more. I glanced at Robbie, who looked furious. The assertive approach was definitely required, and I firmly explained to Durrell that he was behind James Hurst at present due to James' excellent form and assist record. At this - much to everyone's surprise - Durrell backed down, and said that he saw things from my point of view.

www.bbc.co.uk/football - National League - 12/9/15

Welling United 2 - Torquay United 0

Park View Road - Referee; S Ross

Attendance 874

Welling; King, Fazakerley, Osbourne, Lokko, Nortey (Chambers), Corne, Vidal, Wellard, Kabba (Cumberbatch 75), Harris, Bakare (Chambers 90)

Unused Subs; McEntegart, Awotwi

Cards; None

Goalscorers; Harris (24), Kabba (57)

Torquay; Spiess, Hurst, Butler, MacDonald, Smith, Briscoe, Heslop © (Richards 60), Rowlands (Latham 60), Murombedzi, Lipman (Fisher 60), Fairhurst

Unused Subs; Geohaghan, Lavercombe

Cards; Rowlands (Yellow), Heslop (Yellow), Briscoe (Yellow)

Goalscorers; None

Wings Claim Another Scalp

Welling's fine start to the season continued on Saturday with a 2-0 victory over Torquay United. The Wings out played and out thought a Torquay side who were unbeaten in three going into the game, quickly closing the visitors down at every opportunity after Martin Rowlands had come close to drawing first blood for Torquay with a shot from the edge of the area on 15. It was to be Torquay's only real chance for some time - first Michael Bakare shot just wide a minute later, before the highly-rated Xavier Vidal glanced the crossbar with a free kick. On 24 this pressure would pay, with a shot on the turn from Reece Harris putting Welling ahead following a well worked free kick. The hosts could have doubled their lead moments later, with Sam Corne's volley inches wide, before Torquay saw a good chance of their own with James Hurst outpacing Nortey down the right to cross for Shepherd Murombedzi to head wide of target.

Harris' goal proved the difference between the two sides at the break, and a six minute spell before the interval saw three Torquay players booked as frustrations boiled over. The Gulls would have a great chance to restore parity on 49, with Nathan Smith glancing Austin Lipman's well-placed corner across goal for Angus MacDonald to head straight at 'keeper Tom King from a matter of yards out. It would prove, briefly, to be Torquay's best spell of the game, with Waide Fairhurst hitting the woodwork from a Louis Briscoe centre on 55, before Sahr Kabba was given the freedom of the Torquay area to move and meet a corner from his manager, Loui Fazakerley, to steer home the second goal. Despite Torquay substitutions, the second goal seemed to rock the visitors, with Xavier Vidal and Reece Harris having chances to add to the lead in quick succession as the Gulls were unable to break down the well-organised Wings.

Reaction

Welling United Manager Loui Fazakerley spoke to BBC Radio Kent; "This one shows our position is not a fluke. We played a good, well-organised side off the park this afternoon, and I'm delighted for the lads who deserve all the plaudits they are getting at the moment".

Torquay United Manager Stuart Fairway spoke to BBC Radio Devon; "Take nothing away from Welling, they were excellent today, but we were poor - we didn't create enough chances and we were punished for it. We have a chance to put things right on Tuesday at Kidderminster though and we need to do that."

[displaced_seagull]

A subdued journey home wasn't helped by what seemed like constant roadworks as we headed west. The result was a poor one, but the performance, for me, was worse - we created just one real chance of note from open play.

Sunday's papers - the Telegraph - I love the football coverage, like to attempt the crossword and laugh at the pretentious baby names in the announcements section - and the Non-League Paper hit the doormat with a thud. As I flicked through the latter, noting with pleasure that Hailsham Town had beaten St Francis Rangers, the league table sprung out at me. We sat 11th, which of course I already knew - but we could move fourth with a win. Alternatively, a defeat to Kidderminster on Tuesday could see us drop, in theory, as low as 17th. I shunted the thoughts out of my head - It was too early to get too excited - or too worried - about such things at this stage of the season, not even half way through September. I reminded myself of a few facts. It had been our second defeat of the season - we'd won more than we'd lost, the Board were pleased with me, and aside from slight doubts about Durrell Berry , so were the players. All things considered, it hadn't been a bad start.

Sitting in the office on Monday morning going through the first of the scouting reports that Nathan Wannell had sent through from his trip to Scotland, I was interrupted by the chirp of the internal phone ringtone. Michelle had a call for me, and Weymouth were on the other end. They wanted to take young centre back Oneil Odofin on loan for a month, and I was happy to oblige. I spoke to Robbie after training and was pleased that he wholeheartedly agreed - it would do the lad the world of good to get out and play some football.

Whilst were were on the subject of loan players, Robbie raised the issue of Ashley Yeoman . He'd made some early season appearances off the bench, but hadn't been involved since and was looking a little forlorn at times on the training ground, presumably pondering his future with his short-term contract up just after Christmas. Curzon Ashton , our affiliated club up north, was earmarked as a potential destination - just a couple of months, but enough for Ash to - like Oneil - go and get some games under his belt and, hopefully, find a bit of form.

By the time we departed for the Midlands on Tuesday afternoon, neither player had let me know if they agreed with the proposals, but the noises were at least reasonably promising, and I expected movement by the end of the week. Both players would not be making the trip with us whilst they pondered the moves - but we certainly wouldn't be unchanged, with both me and Robbie keen to introduce some fresh blood into the starting lineup in a bid to make an instant return to winning ways.

www.bbc.co.uk/football - National League - 15/9/15

Kidderminster Harriers 0 - Torquay United 2

Aggborough - Referee; M Stewart

Attendance 1,748

Kidderminster; Palmer, Hodgkiss ©, Langmead (Hooman 53), Gordon, Rowe-Turner (Green 51), Sambou, Clarke, Maxwell, Dawson, Taylor (Reffell 53), Singh

Unused Subs; Snedker, Hales

Cards; Sambou (Yellow), Rowe-Turner (Yellow)

Goalscorers; None

Torquay; Spiess, Hurst, Butler, MacDonald, Smith, Briscoe (Richards 78), Heslop ©, Latham (Rowlands 86), Lipman, Fairhurst (Murombedzi 78), Fisher

Unused Subs; Geohaghan, Lavercombe

Cards; Heslop (Yellow), Butler (Yellow)

Goalscorers; Own Goal (Dawson 24), Lipman (52)

Dominant Torquay Delight Boss

Torquay United cruised to a 2-0 victory at Aggborough this evening in a dominant performance. There were early chances for both sides, with Torquay seeing Kelvin Langmead head away an inswinging James Hurst cross before Gurjit Singh dragged wide for Harriers after three minutes. With Jamie Latham handed his first senior start and Alex Fisher recalled up front, Torquay showed plenty of intent, with captain Simon Heslop heading wide on 5 before Fisher drilled into the side netting on 17 and Lipman went wide on 21. The breakthrough would come in unfortunate circumstances three minutes later on 24 minutes, when a pinpoint Lipman cross caused all sorts of problems in the Harriers box, and although Delroy Gordon tried to clear his lines, the ball clattered off the back of Adam Dawson for an own goal. Torquay continued to pressurise, with Jamie Latham shooting just wide on 26 and Alex Fisher denied by a fine Alex Palmer save, the 'keeper getting down quickly to make a diving stop. The hosts were being pinned back at every opportunity, with the Gulls moving well on and off the ball, and they would require a goalline clearance from ex-Torquay defender Lathanial Rowe-Turner on the stroke of half time to avoid falling further behind.

Torquay continued to impress after the break, with an offside flag denying Louis Briscoe on 49 before Waide Fairhurst took advantage of an excellent ball from Lipman to find space, only to be denied by another impressive stop from Palmer on 51. Less than a minute later, the Gulls would have their second of the evening - James Hurst taking a short throw-in before crossing first time from the return pass for Austin Lipman to slide in from close range. A treble Kidderminster substitution was the immediate response, and on 57 Harriers could have reduced the defecit through sub Keyon Reffell, only for the winger to scuff his shot. After this scare it was again Torquay who upped the ante - Briscoe seeing an effort palmed over, whilst Austin Lipman was twice denied by blocks from Harriers skipper Jared Hodgkiss. Alex Fisher's volley almost marked a goalscoring return for the striker, before Torquay's evening was slightly marred when the excellent Jamie Latham hobbled off five minutes from time. Gulls sub Shepherd Murombedzi would almost have the last laugh, and indeed should have done better with a free header from Lipman's cross, but the small travelling contigent would nonetheless go home in fine voice following what was a comfortable victory for their side.

Reaction

Kidderminster Harriers Manager David Hockaday spoke to BBC Hereford & Worcester; "We didn't create enough and we let them impose their game on our own turf. The boys in there are very disappointed, and know they need to improve from performances like this".

Torquay United Manager Stuart Fairway spoke to BBC Radio Devon; "I'm delighted - we had to rotate a little tonight and I was worried it might affect us, but the players who came into the side were excellent and it shows what a great squad we have here. Jamie Latham was taken off as a precaution, but I'm not overly concerned, we think it's just a dead leg."

Vanarama National League Table - Up To & Including 15th September 2015

| Pos      | Team          | P        | W        | D        | L        | GD       | Pts      | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 1st       | Altrincham    | 10       | 7        | 2        | 1        | 14       | 23       | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 2nd      | Wrexham       | 10       | 6        | 2        | 2        | 8        | 20       | 
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | 
| 3rd       | Cheltenham    | 10       | 5        | 4        | 1        | 5        | 19       | 
| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 4th       | Gateshead     | 10       | 5        | 2        | 3        | 4        | 17       | 
| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 5th       | Welling       | 10       | 5        | 2        | 3        | 4        | 17       | 
| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 6th       | Braintree     | 10       | 4        | 5        | 1        | 2        | 17       | 
| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 7th       | Chester       | 10       | 4        | 4        | 2        | 6        | 16       | 
| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
[color=blue][b]| 8th       | Torquay       | 10       | 4        | 4        | 2        | 3        | 16       | [/b][/color]
| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 9th       | Grimsby       | 10       | 4        | 3        | 3        | 4        | 15       | 
| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 10th     | Boreham Wood  | 10       | 4        | 2        | 4        | 3        | 14  | 
| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 11th     | Woking        | 10       | 3        | 5        | 2        | 1        | 14       | 
| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 12th     | Eastleigh     | 10       | 4        | 1        | 5        | 5        | 13       | 
| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 13th     | Barrow        | 10       | 3        | 4        | 3        | 0        | 13       | 
| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 14th     | Forest Green  | 10       | 4        | 1        | 5        | -3       | 13       | 
| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 15th     | Kidderminster | 10       | 3        | 3        | 4        | 1        | 12       | 
| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 16th     | Southport     | 10       | 3        | 3        | 4        | -1       | 12       | 
| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 17th     | Macclesfield  | 10       | 3        | 3        | 4        | -3       | 12       | 
| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 18th     | Dover         | 10       | 2        | 5        | 3        | -1       | 11       | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 19th     | Bromley       | 10       | 2        | 3        | 5        | -5       | 9        | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 20th     | FC Halifax    | 10       | 1        | 6        | 3        | -5       | 9        | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 21st      | Lincoln       | 10       | 2        | 3        | 5        | -8       | 9        | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 22nd     | Aldershot     | 10       | 2        | 3        | 5        | -9       | 9        | 
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 

After we'd enjoyed Kidderminster's hospitality, Gareth Law confirmed that Jamie Latham would be a little stiff and sore, but there was no lasting damage - just a dead leg which would keep him out for around a week. Someone else who would be feeling sore - but for a very different reason - was Gary Brabin , who we found out on the way home had been sacked as Tranmere Rovers manager after Rovers, who had been predicted to bounce straight back into the Football League, had suffered a dreadful start to the season.

As I crept back into the holiday let in the early hours of the morning, a text came through. Whether Oneil Odofin had been up all night pondering his future, or if my mobile had been messing about on the motorway I wasn't sure, but he had got in touch to say that he would be happy to go along with my wishes and go out to Weymouth .

Oneil popped in on Wednesday morning, with all those who had been involved on Tuesday evening given the day off. It was good to see the teenager so enthusiastic about the temporary move, although given Weymouth's part time status, he would still be training with us during the week. Ashley Yeoman , on the other hand, wasn't so enthusiastic about going to Curzon Ashton , and advised he wanted to stay and fight for his place in the squad.

Training the following day though would bring a headache - for more than just me. Goalkeeper Fabian Spiess collided with a goalpost, and looked very groggy afterwards. Gareth ran him to Torbay Hospital for a quick check over, and phoned to reveal that he was suffering from concussion, and on medical orders - and the FA's new head injury guidelines - would be ruled out for at least a week. Whilst Peter Williams stepped up his training with Dan Lavercombe , Robbie and I adjourned to the training ground Portakabin to discuss our options. They were, at best, limited - we could either go without a 'keeper on the bench for Saturday or try and sort something. Prudence dictated the latter, and it was a quick trip back to Plainmoor to see what we could do.

We both spent the afternoon on the phone, only to draw blanks at every turn. Eventually Robbie came up with a solution, and 19 year old Oliver Cain , a local 'keeper with Buckland Athletic , was persuaded to sign the non-contract forms which would mean he could be registered for Saturday. Michelle did the rest, and we had two 'keepers - although one of them was strictly an emergency option.

www.bbc.co.uk/football - National League - 19/9/15

Torquay United 1 - Bromley 0

Plainmoor - Referee; R Booth

Attendance 2,031

Torquay; Lavercombe, Hurst, Butler, MacDonald, Smith, Briscoe (Richards 82), Heslop ©, Rowlands, Lipman (Murombedzi 62), Fairhurst, Fisher

Unused Subs; Geohaghan, Cain, Yeoman

Cards; None

Goalscorers; Fisher (12)

Bromley; Lewington, Olufemi, Swaine, Chorley, Newey (Fuseni 72), Joseph-Dubois (Anderson), Minshull, Porter, Dennis, Agyemang (Wall), Emmanuel

Unused Subs; Julian, Prestedge

Cards; Newey (Yellow)

Goalscorers; None

Lipman Hurt, But Fisher Sends Gulls Fourth

A single goal was enough for Torquay United to take all three points from a tight encounter at Plainmoor, but it came at a cost, with young forward Austin Lipman helped from the field during the second half. Both sides would have early chances, with Bromley winning two corners inside the first four minutes whilst Lipman saw his header saved by 'keeper Chris Lewington on 6, but on 12 minutes Torquay took the lead with Alex Fisher volleying home from close range after a clever move down the right hand side involving Simon Heslop, James Hurst and Louis Briscoe, who beat his man to cross for Fisher to net from close range. The chance for a second came seven minutes later, with Fisher skewing an effort wide from the edge of the box, before Louis Briscoe volleyed over on 22. Bromley, whilst enjoying possession, struggled with the final pass, although on 35 a blocked corner fell to Louis Dennis who forced Daniel Lavercombe into a smart save from close range.

After the interval both Lipman and Fairhurst would have chances before a crunching challenge just outside the area from Tosin Olufemi on the teenager saw Lipman hobble from the field to clear concern from the Plainmoor crowd. Dan Butler stepped up from the resulting free kick, but could only skim the crossbar with his powerful effort. Torquay's domination, however, would continue despite the setback - Lipman's replacement, Shepherd Murombedzi, headed wide on 67 before Alex Fisher prodded just wide from James Hurst's cross on 75. After creating but failing to take a plethora of chances, the only fear for the Gulls was if there would be a late sting in the tail, and on 86 Bromley saw a great chance to equalise after Lavercombe elected to punch clear a free kick, only for sub Alex Wall to rifle the resulting rebound just over on the half volley. Three minutes of injury time seemed to cause a little consternation amongst the home support, and they would survive a further scare when Jay Emmanuel sent a ball skidding across the area after a fine Lee Minshall pass. Whilst well-struck, his cross was just too far ahead of the Bromley front men, and with the final whistle came perhaps the loudest cheers of the season so far around Plainmoor, as Stuart Fairway's side made it four wins from the last five.

Reaction

Torquay United Manager Stuart Fairway spoke to BBC Radio Devon; "It's always nice to be celebrating a win, although the injury to Austin Lipman has put a little bit of a downer on it. We worked hard today and created chance after chance, it's just a shame we couldn't have converted more of them so that the scoreline fully reflected the performance"

Bromley Manager Mark Goldberg spoke to BBC Radio Kent; "On another day we might have got a point - while they certainly had chances, Lewi didn't really have many saves to make, and that pleased me as it meant the defence were doing their job. I was a little disappointed with the goal, we gave Torquay a little too much respect early on and, and the end of the day, that is where we have been punished."

[tenthreeleader]

Nice run you're on. It's a marathon, of course, but you seem to have found a bit of form.

[displaced_seagull]

Thanks 10-3, seems to be going OK at the moment! - I'm sure there will be plenty of twists and turns as the season progresses!

Austin Lipman tried to celebrate with the rest of the players after the game, but aside from the physical pain - and the icepack on his twisted knee - his heart didn't seem in it. I could understand where he was coming from - in nine appearances he had played a major role in our success so far, and now he faced a spell of around a month on the sidelines.

www.bbc.co.uk/football - National League - 22/9/15

Torquay United 1 - Boreham Wood 1

Plainmoor - Referee; R Merchant

Attendance 2,027

Torquay; Lavercombe, Hurst, Butler, MacDonald, Smith, Briscoe, Heslop ©, Rowlands (Richards 67), Murombedzi, Fairhurst (Yeoman 83), Fisher

Unused Subs; Geohaghan, Cain, Berry

Cards; None

Goalscorers; Yeoman (90+2)

Boreham Wood; Ward, Woodards, Doe, Reynolds ©, Edwards, Shakes (Whichelow 83), B Clifford, C Clifford, Cox (Carvalho), Johns, Bancessi (MacDonald 66)

Unused Subs; Edwards, Owen[/i]

Cards; Cox (Yellow)

Goalscorers; B Clifford 53

Super Sub Yeoman Salvages Point

A scrappy Tuesday night affair played in autumnal breeze saw Boreham Wood hold Torquay to a 1-1 draw at Plainmoor in a match which saw little in the way of quality, but the late drama of an injury time equaliser. The hosts began brightly, with an early free kick inches wide from Dan Butler before Shepherd Murombedzi headed wide when well placed. Torquay's early pressure, however, was to no avail, with the visitors packing five across the midfield to nullify Torquay's noted threat from the marauding fullbacks. The first sign of what was to come came on 23, with Eúsebio Banescci playing a superb through ball that Ricky Shakes could only steer into the side netting. Shakes would return the favour on 31, finding Banescci inside the area, only for his left footed effort to be held by Daniel Lavercombe. Torquay's frustrations were growing, with James Hurst flagged offside on two occasions, before a well worked free kick from Martin Rowlands was clipped against the post by Waide Fairhurst.

The visitors continued their high-tempo pressing game after the interval, and on 47 Ricky Shakes would head wide, before, on 53, Billy Clifford punished Torquay's desire to win the ball back and counter - playing a neat one-two with Eúsebio Banescci, who held onto the ball just long enough to lure the Torquay central defence to him before playing a quick reverse pass into the resulting gap for Clifford to steer beyond Lavercombe. The Gulls were not helped by Wood centre back Scott Doe, who had a fine game in the air as the direct ball became a more frequent outlet. Sub Courtney Richards headed wide on 69, but the latter spell of the game was dominated by scrappy fouls and misplaced passes from both sides, with Lavercombe holding from Conor Clifford before Murombedzi headed weakly wide on 86. With injury time looming, it looked as if the visitors had done enough, only for Torquay to be awarded a free kick around 40 yards from goal in the final minute of stoppage time. Austin Edwards cut out the initial ball forward from Simon Heslop, but could do nothing about Nathan Smith's return ball into the box. Alex Fisher nodded on, and with Wood statuesque awaiting an offside flag which never came, Shepherd Murombedzi knocked the ball back across goal for sub Ashley Yeoman to head home his first goal of the season.

Reaction

Torquay United Manager Stuart Fairway spoke to BBC Radio Devon; "We may have saved the point late on but I am not happy with what I saw for 89 minutes of that game. We let ourselves get sucked into their trap, and we didn't seem to believe in ourselves. At the end of the day, I can't criticise too much as we never gave up as you saw with the goal, but we need to start thinking about our B game for nights like this when the usual approach just doesn't work."[/b]

Boreham Wood Manager Luke Garrard spoke to BBC Three Counties Radio; "I'm furious with the goal, it looked offside, and the players certainly thought so too. It's frustrating, as we did a really professional job for most of the game and to be undone by what I believe is a mistake from an official is really disheartening. We knew they had pace out wide, so we made a couple of changes to restrict that, and it worked."

Chatting with Robbie over a beer after the game, it was clear that we had, in many respects, got away with it, and were lucky to be talking of one point gained rather than the three lost it would have been had Ash not come up trumps at the death. My assistant agreed, though talked me out of ordering extra training on Wednesday off the back of two testing games against sides who we both felt that we should be beating.

Instead it was just the coaching staff, minus 'keepers coach Peter Williams who accompanied Fabien Spiess to a hospital checkup, who would be in on Wednesday for our regular staff meeting. The setup of the meeting was by now something everyone was used to, and we had a good discussion regarding the fringe players in the light of the goalscoring contribution from Ashley Yeoman on Tuesday evening. Some good news would also come from Gareth Law , who advised that Jamie Latham was fit to resume training on Thursday and Peter confirmed that Fabien Spiess would also be back for Friday.

Friday dawned chilly and misty, proof, if ever it were needed, that we were moving into the autumn, and even on the South Coast, we would soon have muddy pitches to consider. It would be another early departure, with the trip to Lincoln seeing an overnight stay. With Fabian now available, I decided that we would make a final decision on who would play on Saturday morning, with Jamie Latham also included in the travelling party.

www.bbc.co.uk/football - National League - 26/9/15

Lincoln City 1 - Torquay United 2

Sincil Bank - Referee; J Hopkins

Attendance 2,471

Lincoln; Farman, Beevers, Johnson, Smith, October, Hawkridge, Power © (Sparrow 51), Stanley, Muldoon (Tempest 63), Symes, Rhead (Robinson 45);

Unused Subs; Grant, Howe

Cards; Beevers (Yellow), Stanley (Yellow)

Goalscorers; Symes (87)

Torquay; Lavercombe, Hurst, Butler, MacDonald, Smith, Briscoe (Richards 63), Heslop © (Yeoman 79), Rowlands (Latham 63), Murombedzi, Fairhurst, Fisher

Unused Subs; Geohaghan, Spiess

Cards; None

Goalscorers; Murombedzi (66), Fisher (72)

Imps Brushed Aside As Torquay Dominate

Torquay United manager Stuart Fairway credited his Chairman David Phillips with the impetus for his side's 2-1 win and dominant performance over struggling Lincoln, telling BBC Radio Devon that the Chairman's decision to allow The Gulls an overnight stay ahead of the game gave his side the perfect preperation for the long trip east. When they arrived they quickly had chances, with Louis Briscoe's ball well worked into the area by Waide Fairhurst, only for strike partner Alex Fisher to fire over. A trip on Fairhurst brought a booking for Craig Stanley, who became the first of two Lincoln men to be booked inside the first 20 minutes of the match, before only the quick reactions of Imps stopper Paul Farman denied first Shepherd Murombedzi then Fairhurst on 22. For a while it seemed like a matter of when, rather than if, Torquay would take the lead although a missed interception from Angus MacDonald led to a chance for the hosts when Terry Hawkridge was able to cross for Matt Rhead, who took a tumble inside the area but would see referee Hopkins wave play on, with James Hurst adjudged to have got to the ball before the man. Hawkridge would then angled a free kick over the top in a frantic finish to the first half which also saw Torquay close through Dan Butler and Alex Fisher.

After the break a quiet start to the second half was broken on 57, with a fine Torquay move ending with Waide Fairhurst heading wide when unmarked, but the striker would play his part on 66 when, finally, Torquay did take the lead - playing with his back to goal, the striker played a simple layoff to Gulls captain Simon Heslop, who released James Hurst for a cross to the far post which was met by a firm sidefoot by Shepherd Murombedzi . If Lincoln hoped Torquay would ease off they would be mistaken, with Heslop close himself before Fairhurst only denied by an excellent challenge from Dominic Smith when he was about to pull the trigger. Two minutes later Torquay would make their pressure count - Hurst blocked in the area by a brave challenge on an increasingly sticky pitch from David October, with the ball running loose for Alex Fisher to slam home from close range. Lincoln's supporters began to leave the stadium early as Torquay earnt their third corner in quick succession, but Courtney Richards could only head wide after outmuscling Tempest, before a late consolation from the boot of Michael Symes following a fine cross from Terry Hawkridge gave the hosts some credit after a poor home showing two minutes from time.

Reaction

Lincoln City Manager Chris Moyses spoke to BBC Radio Lincolnshire; "To be beaten like that at home is not acceptable, and I'm not surprised we were booed off by a small section of the crowd. We need to improve for them and for ourselves, because this football club should not be struggling - we have improved the squad in the summer and some of those who have come in need to start earning their wages - no more excuses."

Torquay United Manager Stuart Fairway spoke to BBC Radio Devon; "I spoke to the Chairman before the season about some of these long away trips, and he has done us proud by letting us overnight in places like this and Grimsby. The preparation was invaluable and we looked much better than we would have done had we had to travel by coach this morning. The only problem with being at the top end of the table is that teams will work even harder to knock us down, but that is something we are aware of and to be honest, it's a nice challenge to have to face!"

[displaced_seagull]

After a long trip home, Sunday's day off was very welcome, as was the chance to enjoy the late summer sunshine. Sal has always found it funny that I get recognised now and again when we are out and about, but this time it worked very much in our favour - walking past a resturant, we were intercepted by the manager who offered us lunch on the house. Three hours later, I had signed a couple of autographs for his kids and we were all stuffed - and our new friend had a booking for the Torquay United coaching staff Christmas meal.

Gareth Law reported on the injuries as we returned to training on Monday morning, with Luke Young now looking like he would be facing another 6 or so months on the sidelines - possibly a contender to return before the end of the season, with his rehab going better than anticipated - and although Austin Lipman still had a couple of weeks to go, Will Summerfield would return later in the week according to the Physio.

Whilst Paul Cox , who had briefly worked at Torquay early in the summer before leaving after failing to agree terms on a permanent deal was appointed as Tranmere Rovers manager on Thursday morning, the big news would be that Roy Hodgson had dropped Theo Walcott, Michael Carrick and Ashley Young from the England squad for the 'dead rubber' qualifers against Slovenia and Lithuania as well as a Friendly against Mexico . Exciting Liverpool winger Jordan Ibe would though earn his first callup. Thursday would also see the monthly awards announced, with a first one for me - second place in 'Manager of the Month' seeing a nice trophy and a bottle of champagne delivered to Plainmoor. It was the ideal preperation for my monthly meeting with David Phillips , who told me that the board were delighted with my performance so far. One thing that was on the table was the future of Ashley Yeoman , and I was pleased to recieve the go-ahead to use a little of the remaining wage budget to give him a small pay rise and offer a contract until the end of the season.

Ash seemed pleased when I caught up with him to tell him the news after training, but said he would consider the offer over the weekend, and we agreed to meet on Monday to confirm the details.

www.bbc.co.uk/football - National League - 3/10/15

Torquay United 1 - Aldershot Town 0

Plainmoor - Referee; J Hopkins

Attendance 2,285

Torquay; Spiess, Hurst, Butler, MacDonald, Smith, Briscoe (Latham 71), Heslop ©, Rowlands (Richards 71), Murombedzi, Fairhurst (Yeoman 37), Fisher

Unused Subs; Geohaghan, Lavercombe

Cards; None

Goalscorers; Murombedzi (37)

Aldershot Smith, Conneh, Oliver (Wylde 73), Kitchen, Saville, Gallagher, Kovacevic (Lathrope 84), Hatton © (Fowler 67), Richards, Walker, Akintunde

Unused Subs; Worthington, Stevenson [/i]

Cards; Fowler (Yellow), Gallagher (Yellow), Kovacevic (Yellow)

Goalscorers; None

Gulls Cruise Past Shots

Torquay United recorded a 1-0 win against Aldershot Town this afternoon although the result was a lot more comfortable than the scoreline suggested - with the visitors failing to record a shot on target all afternoon. A strong start from Torquay saw Nathan Smith head into the arms of 'keeper Phil Smith, before the veteran goalkeeper saved well from Alex Fisher on 14. With Aldershot's central midfielders being forced to sit increasingly deep, the visitors struggled to maintain any possession going forward, with Torquay content to pick up the ball in deep areas themselves and move forward with pace. Shepherd Murombedzi would volley into the side netting on 26, before on-loan striker James Akintunde, a temporary arrival from Cambridge making his Aldershot debut, headed wide from Mike Conneh's cross. Torquay would see Waide Fairhurst carried off injured on 36, but a minute later the hosts took the lead nonetheless - Shepherd Murombedzi lashing home the loose ball after Alex Fisher had been tackled inside the area, just before he met a well-weighted pass from veteran playmaker Martin Rowlands.

The second half would begin with Torquay earning a corner within 19 seconds of the restart after Shepherd Murombedzi saw his cross blocked, before Aldershot's Jake Gallagher headed wide from a Tom Richards free kick on 51. Both sides would continue to trade chances, with Torquay closest on several occasions in a second half which failed to live up to the first. Damon Lathrope came closest for the visitors, with his drive flashing wide of target in the closing minutes as the game petered out towards the end.

Reaction

Torquay United Manager Stuart Fairway spoke to BBC Radio Devon; "It's another win and another home one at that, so I'm pleased. We were comfortable today and it's a shame in a way we couldn't have turned that dominance into more goals."

Aldershot Town Manager Barry Smith spoke to BBC Radio Surrey; "I feel for the fans who have come down here, a very long way, to watch that. They are the ones who pay the players wages and they need to remember that. We offered very little today, and I'm going to need to make some changes in response to today"

[displaced_seagull]

Regarding Waide Fairhurst the news would not be good - Gareth confirming the striker was suffering from a sprained ankle, and would be out for the best part of 8 weeks. It was undoubtedly a blow, despite Waide's goalscoring drying up of late after a reasonably prolific start to the campaign. Robbie broached the subject of getting someone in on loan, which gave me something to think about on Sunday.

After noting that Shepherd Murombedzi had made the Non-League Paper's 'Team of the Week' on Sunday morning, Monday morning came round quickly enough, and after sitting down with Robbie and George in the kitroom, we talked through our options, and I'd come to my conclusion - we would stick with what we had. I asked Michelle to check the clauses on Tyrone Marsh , who we had sent out to Curzon Ashton ,and was pleased that she was able to confirm we had a 24-hour recall option should things get especially desperate, although Liam Prynn was another option, and, the main reason for my decision not to bring in another player - Austin Lipman was just over a week away from a return.

George was also able to give us an update on some players he had been looking at, with three of the several we discussed meriting further examination. Scott Tancock , a centre back from Merthyr Town , striker Dumebi Dumaka of Grays Athletic and Tyrell Miller-Rodney , currently with Canvey Island . There was also free agent Jordan Tapping , a 19-year old Scottish defender who had been spotted by Nathan Wannell . I asked George to keep an eye on the three of them over the coming month, whilst Jordan Tapping would be invited to spend two weeks at Plainmoor for us to run the rule over him.

www.bbc.co.uk/football - National League - 6/10/15

Torquay United 4 - Dover Athletic 1

Plainmoor - Referee; D Ford

Attendance 2,185

Torquay; Spiess, Hurst, Butler, MacDonald, Smith, Rowlands, Heslop ©, Latham, Murombedzi (Summerfield 61), Briscoe (Yeoman 83), Fisher

Unused Subs; Geohaghon, Lavercombe, Richards

Cards; MacDonald (Yellow)

Goalscorers; Fisher 2 (8, 29), Rowlands 2 (15, 38

Dover ; Raffery, Orlu, Raggett, Magri, Batt, Raymond, Kinnear (Ajala 82), Gower, Palmiero (Deverdics 45), Payne, Miller (Ofori-Acheampong)

Unused Subs; Walker, Thomas

Cards; None

Goalscorers; Payne (14)

Superb Torquay Smash Dover

Torquay United put in a superb performance this evening at Plainmoor to sent Dover on the long trip back eastwards in low spirits. The Gulls were quickest out of the blocks, with Martin Rowlands feeding Louis Briscoe, whose fierce shot on the turn was turned around the post for a corner by 'keeper Andy Rafferty. Torquay would take the lead soon after, with Alex Fisher netting on 8 minutes, the striker losing his marker in the area to turn in James Hurst's cross from close range. Up to this point the visitors had offered little, but within a minute, Stefan Payne would fire inches wide before Ricky Miller volleyed over. On 14 minutes this increasing pressure would result in a goal - as it would turn out the highlight of the evening for Dover - with Stefan Payne nodding home a near-post Damien Batt corner. Within a minute however, Torquay would retake the lead - after losing possession from the restart, Simon Heslop dispossed goalscorer Payne before working the ball forwards for Jamie Latham and Alex Fisher to combine well inside the Dover final third. Fisher played the ball across the edge of the area, into the path of Martin Rowlands ,who took a touch before rifling a stunning strike high into the roof of the net. As Torquay piled on the pressure, Shepherd Murombedzi headed a Fisher cross wide on 21, before grazing the crossbar from Hurst's cross on 27. The Gulls were rampant, and it was no surprise when a third followed on 28 - Murombedzi this time turning provider with a ball that unlocked the Dover defence, with Alex Fisher racing on to fire home. Perhaps the pick of the goals would come on 38 - after Martin Rowlands had seen his free kick headed clear, the veteran midfielder collected the loose ball before hitting a first-time piledriver of a shot which rocketed into the far corner of the net.

Dover were sent out early for the second half and instantly tried to work their way back into the game, with Mark Gower's shot blocked for a corner by Jamie Latham before Sean Raggett headed the resulting cross into the crowd. Torquay's best chance of a fifth came on the hour, with Rafferty saving well from Fisher, but neither side could force further chances of note with Sean Raggett and Nathan Smith both impressive at the back for the visitors and hosts respectively.

Reaction

Torquay United Manager Stuart Fairway spoke to BBC Radio Devon; "That's the one that has been coming for a while! - I feel for Dover a little as it is a long way to come to be beaten like that, but we have been threatening it for a few weeks now and I'm delighted that we got the goals to go with the win. I can't fault anyone tonight, we were terrific."

Dover Athletic Manager Chris Kinnear spoke to BBC Radio Kent; "When Stefan equalised after they had taken the lead I thought we might get something, but they simply blew us away with those three further goals before half time. I wasn't happy at half time, but to be fair to them the boys responded well to what we said, and I was pleased that we stopped them from adding to the score, but they are a decent outfit and will do well this season."

Just before he left the ground having completed his media commitments, visiting manager Chris Kinnear looked a broken man. I was to find out why when I heard on the radio on the way home that the result had seen his dismissal as manager of Dover Athletic , becoming the second manager of the season in the division to lose his job.

As I digested the slightly uncomfortable news that I - or my team at least - had been responsible for a good man losing his job on Wednesday morning, Ashley Yeoman popped in to the office to put pen to paper on the extension to his contract to see him up to the end of the season. The game would also see Martin Rowlands completing 15 for the season, meaning he would also sign a year's extension. I spoke to Martin after had signed, praising his superb performance and suggesting that, in the future, he may wish to look towards coaching. I had noted his natural ability in the area in training, and especially the way he guided teenagers Jamie Latham and Will Summerfield through the last game. Martin seemed pleased at my suggestion, promising to give it plenty of thought over the coming months.

Wednesday evening would see a defeat for England , who went down 1-0 to Mexico with Oribe Peralta scoring the only goal of a dour game in the 66th minute, whilst the following morning Jordan Tapping signed in to begin his two week trial spell with the club.

Saturday morning brought a very early start for all as we boarded the coach for the 280-mile journey to Southport - an unchanged side travelling after Austin Lipman had failed a Friday afternoon fitness test on his twisted knee, although the youngster would resume training after the weekend.

www.bbc.co.uk/football - National League - 10/10/15

Southport 4 - Torquay United 1

Haig Avenue - Referee; L Metcalfe

Attendance 967

Southport ; Coughlin, A Jones, Thompson, Wright, W Beesley, Schoenecker, G Jones © (Rutherford 13, Hartley 64), Blakeman, Lee (Joyce 64), Cameron, J Beesley

Unused Subs; Viscosi, Phenix

Cards; Wright (Yellow)

Goalscorers; Cameron (21), J Beesley (33), Blakeman (46), W Beesley (47)

Torquay; Spiess, Hurst, Butler, MacDonald, Smith, Rowlands, Heslop © (Richards 69), Latham, Murombedzi (Summerfield 69), Briscoe, Fisher

Unused Subs; Geohaghon, Lavercombe, Richards

Cards; MacDonald (Yellow)

Goalscorers; Briscoe (Pen 26)

Sandgrounders Stun Torquay

Southport looked to kick-start their stuttering season this afternoon after a shock 4-1 victory over high-flying Torquay United. Louis Briscoe headed wide for Torquay on 7 minutes before Southport saw captain Gary Jones limp off on 11 minutes, but the hosts began to win more possession, drawing a save from Fabian Spiess from an Andre Blakeman free kick on 19. On 21, following another free kick, they would take the lead - Jimmy Lee curling a free kick to the far post for Courtney Cameron to fire home on the half volley. Torquay's response was instant, with James Hurst earning a corner, but on 26 it would be a Jamie Latham pass into the box which set Louis Briscoe free. Just as he was about to pull the trigger, a clumsy lunge from Andrew Wright felled the Torquay frontman, who dusted himself off to beat Andy Coughlin from the spot. With both sides trying to get forward, it would be Southport who retook the lead on 33 minutes after Shepherd Murombedzi was caught in possession on half way. The hosts broke quickly, with Rutherford playing the ball long into space for Jake Beesley to run on and net from close range. Torquay twice drew saves from Andy Coughlin, with Simon Heslop and Martin Rowlands close, but would go in behind at the break.

The game turned immediatley after the interval - with Torquay pushing up Southport broke quickly, and within a minute of the restart added to their lead. The impressive Edouard Schoenecker won possession after dispossessing Alex Fisher, moving the ball quickly right for Paul Rutherford to send the ball into the area for Jake Beesley, who cut back for Andre Blackman to lash home from the edge of the box. The goal stunned Torquay, and within 45 seconds things got worse for the visitors when a sloppy pass from Briscoe was worked out to the right for Rutherford, who played in Jimmy Lee - his effort coming back off the post for Will Beesley to tap home a simple rebound. Torquay were in disarray, with their usual crisp passing game not working, and Jake Beesley could have added to the lead on 55 before Andy Coughlin reacted well to tip over from James Hurst on 63. With the hosts sitting back on their lead, content to allow Torquay possession in deep areas but closing down attempts to play the ball forward, the Gulls struggled to maintain momentum, and it would take until the 77th minute until Alex Fisher was able to break free, only to drag his shot wide. Southport hit the woodwork late on through Jack Hartley, and could have had another in injury time before referee Metcalfe ended a dismal afternoon for Torquay.

Reaction

Southport Manager Paul Carden spoke to BBC Radio Merseyside; "We deserved that - it was clinical. I'm delighted with the boys, and I hope that this will give us a massive boost, as it has proved to the players that they can do it if they put their minds to it and perform to the best of their ability."

Torquay United Manager Stuart Fairway spoke to BBC Radio Devon; "Individual errors cost us today - there were too many at crucial times. Southport played their game very well, but there is no getting away from the fact it was a bad day at the office for us. Winning is a habit though, and we need to bounce back from this quickly to go to Woking on Tuesday night"

[displaced_seagull]

As they sat in the changing room after the game the lads could have been forgiven for expecting the hairdryer treatment, however on this time it wouldn't come. Both Robbie and myself knew that we had been outplayed and - tactically - out thought by Southport, and it wasn't a nice feeling for anyone. Instead we spoke calmly - it had been a bad day at the office as I had told the radio, and we had the perfect chance to redeem ourselves on Tuesday evening.

At least England were able to lift our spirits with a dominant performance - but only a 1-0 win, which, I joked to Robbie, sounded familiar - against Slovenia , with Wayne Rooney shrugging off some indifferent club form to bag his 50th international goal. We arrived home late on Saturday, and I had already decided there would be no 'punishment' training with a game in midweek. Instead, the players were told to forget about the result, enjoy a day off, and come back in on Monday ready to win again. Robbie summed it up best, telling them that recent results had proved they had the ability - they just needed to have the belief that they could win games, especially after going behind.

Monday lunchtime, and whilst the players worked hard on the training ground - bolstered by the return of fit-again Austin Lipman and Oneil Odofin , back after his loan spell at Weymouth , although Louis Briscoe looked a little jaded and would be rested on Tuesday, Michelle rang my mobile to inform me that we had been drawn against Braintree Town at home in the Fourth Qualifying Round of the FA Cup . It was not an ideal draw, with Braintree just below us in the league and also in form. I knew Torquay had struggled in recent years in the Cup, and had hoped for lower-level opposition in this, my first year, but it was not to be, and if we were to have a run in the competition we would inevitably come up against strong sides anyway. Despite my pessimism, at least a home draw would give us the best possible chance.

www.bbc.co.uk/football - National League - 13/10/15

Woking 0 - Torquay United 1

Kingfield - Referee; M Coy

Attendance 1,689

Woking ; Cole, Bawling, Saah, Thomas, Tilney, Cannataro (Ricketts 57), Scott, Goddard (Burge 62), Andrade, Daniel, Rendell (Keohane 62)

Unused Subs; Hamann, Poku

Cards; Daniel (Yellow), Cannataro (Yellow), Burge (Yellow)

Goalscorers; None

Torquay; Spiess, Hurst, Butler, MacDonald, Smith, Rowlands (Yeoman 79), Heslop ©, Latham (Richards 70), Murombedzi (Summerfield 76), Lipman, Fisher

Unused Subs; Geohaghon, Lavercombe

Cards; MacDonald (Yellow), Heslop (Yellow)

Goalscorers; Fisher (78)

Cards Bore As Torquay Grab Late Win

A dire game of football at Kingfield on Tuesday night will hardly have inspired many amongst the 1,689-strong crowd, but it would be the small contingent from Devon who made the long journey home happy after a goal late in the second half saw the Gulls take all three points. A dreadful first half saw both sides register a chance apiece - Alex Fisher heading wide from James Hurst's cross for Torquay on 10 whilst Kristian Scott sent a weak effort straight at Fabien Spiess on 19. Both sides instead were limited by a series of niggly fouls, with Woking seeing Kadell Daniel and Alessandro Cannataro booked, as play frequently became bogged down in midfield and the gusting winds limited the threat of the more direct option.

The second half started in similar fashion, with Alex Fisher's hopeful shot from distance the first real action as late as the 56th minute. The hosts would then earn two corners, but Torquay defender Angus MacDonald found the delivery wanting, and twice cleared with ease. It was from another corner on 64 that the Cards had one of their best chances of the game, with Kristian Scott finding Jimmy Keohane, only for his near-post effort to fly the wrong side of the post. The winning goal as it proved came twelve minutes from time - Torquay breaking quickly with Simon Heslop intercepting a weak pass and finding the increasingly peripheral Austin Lipman, who released sub Courtney Richards with a ball into the right hand channel. Richards raced on, wrapping his foot around the ball to cross for Alex Fisher , the only other Torquay man inside the area, to score from close range. Far from opening up the game, the goal sent Torquay into their shells as they held on for a victory which, on the balance of play, was perhaps just about deserved, although they would survive a an injury time scare when Ben Tilney hooked wide.

Reaction

Woking Manager Garry Hill spoke to BBC Radio Surrey; "I think we managed two shots on target this afternoon and that tells it's own story. We were not good enough going forward, they sat deep and it blunted us. We need to be able to win ugly as well as playing good football, especially with the winter coming"

Torquay United Manager Stuart Fairway spoke to BBC Radio Devon; "It wasn't a great game but it was a great win, if that makes sense. Woking really hurt us at Plainmoor so to come here and grab the win is excellent, especially off the back of a thumping on Saturday. It was good to see Austin Lipman back involved, and he played his part with a great ball for the goal this evening"

Whilst we had been labouring to victory, England survived a scare in Vilnius, with Lithuania taking an early lead through Markus Palionis , before goals from Wayne Rooney, Raheem Sterling and Adam Lallana ensured victory. With te final qualification group games for Euro 2016 now wrapped up, there would be three of the 'Home Nations' at the finals in France, with Wales qualifying following victory in Cyprus despite Bosnia beating group winners Belgium . From Group C, Scotland went to Dublin and held the hosts to a 1-1 draw, meaning it is they who qualify automatically whilst Ireland face the lottery of the playoffs. Elsewhere, Netherlands, Iceland, Belgium, Spain, Ukraine, Germany, Switzerland, Romania, Finland, Sweden, Austria, Italy, Croatia, Denmark and Portugal qualify automatically, with the Irish joined in the playoffs by Czech Republic, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Slovakia, Slovenia, Greece, Russia, Norway and Serbia.

Tuesday night would also see dismissals - Saturday's opponents Grimsby disposing of Paul Hurst , whilst Adrian Pennock received his marching orders from the eco-friendly Forest Green Rovers Chairman Dale Vince . Of more pressing concern to me though was the 88th minute booking for Simon Heslop , his fifth of the season - meaning he would miss the visit of the now managerless Mariners, and force a midfield reshuffle.

It would be a late start for me on Wednesday morning, with the on-again, off-again saga of our move finally resolved now that some snagging work had been completed. We had been ready to move about a month ago, but there were some electrical issues with the place that we weren't happy with. Sal was especially pleased at finally being able to consider not having to live out of boxes, and the move was earmarked for Sunday - it's amazing how quickly estate agents can make things happen when the threat of losing a deal is dangled in front of them.

Domestic duties completed, I arrived at Plainmoor to find a message from Michelle that Truro City had been in touch. It was lucky I was sitting down when I returned the call to manager Steve Tully , a former Gulls player, who wanted to know if he could take Martin Rowlands on loan, as the proposal was so ridiculous that frankly it was laughable. I politely rejected the request nonetheless, although Robbie laughing in the background may have made Steve aware of exactly what we thought before I had completed my sentence.

www.bbc.co.uk/football - National League - 17/10/15

Torquay United 2 - Grimsby Town 2

Plainmoor - Referee; D Richardson

Attendance 2,319

Torquay; Spiess, Hurst, Butler, MacDonald, Smith, Rowlands © (Berry 80), Richards, Latham (Briscoe 74), Murombedzi (Yeoman 80), Lipman, Fisher

Unused Subs; Geohaghon, Lavercombe

Cards; MacDonald (Yellow)

Goalscorers; Murombedzi (28), Latham (44)

Grimsby ; McKeown, Gowling, Pearson, Jones, Sibbick (Marshall 67), Mackreth, Disley ©, Clay (Rudge 61), Monkhouse, Amond, Fallon (Pittman 61)

Unused Subs; Warrington, Brown

Cards; None

Goalscorers; Amond (30), Mackreth (41)

Gulls Miss Chance To Go Top As Tippett Stops Mariners Slump

Torquay United were held to a 2-2 draw at home against a Grimsby side under the temporary control of Caretaker Manager Ernie Tippett. Torquay, off the back of a morale-boosting if unconvincing win in midweek, pressed from the off, with Alex Fisher seeing an effort blocked in the third minute before forcing a save from James McKeown with a header from Martin Rowlands' cross on 19. Grimsby too would threaten in the early exchanges, with Tippett favouring a direct approach based around balls towards tall frontman Rory Fallon - captain Craig Disley firing over whilst Fallon saw a header go wide. On 28 though it would be Torquay's more subtle methods which gave them the lead - Jamie Latham combining well with James Hurst to play Martin Rowlands in down the right hand side of the box, his cross putting the ball on a plate for Shepherd Murombedzi to tap in his fifth of the season at the far post. The reply was almost instantaneous - Disley's long ball, Fallon's lay off and Andy Monkhouse's cross volleyed home by the carelessly unmarked Padraig Amond to draw the Mariners level on the half hour. Four minutes from the interval it would be the visitors who took the lead for the first time, and with an excellent goal at that, as Jack Mackreth , in space wide on the right, netted from almost half way after spotting 'keeper Fabian Spiess off his line, an instinctive, dipping effort which nestled into the corner of the net leaving the young German a little embarrassed. His blushes would be spared though on 44, with Torquay midfielder Jamie Latham completing a move he had started with a fine finish from the edge of the area after a one-two with James Hurst on the overlap had opened up a gap in the Grimsby defence.

It was even at the break, but both sides took their time to get going in the second half before Jack Mackreth's volley was turned wide by Spiess and Rory Fallon powered a header over from the resulting corner. Torquay would see James Hurst hit the crossbar before Austin Lipman saw an effort chalked off for offside on 64. As the tempo seemed to go out of the game late on, Torquay would have a final chance through young Austin Lipman, his movement taking him beyond the defence to meet a well weighted pass from Alex Fisher, only for Lipman to fail to connect properly, James McKeown making a comfortable save.

Reaction

Torquay United Manager spoke to BBC Radio Devon; "You could say that it is two points dropped, but I don't think that's entirely fair - Grimsby did well today after a difficult few weeks for them. Remember at the start of the season we went up there and got a 0-0 draw when they were second in the league, so they are certainly no pushovers and I'm reasonably happy with a point this afternoon"

Grimsby Town Caretaker Manager Ernie Tippett spoke to BBC Humberside; "We wanted to stop the rot today and whilst it is only a point, hopefully we have done that after losing the last three. We took our chances well and it was good to see us at least having a good go at them this afternoon - it's my job to get the morale back up so that when the new manager comes in he will at least have a fighting chance".

[displaced_seagull]

It would be all hands on deck on Sunday morning as Robbie and Fitness Coach Paul Gillingham kindly offered to help the Fairways move in to our new house. Robbie's experience - as it had been since I'd arrived at the club - was particularly invaluable, showing us several shortcuts through residential roads which avoided the main route into town and saved us a lot of time. Being involved in football has meant that we have moved several times in the past, and Sal's mantra of 'get the kids rooms done first' was again applied. Having Robbie and Paul around meant that the van was quickly loaded, although quite how we had managed to accumulate so much 'stuff' in the relatively short time we had been in Torquay was something that amazed me.

By early afternoon, everything was in, if not in place, and Messers Herrera and Gillingham departed having wished us all the best. I'd taken a day off on Monday to help get things sorted at home, though Robbie would have me on call should I be required. By the time the evening came around - after the traditional moving day takeaway - we were both exhausted and ready for bed.

The following day seemed a blur of moving things from one side of rooms to the other as we got our layout sorted, as well as several trips to various shops to pick up minor items which were required. Whoever had the place before us had taken the battery out of the doorbell as well as a lightbulb out of the cupboard under the stairs. Tightness, it seems, knows no bounds.

With the domestic arrangements now looking a little better, I set off for work on Tuesday morning in good spirits. Robbie greeted me with a coffee and several messages, the most pertinent being that Dorchester Town wanted to take Will Hancox on loan for three months, and would cover his wages to boot. As we had tried to loan Will out at the start of the season to no avail, I jumped at the opportunity, as did Will who seemed delighted at the prospect of first team football. Robbie updated me on the other happenings from around the League as I savoured my coffee and the first real chance I'd had in three days to sit down for longer than a couple of minutes, with Craig Fleming taking his first managerial role at Dover Athletic the big news from Sunday's Non-League Paper .

The rest of the week would go relatively quietly and quickly as we settled into our new home and at the club, Will Hancox agreed his loan switch with Weymouth also seeing an offer accepted to take Oneil Odofin for a further month.

www.bbc.co.uk/football - FA Cup - 24/10/15

Torquay United 3 - Braintree Town 1

Plainmoor - Referee; S Burt

Attendance 2,462

Torquay; Spiess, Hurst, Butler, MacDonald, Smith, Rowlands (Briscoe 71), Heslop ©, Latham, Murombedzi (Summerfield 71), Lipman, Fisher (Yeoman 78)

Unused Subs; Geohaghon, Lavercombe, Richards, Berry

Cards; None

Goalscorers; Lipman 2 (11, 55) Fisher (40)

Braintree ; Norris, Walker, Miller (Phillips 73), Paine, Habergham, Isaac, Woodyard, Miles (Strutton 55), Cole, Akinola (Edgar 78), Doidge

Unused Subs; McDonald, Clerima, Cheek, Mallet [/i]

Cards; None

Goalscorers; OG (Spiess 2)

Lipman Brace Sees Gulls Soar

Torquay United bounced back after going behind early on to reach the First Round of the FA Cup by seeing off Braintree 3-1 at Plainmoor. On a wet and blustery afternoon in Devon the weather certainly played the part in an embbarasing opening goal for Braintree, with Simeon Akinola shooting from distance after Christian Doidge had nodded on a long ball, only for the ball to come back off the bar. As Fabien Spiess went to gather, the 'keeper spilt the slippery ball which bounced over the line. It was not the start Torquay wanted, but with their largest home crowd of the season at Plainmoor, the Gulls saw Alex Fisher come close on 10, before a minute later they would draw level. James Hurst's throw was returned to the fullback by Martin Rowlands, and from his cross Austin Lipman volleyed home at the near post. The hosts were then in the ascendancy, with Will Norris making an excellent save to deny Lipman on 32 before Shepherd Murombedzi's half-volley was blocked on 35. The second goal came on the 40 minute mark with Austin Lipman collecting Sam Habergham's rushed clearance to cross for Alex Fisher to head in off the upright.

The Gulls would start the second half as they finished the first, and on 55 Dan Butler's cross was headed powerfully goalwards by James Hurst, the ball crashing off the post into the path of Austin Lipman who could hardly miss from yards out. A rare Braintree foray saw Chez Issac's effort blocked by Nathan Smith on 64, before Alex Woodyard, industrious as always in midfield, shot wide from the edge of the box. Torquay were always in control, and could afford Will Summerfield's wasteful finish from Hurst's cross on 84, the ball skidding wide of target - and will be pleased to take their place in the First Round after two exits at this stage in the last two seasons.

Reaction

Torquay United Manager Stuart Fairway spoke to BBC Radio Devon; "I'm delighted with the result. We were clinical in and around the area this afternoon and to get a win in the Cup will be a big boost to everyone."

Braintree Town Manager Danny Cowley spoke to BBC Radio Essex; "We got the early goal but then didn't push on, and I'm disappointed. They made us look ordinary, with all the goals coming from out wide, and we'll have to work on defending after this. The FA Cup is a special competition, and we all wanted a run, but at least it does mean we will be able to fully focus on the League as we head into an important stage of the season".

[displaced_seagull]

The £12,500 prize money would come in very handy, but from a personal point of view I was delighted to have achieved one of my targets for the season before the end of October. Way back in the summer when I first sat down with David Phillips ,he had told me that the Board expected the club to reach the First Round proper of the Cup, and after the draw had pitted us against Braintree, I was concerned that we may struggle to do it. Now we were there, and could begin to dream of who our opponents would be in Monday's draw.

Perusing the other results in the Non-League Paper on Sunday morning, it was clear that, whilst it was a great one for us, our victory hadn't been considered a shock - certainly not in the same league as Ryman South Sittingbourne who , thanks to a hatrick from Andrew Osei-Siribour , had seen off National League South opposition in the shape of Oxford City . There was also joy for Burgess Hill , who beat Chelmsford City , and Northern Premier Colwyn Bay who held Tranmere Rovers to a 1-1 draw.

The First Round draw took place on Monday evening, and Robbie popped round to watch it with me. We had to wait until midway through the draw before being pulled out of the (proverbial, these days) hat, but when we did it was first - meaning a home tie. Southend United would be the visitors to Plainmoor - League One opposition. Within minutes the mobile rang, with the ever-diligent Sam Summers of BBC Radio Devon ringing for my reaction for the breakfast sports bulletins. Tough but a challenge we would relish was the general gist.

The players, for their part, seemed excited at the prospect on Tuesday morning, with the game scheduled for the weekend after next. There had been a suggestion that we would be considered as a televised game, but when they were announced on Wednesday, we found ourselves not amongst them, so a traditional 3pm Saturday kickoff would hopefully see a decent crowd.

On Wednesday the big news in the division was the appointment of Steve Burr as Grimsby Town manager after the 54 year old left Chester City to take the post at Blundell Park. Closer to home, the big news was not so positive, with Jamie Latham straining stomach muscles during weight training at the gym on Thursday afternoon. Gareth advised he would be out for around 6 weeks, which would mean yet another reshuffle in the middle of the park.

www.bbc.co.uk/football - National League - 31/10/15

Altrincham 2 - Torquay United 2

Moss Lane - Referee; R Johnson

Attendance 1,384

Altrincham ; Roberts, Densmore ©, Leather, Greaves, Griffin, Dearnley (Crowther 58), Gill (O'Keefe 65), Sinnott, Clee, Reeves (Lawrie 11), Bowerman

Unused Subs; Coburn, Havern

Cards; None

Goalscorers; Bowerman 2 (1, 36)

Torquay; Spiess, Hurst, Butler, MacDonald, Smith, Rowlands, Heslop © (Richards 83), Summerfield, Murombedzi (Briscoe 75), Lipman, Fisher

Unused Subs; Geohaghan, Lavercombe, Yeoman

Cards; None

Goalscorers; Fisher 2 (39, 47)

Sinnott's Halloween Horror As Robins Throw Away 2 Goal Lead

Altrincham manager Lee Sinnott blasted his side after seeing the Robins throw away a two goal lead to draw at home against fellow high-flyers Torquay. Altrincham bossed the game early on, taking the lead inside the first minute when George Bowerman turned in Nicky Clee's deflected free kick from close range. Zac Dearnley would fire wide from distance, but an injury to Damien Reeves, which resulted in a lengthy delay with the striker sustaining a head injury, seemed to disrupt the flow of the game. Torquay improved after play resumed, with Austin Lipman, Will Summerfield and Shepherd Murombedzi building down the left, only for the winger to overhit his cross. The visitors would also see Martin Rowlands fire wide from a free kick after Luke Greaves had clattered Austin Lipman, but on 35 minutes a Torquay corner was quickly cleared long, Shaun Densmore finding Zak Dearnley, who crossed for an unmarked George Bowerman to sidefoot home. Torquay's response was instant, and on 39 minutes Alex Fisher converted his first real chance of the afternoon, powerfully heading home James Hurst's right wing cross to give the Gulls a glimmer of hope.

Torquay, who were sent out early for the second half by manager Stuart Fairway, exploded out of the blocks after the break and within a minute, earnt a corner which was headed behind for a second set piece opportunity. This time Martin Rowlands clipped the ball into the six yard box where Alex Fisher prodded home after his initial effort had come back off the crossbar. At the other end, Fabien Spiess was immediatley called into action to deny the impressive Bowerman a hatrick with a flying save from a header, whilst on 61 'keeper Luke Roberts could only parry Alex Fisher's left-footed half-volley. With Torquay finding it difficult to break down a hard-working Alty defence, sub Ryan Crowther fired a good chance over for the hosts on 78 before James Lawrie saw his header held in injury time - leaving Sinnott fuming.

Reaction

Altrincham Manager Lee Sinnott spoke to BBC Radio Manchester; "That is most definatley two points dropped, for 80 minutes of the game they weren't in the game, and I am not at all happy. When George scored the second, I thought we could be in for a big score, but we switched off twice to let them back into it."

Torquay United Manager Stuart Fairway spoke to BBC Radio Devon; "I can't deny that I'm happy to come away with a point after our play in the early part of the game. They were at us all the time, they didn't let us settle on the ball and I think some of our younger players found it a little intimidating. It's a long way to go home empty handed though, and the point keeps us second, so I see it as one gained and some lessons to learn about how we approach games like this."

[displaced_seagull]

Robbie popped his head around my office door early on Monday morning to bring news of the Monthly awards, with Martin Rowlands earning third place in 'Goal of the Month' for his brilliant strike against Dover to go alongside a deserved mention in the Non-League Paper's Team of the Week for two-goal Alex Fisher . He also informed me that David Thompson had been given the Forest Green Rovers job, which led to a brief period of reminiscing for the pair of us, remembering Thompson's days as an exciting prospect with Liverpool back in those heady days of the '90s when Robbie was a regular with Fulham and I, I somewhat sheepishly admitted, was still at school. The march of time stops for no man.

Monday would also see my monthly meeting with the Chairman. He greeted Robbie and I with a beaming smile, proclaiming that he and his fellow directors were delighted with the team's performance over the past month. Taking advantage of this good mood, I decided it was time to continue our 'Academy by the back door' approach, and asked David if the Junior Coaching budget could be improved, and also if Grant Marsh could have a little more available to spend on training nights for talented local youngsters with the aim of recruiting them to the club. The Chairman didn't baulk at my request, and agreed to both, much to our delight.

It was the perfect boost ahead of Saturday's big FA Cup game, and that would only continue with excitement ahead of the visit of League One opposition adding an extra zip to training performances, with everyone keen to earn a place in the side - or on the enlarged bench for the fringe players. It would be similar for Roy Hodgson , who called up Spurs fullback Kieran Trippier into the England squad for the friendlies against Israel and Ukraine , as well as naming several capped but hardly experienced internationals in the squad for the two games.

www.bbc.co.uk/football - National League - 7/11/15

Torquay United - Southend United

Plainmoor - Referee; C Boyeson

Attendance 5,670

Torquay; Spiess, Hurst, Butler, MacDonald, Smith (Geohaghan 69), Briscoe, Heslop ©, Rowlands (Richards 77), Murombedzi, Lipman, Fisher

Unused Subs; Lavercombe, Summerfield, Yeoman, Berry, Prynn

Cards; Smith (Yellow), Butler (Yellow), Geohaghan (Yellow)

Goalscorers; Briscoe (Pen 17), Fisher (66), Murombedzi (90+1)

Southend ; Bentley, O'Neill, Bolger, Rea, Coker, Worrall (Timlin 56), Leonard, Wordsworth (Harrison 61), McLaughlin, Mooney (Deegan 63)

Unused Subs; Smith, Thompson, White, Howe

Cards; None

Goalscorers; Mooney (6), Hunt 2 (69, 81)

Gulls Earn Replay In Cup Thriller

A bumper Plainmoor crowd of over 5,600 saw the hosts earn a replay against League One Southend United after an entertaining 3-3 draw on Saturday afternoon. After a quiet first few minutes with both sides feeling each other out, Steven McLaughlin's cross from deep on the left saw David Mooney burst through to volley home from close range. The early goal quietened the home support, but after Fabian Spiess had held from Noel Hunt on 11, it would be Torquay who struck next when Austin Lipman was caught with a high foot from Glen Rea inside the area, and Louis Briscoe smashed home from the penalty spot. Although Torquay enjoyed plenty of possession in their own half, they struggled to break forward, and Southend would have several chances including one for Ryan Leonard who saw an effort come back off the crossbar and Glen Rea, who headed wide from close range.

Southend started the second half on the front foot, with Ryan Leonard outpacing Shepherd Murombedzi to cross for David Mooney to head over on 46, before the striker saw his speculative effort from distance blocked by Simon Heslop. The pace and tempo of Southend seemed to cause big problems for the hosts, although on 63 Shepherd Murombedzi drew a flying save from Daniel Bentley at the other end. Torquay were by now hanging on gamely, but there would be a twist in the tale - on 66, Dan Butler's throw was well worked inside, with Shepherd Murombedzi playing a fine slide-rule pass in behind the Shrimpers defence for Alex Fisher to net from an acute angle at the near post. The relief and joy was clear to see on the faces of the Torquay players as the began to contemplate a famous victory, but this joy would be short-lived when shoddy marking saw Noel Hunt plant a free header from McLaughlin's free kick beyond Fabien Spiess just three minutes later. Southend would throw men forward in a bid to capitalise on what appeared a body blow for Torquay, with Hunt and Timlin both close before an 80th minute free kick led for another opportunity for Steven McLaughlin to cross, and this time Noel Hunt headed just inside the far post after outjumping Dan Butler. With nothing to lose Torquay began to play with more freedom, and on 85 won a corner which sub Exodus Geohaghon headed just wide whilst Ryan Leonard reacted bravely to block a half-volley from Courtney Richards. Just as it seemed time was against Torquay, another corner in the first minute of added time saw Coker head away from Dan Butler. Torquay worked the ball back to the left, with Louis Briscoe finding Dan Butler, who centred for Shepherd Murombedzi to lash home from close range. Torquay would survive a late scare when Shayon Harrison shot wide from distance, but will be delighted at the prospect of another shot at their League One opponents at Roots Hall.

Reaction

Torquay United Manager Stuart Fairway spoke to BBC Radio Devon; "We rode our luck at times but we also scored three times against a side two divisions above us - I'm delighted. It's almost a shame we had them at home first, because I would fancy us in another game here at Plainmoor. The crowd were fantastic, and I hope those who came for the first time this season enjoyed it, because to play in front of that sort of crowd at home was fantastic for the boys."

Southend Manager Phil Brown spoke to BBC Radio Essex; "We said before the game that we wanted to get the job done today, so obviously I am disappointed that we failed to do that, especially having led twice. To be fair though they played out of their skins and they never gave up, although the penalty looked harsh from where I was standing. We'll have to be professional in the replay though because they will see us as a big scalp and I think we saw that today from the amount of people who came."

[tenthreeleader]

Getting a replay is a fine accomplishment here. Now go and take a share of that away gate and finish the job

[displaced_seagull]

Thanks 10-3 - certainly the equaliser was no less than we deserved!

Saturday teatime passed in a blur of interviews, with the BBC TV cameras at the game to capture footage for the highlights show - but there was genuine delight in the changing room after the game, with Robbie and I heaping praise on the players for bouncing back and snatching a draw right at the end. Whilst we had been preparing for the game Everton had defeated Manchester United in the early Premier League kickoff, and it would be this game which brought the biggest talking point of the afternoon, as after it, Louis Van Gaal was 'moved upstairs' to a position of Director Of Football at Old Trafford, stepping down as manager to be, temporarily at least, by United legend Ryan Giggs . The FA Cup would also throw up its usual mix of shocks and surprises, with Tranmere Rovers knocking League One Peterborough out of the venerable old competition and Bradford Park Avenue shocking Stevenage Borough .

Sunday's Non-League Paper made interesting reading, with the neutral report even suggesting that we should have taken our chances and seen off Southend, something which I felt was a little harsh. We trained on Monday, with another big game - against league leaders Wrexham - on Tuesday night, although the big news came in the evening, with Robbie visiting Chez Fairway this time to watch the draw live on TV. It would be another - arguably bigger - big game if we were to get through, with Oldham Athletic , a top flight side when I was growing up - visiting Plainmoor. David Dunn's side sit 9th in League One and saw off Doncaster Rovers in the First Round.

The 'First v Second' clash on Tuesday evening was enough to attract some national press interest, in the shape of the Non-League Paper , to join the usual pre-game press conference which usually consisted of me talking to BBC Radio Devon and the Torquay Herald Express , with Les Roberts asking some sensible questions. Whilst I understand the media have a job to do, I've never been too keen on revealing my deepest thoughts before a game, so Les got several answers which even I realised were banal and 'sitting on the fence'. He seemed happy enough though, as did the Chairman, who remarked to me that it was nice to see people taking an interest in the club again after a fair few years in the doldrums.

www.bbc.co.uk/football - National League - 10/11/15

Torquay United 2 - Wrexham 1

Plainmoor - Referee; M McLaughlin

Attendance 2,015

Torquay; Spiess, Hurst, Butler, MacDonald, Smith, Briscoe (Summerfield 63), Heslop ©, Rowlands (Richards 63), Murombedzi (Yeoman 72), Lipman, Fisher

Unused Subs; Geohaghon, Lavercombe

Cards; MacDonald (Yellow)

Goalscorers; OG (Smith 9), Murombedzi (29)

Wrexham ; Sutherland, Carrington (Fraser 62), Smith, Hudson, Newton, Saunders, Evans (White 51), Logan, Vose, Banya (Moke 57), Jennings

Unused Subs; Belford, Gray

Cards; None

Goalscorers; Jennings (51)

First Half Goals Send Torquay Joint Top

Wrexham will tonight hold on to their top spot in the National League - but only on goal difference after falling to a 2-1 defeat against Torquay United. After a cagey opening, Austin Lipman saw his volley blocked on 8 minutes before Torquay earnt a corner from the resulting clearance behind. Martin Rowlands clipped an effort into the area for the unmarked Louis Briscoe to shoot goalwards, his shot well saved by Jonny Sutherland, but as Shepherd Murombedzi shaped to fire goalwards, defender Manny Smith nicked the ball away from the winger, only to see it roll agonisingly over the line. It was the perfect start for the Gulls, and on 11 Alex Fisher could have added to the score, only to drag his shot into the side netting from a tight angle. Martin Rowlands fired wide on 20, but on 29 Torquay would double their lead when Shepherd Murombedzi broke onto the loose ball after Alex Fisher was blocked on the edge of the area, keeping his cool to steer beyond the advancing Sutherland into the corner of the net. With drizzle swirling around Plainmoor, Sutherland would make another good save to deny James Hurst before, at the other end, a Wrexham break saw Joel Logan fire wide.

Torquay started the second half with Louis Briscoe drawing another save from the impressive Jonny Sutherland, but on 51 Fabien Spiess was forced to tip over Charles Banya's shot on the turn. From the resulting corner, which Banya took himself, Angus MacDonald was only able to block the shot from Rob Evans, with Connor Jennings prodding home the loose ball. After appearing briefly stunned given their dominance, Torquay soon came close to hitting back through Austin Lipman, who saw Sutherland rush out to smother his shot, whilst Alex Fisher screwed wide of target on 61 when well placed. As Wrexham made changes in a bid to get back into the game, sub Adriano Moke came closet with a 75th minute header, before Fabien Spiess held from Matthew Saunders. The Gulls, however, remained strongest, and will surely take great comfort from this important victory.

Reaction

Torquay United Manager Stuart Fairway spoke to BBC Radio Devon; "I'm delighted with the performance tonight. It wasn't the easiest pitch for our passing game, but we adapted better to the conditions than they did - the 'keeper was magnificent, he pulled off some great saves and if it wasn't for him, I think we would have been a lot more comfortable. The only downside for me is the booking for big Angus, which will mean a suspension"

Wrexham Manager Gary Mills spoke to BBC Radio Wales; "We bottled it. No further comment."

Vanarama National League Table Up To & Including 10th November 2015

| Pos  | Inf     | Team          | Pld   | Won   | Drn   | Lst   | For   | Ag    | GD    | Pts   |                                                                                                               | 
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 1st  |         | Wrexham       | 20    | 11    | 4     | 5     | 38    | 22    | 16    | 37    | 
| ------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------| 
[color=blue][b] | 2nd |         | Torquay       | 20    | 10    | 7     | 3     | 29    | 21    | 8     | 37    |  [/b][/color]
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 3rd    |       | Braintree     | 20    | 10    | 6     | 4     | 24    | 18    | 6     | 36    | 
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 4th    |       | Altrincham    | 20    | 9     | 5     | 6     | 39    | 28    | 11    | 32    | 
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 5th    |       | Gateshead     | 20    | 9     | 5     | 6     | 31    | 24    | 7     | 32    | 
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 6th    |       | Barrow        | 20    | 9     | 5     | 6     | 34    | 32    | 2     | 32    | 
| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------| 
| 7th    |       | Cheltenham    | 19    | 8     | 7     | 4     | 29    | 24    | 5     | 31    | 
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 8th    |       | Eastleigh     | 19    | 8     | 4     | 7     | 29    | 22    | 7     | 28    | 
| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------| 
| 9th    |       | Chester       | 20    | 7     | 7     | 6     | 25    | 22    | 3     | 28    | 
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 10th   |       | Boreham Wood  | 20    | 7     | 6     | 7     | 18    | 15    | 3     | 27    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------   ---------------------------------| 
| 11th   |       | Welling       | 20    | 7     | 6     | 7     | 26    | 27    | -1    | 27    | 
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 12th   |       | Kidderminster | 20    | 7     | 6     | 7     | 25    | 26    | -1    | 27    | 
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 13th   |       | Woking        | 19    | 6     | 8     | 5     | 23    | 19    | 4     | 26    | 
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 14th   |       | Southport     | 19    | 7     | 5     | 7     | 23    | 22    | 1     | 26    | 
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 15th   |       | Tranmere      | 19    | 7     | 3     | 9     | 24    | 28    | -4    | 24    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 16th   |       | Guiseley      | 19    | 6     | 6     | 7     | 16    | 26    | -10   | 24    | 
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 17th   |       | Aldershot     | 20    | 6     | 5     | 9     | 22    | 24    | -2    | 23    | 
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 18th   |       | Grimsby       | 20    | 6     | 5     | 9     | 24    | 27    | -3    | 23    |
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 19th   |       | Bromley       | 20    | 6     | 4     | 10    | 24    | 26    | -2    | 22    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 20th   |       | Lincoln       | 19    | 5     | 7     | 7     | 26    | 32    | -6    | 22    | 
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 21st   |       | Dover         | 20    | 4     | 9     | 7     | 27    | 34    | -7    | 21    | 
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 22nd  |        | Forest Green  | 20    | 6     | 1     | 13    | 19    | 37    | -18   | 19  | 
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 23rd  |        | FC Halifax    | 19    | 3     | 9     | 7     | 13    | 23    | -10   | 18    | 
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 
| 24th  |        | Macclesfield  | 20    | 3     | 8     | 9     | 14    | 23    | -9    | 17    | 
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| 

Wednesday mornings reflections on the game were overwhelmingly positive, with just that ban for Angus MacDonald casting a shadow over preperations for Saturday's long trip to Barrow . Given that it was a six-hour drive, the Chairman had again arranged for an overnight stay which would be most welcome - the decision now was who to take with us with the need for at least one change.

Elsewhere, Tuesday evening had seen the end of John Askey's long reign as Macclesfield Town manager, the former Silkmen midfielder dismissed after a dismal run which had seen his side fall to the foot of the table. England , meanwhile, continued their good form of late, albeit in a meaningless international friendly away in Ukraine where Theo Walcott, Adam Lallana and Daniel Sturridge were on target in a 3-1 victory which saw Roman Bezus net for the hosts.

Speaking to Gareth Law , it was decided that Waide Fairhurst would travel with a fitness test to be carried out on Saturday morning if required. We would also bring Durrell Berry back into the travelling party with Oneil Odofin out on loan. Friday's journey was uneventful, and we arrived in time to watch England record their second win in a week, although they had to come from behind after Toto Tamuz put Israel ahead on 15 minutes, with Ross Barkley equalising two minutes later and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain scoring a second-half winner.

www.bbc.co.uk/football - National League - 14/11/15

Barrow 2 - Torquay United 0

Holker Street - Referee; D Cook

Attendance 1,626

Barrow ; Dixon, Richards (McConnell 83), Carter, Moore-Taylor, Wyatt, Haworth (Symington 65), Pilkington, Mellor, Thomas, Cook (Rodgers 62), Grimes

Unused Subs; Taylor, Livesey

Cards; None

Goalscorers; Grimes (40), Rodgers (66)

Torquay; Spiess, Hurst, Butler, Geohaghon, Smith, Briscoe (Summerfield 70), Heslop ©, Rowlands (Richards 85), Murombedzi (Yeoman 70), Lipman, Fisher

Unused Subs; Berry, Lavercombe

Cards; Geohaghon (Yellow)

Goalscorers; None

Barrow Upset Odds To Beat Torquay

Barrow remain unbeaten at home this season after a 2-0 victory over Torquay United. Off the back of a 4-1 win in midweek, the hosts were quickest out of the blocks, with Andy Howarth heading over early on before Andy Cook headed inches wide from Ashley Grimes' cross on 15. Torquay would have to wait until the 25th minute for their first real chance, with Martin Rowlands releasing Austin Lipman, who saw 'keeper Dixon turn his effort around the post. After their slow start, the visitors slowly got into the game, with Jordan Richards heading off the line for Barrow before Austin Lipman volleyed wide. It was then somewhat against the run of play when, on 40, Pilkington and Howarth combined to free Richards down the Torquay left, his cross picking out Ashley Grimes who made no mistake at the far post. Immediatley Torquay tried to strike back, with Dixon twice saving from Alex Fisher before half time, before a David Mellor free kick brushed the post on its way wide.

Torquay continued to create chances after the break, but they were increasingly efforts from distance, with Barrow winning more of the possession higher up the park, denying Torquay the space they needed to carve out a decent opportunity for the increasingly frustrated Fisher. On 52 Andy Cook was set free with just Speiss to beat, but could only shoot wide, but on 66 Nathan Thomas crossed from deep for substitute Luke Rodgers to head home. Torquay would create a better effort on the 70th minute mark, Ashley Yeoman shooting weakly when well placed, but Barrow increasingly turned the screw with George Pilkington and Jordan Moore-Taylor close and will move within five points of the league.

Reaction

Barrow Manager Darren Edmondson spoke to BBC Radio Cumbria; "I'm really pleased with the performance. We wanted to turn Holker Street into a fortress, and we certainly have done that so far - we just need to keep it up throughout the season and if we do, we can surprise a few people"

Torquay United Manager Stuart Fairway spoke to BBC Radio Devon; "It's a long way to come but we prepared properly by staying overnight, so I can't blame todays result on the journey. We were simply second best, although the stats will say we had more chances, in all honesty there were times when we just seemed to be shooting from anywhere. It's our first defeat in a while though, and we've got a few days before the Cup replay to get over this and get back the right attitude to go to Southend and do something special."

[displaced_seagull]

There was no doubt about it, the result was a blow, and my mood wasn't improved by learning that Wrexham had again moved three points clear at the top of the table - in effect undoing our hard work on Tuesday night.

Waide Fairhurst would be back in training on Monday morning after his return from an ankle injury, although his former club would face FA Cup embarrasment on Tuesday evening with Northern Premier Skelmersdale United dumping Macclesfield out of the competition to earn a home tie against Fleetwood or Sheffield United in the Second Round.

www.bbc.co.uk/football - FA Cup - 22/11/15

Southend United 1 - Torquay United 0

Roots Hall - Referee; C Kavanagh

Attendance 4,041

Southend ; Bentley, O'Neill (White 69), Bolger, Rea, Coker, Worrall (64), Leonard, Deegan (64), Wordsworth, Mooney, Hunt

Unused Subs; Smith, Howe, Thompson, Harrison

Cards; None

Goalscorers; Mooney (45)

Torquay; Spiess, Hurst, Butler, MacDonald, Smith, Briscoe (Berry 76), Heslop ©, Rowlands (Richards 65), Murombedzi (Fairhurst 65), Lipman, Fisher

Unused Subs; Geohaghon, Lavercombe, Summerfield, Yeoman

Cards; MacDonald (Yellow), Heslop (Yellow)

Goalscorers; None

Mooney The Hero As Shrimpers Progress

David Mooney scored the only goal of tonight's First Round FA Cup Replay to send Southend United into the Second Round at the expense of National League Torquay United. The Shrimpers dominated the early exchanges with David Mooney heading wide inside the first minute before Gary Deegan drew a smart save from Fabien Spiess. Despite the early pressure though Torquay did get the ball in the net first, with a close range finish from Shepherd Murombedzi after James Hurst had crossed ruled out for offside on 6 minutes. Chances would be few and far between after that early opportunity for the visitors however, with Murombedzi flagged offside on more than one occasion as Southend pushed up. Fabien Spiess was again forced into action on 38, pushing away a Mooney effort, before chances for Anthony Wordsworth and Ryan Leonard. The only goal of the game would come on the stroke of half time, when Ryan Leonard's searching pass found Noel Hunt, who had drifted wide to escape the attention of his marker, the Irishman crossing for David Mooney to lash home at the far post after Dan Butler had slipped.

The second half proved a quieter affair, although Shepherd Murombedzi shot over from distance almost instantly before Nathan Smith's superb sliding challenge inside the area was just enough to nick the ball away from David Mooney on 59. Torquay's best chance would come on 61, when Louis Briscoe was able to shake off the attentions of his fullback to find Alex Fisher in the area, only for the striker to head over when he perhaps could have done better. The woodwork would come to Torquay's aid on 72, denying Noel Hunt from close range, whilst Torquay, despite working hard and winning plenty of possession in the middle of the park, struggled to stretch Southend and open up gaps. Louis Briscoe was helped from the field on 74 following a knock which would hinder the Gulls cause further, although aside from a Hunt volley on 87 which grazed the crossbar, the hosts offered little further going forward themselves, and will need to perform better against Oldham at Boundary Park if they are to reach the Third Round.

Reaction

Southend United Manager Phil Brown spoke to BBC Radio Essex; "I'm pleased we've got the win. We had to work hard at times, but our quality told, although Torquay deserve credit because they came here to play football rather than kick us unlike some teams we have played in the past. We learnt our lessons from the first game and shut them down very well, I'm very pleased with the midfield who covered a lot of ground tonight."

Torquay United Manager Stuart Fairway spoke to BBC Radio Devon; "It was always likely to be tough, coming here in a replay, but I think we can leave with our heads held high. They forced us to play through the middle, and we fell into that trap a little, as we struggled to get the fullbacks involved in the game, but on the whole I can't be too disheartened. It was good to get Waide Fairhurst back involved for the last 15 as I feel we have missed him on occasion recently."

The long journey home saw reasonable spirits, given the circumstances, although Louis Briscoe was a little quiet following an accidental boot to the head which caused Gareth Law to keep him under regular observation. A big bruise aside, however, there didn't seem to be any permanent damage, although Gareth reminded me that the new FA regulations meant he would be out for around 10 days.

After arriving home in the small hours of Thursday morning, we decided to allocate Thursday as a rest day. Whilst it was the only sensible option, it did mean preperation time for the visit of Lincoln City on Saturday would be limited, with a kitroom chat between the management team only deciding on the replacement for the injured Briscoe as late as Friday teatime.

www.bbc.co.uk/football - National League - 21/11/15

Torquay United 1 - Lincoln City 0

Plainmoor - Referee; K Parker

Attendance 2,125

Torquay; Spiess, Hurst, Butler, MacDonald (Geohaghan 63), Smith, Rowlands, Heslop © (Richards 31), Summerfield, Murombedzi (Fairhurst 77), Lipman, Fisher

Unused Subs; Lavercombe, Yeoman

Cards; None

Goalscorers; Fairhurst (89)

Lincoln ; Farman, Beevers, Smith, Johnson, October, Hawkridge, Sparrow (Nolan 77), Power ©, Robson (Everington 61), Symes, Rhead (Robinson 67)

Unused Subs; Grant, Waterfall

Cards; Smith (Yellow), Sparrow (Yellow)

Goalscorers; None

Gulls Leave It Late As Fairhurst Seals Win

Torquay United left it late to seal all three points against lowly Lincoln at Plainmoor but eventually did so in style with a thunderous strike from the returning Waide Fairhurst. After a scrappy opening spell with both sides overhitting passes, Matt Rhead headed wide for the visitors on 12 minutes before Austin Lipman saw three efforts blocked from Dan Butler's low cross. A collision which saw Torquay skipper Simon Heslop come off worst resulted in an early change for the hosts, but both sides had chances before the break with Martin Rowlands firing wide for Torquay whilst Matt Sparrow saw his effort held at the second attempt by Fabien Spiess.

After an indifferent start it was the hosts who came closest with Angus MacDonald heading into the side netting before Austin Lipman sent a free kick just over the bar. As the half progressed Torquay pinned Lincoln back and attacked at will, but were unable to make the breakthrough - Alex Fisher's header wide on the hour before the forward drew a diving save from Paul Farman on 67. Lincoln, by now defending very deeply, were just about hanging on, with good linkup play from Will Summerfield and Austin Lipman leading to another good chance for Fisher who saw his volley blocked by the 'keeper. With time running out though it would be Torquay who made the breakthrough a minute from time - Austin Lipman finding Dan Butler, who switched the ball inside for Will Summerfield to lay into the path of Waide Fairhurst . The striker, back after several weeks out with an ankle injury, hit a first time shot which flew beyond Farman into the roof of the net from the edge of the box, drawing applause from all four sides of the ground. The goal spurred Lincoln into life, and only a fingertip save from Spiess prevented Kegan Everington from equalising in injury time, but it was too little, too late for the visitors with Fairhurst's superb effort the difference between the sides.

Reaction

Torquay United Manager Stuart Fairway spoke to BBC Radio Devon; "After 85 minutes I expected to be sitting here talking about a drawn game which we had some great chances to win, so to be sitting here with three points is very nice. It was a wonderful goal, good enough to win any game and I'm delighted because we deserved it."

Lincoln City Manager Chris Moyses spoke to BBC Radio Lincolnshire; "It's always hard to lose to a last minute goal, and the fact it was a great hit doesn't make it any easier whatsoever. We had chances ourselves, but you just don't get the luck when you are at the bottom. I can see the lads are working hard to turn it around but I think if we can bring someone in before the loan deadline it is something we should look at."

[edtheguy]

It's always a relief when those games that feel like it just isn't meant to be end up in three points - a good way to end a mini two game funk as well.

Great stuff as always!

[displaced_seagull]

edtheguy; Absolutely! - Sometimes FM can bring up some wonderful moments, and that was certainly one of them for me! - Glad you are enjoying!

Apologies anyone who has been awaiting an update - Christmas with two kids is an exciting but hectic time, and that the Mrs suffered a horrible tooth infection over the weekend before Christmas wasn't ideal either - full recovery made now thankfully, but I had two days of ferrying her between out of hours doctors, dentists and A&E. Hope everyone had a great Christmas though, and it is great to be playing again!

[displaced_seagull]

Another head injury would mean ten days out for Simon Heslop , with injuries - in particular in midfield - creeping up again. Something to take a real shine off the day though would come later, as just before the players headed home, Courtney Richards asked for a word.

We chatted briefly about the game, and I could see he was building up to something. When it came, I was stunned - with his side flying in the league, the midfielder wanted to know when he would be getting some first team football. I explained that I would look to give him more chances off the bench, and that with Simon's injury he could expect to start the next game, but it didn't seem to placate him, and the meeting broke up on slightly awkward terms.

I spent Sunday mulling it over, as, evidently, had Courtney, as he avoided eye contact on Monday morning. I would find out why later in the day when I turned on the radio to hear reports of a 'falling out' between player and manager. Where Riveria FM of all places, a small, community radio station had heard the news from, I had no idea and it was something to consider. Robbie wanted to question Courtney about the breach, but given the reaction - or lack of it - from the rest of the squad at training, I felt it unneccecesary to confront him personally, instead choosing to remind everyone of their responsibilities to the club and each other as colleagues.

By Tuesday, there were more developments, with BBC Radio Devon asking for a word on the situation. I decided, this time, to take a calculated risk, telling Sam Summers that the player would have to remain patient, although he would be considered for Saturday with Simon Heslop unavailable. The Chairman popped his head in late on Tuesday afternoon to discuss the matter, but, I was pleased to be able to tell Robbie later, agreed with me completely, telling me that I had the complete freedom to act as I saw fit.

The following day the big story - as well as the loan deadline - would be that Janne Wilkman , a Finn who had been scouting for Aston Villa after managing in his homeland in the past had become the new manager of bottom of the league Macclesfield Town , with the 35-year old widely considered as something of a coup. Someone else who was certainly a coup - Carlo Ancelotti , who joined up with Director of Football Louis Van Gaal to join Manchester United as their new manager - a quite incredible setup, given the experience and pedigree of both men.

After something of a stressful week, Gareth Law gave me some news on Friday which would at least end it with a positive, with Louis Briscoe declared fully fit after passing a fitness test, and Jamie Latham returning to light training following his stomach muscle strain. Saturday, both Robbie and I felt, would come too soon for both of them, but the news was certainly a welcome boost after a difficult few days, and we decided both would travel to Essex with the squad when we left early on Saturday morning.

www.bbc.co.uk/football - National League - 28/11/15

Braintree Town 1 - Torquay United 1

Cressing Road - Referee; W Atkin

Attendance 1,159

Braintree ; Norris, Phillips (Clerima), Miller, Paine, Habergham, Isaac (Marks 83), Cole, Moncur, Sparkes, Akinola, Yussuf

Unused Subs; McDonald, Cheek, Miles

Cards; Miller (Yellow)

Goalscorers; OG (Summerfield 23)

Torquay; Spiess, Hurst, Butler, MacDonald, Smith, Rowlands, Richards 31, Summerfield (Briscoe 74), Murombedzi (Fairhurst 74), Lipman, Fisher

Unused Subs; Geohaghon, Lavercombe, Yeoman

Cards; None

Goalscorers; Richards (90)

All Smiles For Richards After Late Leveller

Braintree manager Danny Cowley critiscied referee Warren Makin for pedantry after seeing his side concede a goal on the stroke of full time to be held 1-1 at home to fellow high-flyers Torquay United. The Iron boss saw his side concede over 25 fouls over the course of the 90 minutes, but they took a first half lead nonetheless when the unfortunate Will Summerfield deflected a George Cole corner past his own 'keeper. It was the first real opportunity of the game for either side, although Summerfield bounced back quickly, with a clever hooked pass which saw Courtney Richards fire over from the edge of the box. Torquay's best chance of the first half came on 35, with movement down the left hand side leading to a fine chance for Martin Rowlands which the veteran could only shoot straight at 'keeper Will Norris.

After what had been a quiet first half overall, the second half started in similar fashion, with both sides getting bogged down in midfield on an increasingly sticky surface. Braintree would earn a string of corners, all of which failed to clear the first man, whilst the first real chance for the visitors would have to wait until 15 minutes from time when Austin Lipman cushioned a header into the path of Dan Butler, who saw his first time volley fly wide. It was from a corner that Braintree had their best chance to seal the game - George Moncur finding the head of Adi Yussuf on 80, only for the loanee to head wide. As time continued, it looked as if the hosts had done enough - but with the clock showing 90, Torquay broke quickly - Waide Fairhurst finding Alex Fisher, who played a great ball into the channel for Austin Lipman. Torn between running on or crossing, Lipman held the ball up before slipping it sideways for the unmarked Courtney Richards to lash home from just inside the area. It was an exciting end to a game which, at times, lacked sparkle, with only a hugely optimistic Sean Marks effort which flew wide to come.

Reaction

Braintree Manager Danny Cowley spoke to BBC Radio Essex; "We should have the win - we let them sit deep and get away with it - they hardly troubled the 'keeper all afternoon. I thought the ref was poor, he didn't let the game flow and that hindered us and helped Torquay. Still, we are in third, we are in a good place and we need to keep this up."

Torquay United Manager Stuart Fairway spoke to BBC Radio Devon; "We deserved to get something from the game and it is only a shame it took so long. People will look at this and see that Courtney got the goal, but it sums up his attitude. It hasn't been an easy week at times, but whilst he isn't happy not to be playing regularly, when he does get a chance he approaches it in exactly the right way. I'm pleased for him. It's getting tight at the top with the top four all split by three points, and we need to be on top of our game to stay in the hunt."

[displaced_seagull]

After a quiet Sunday, Michelle was given the job of looking out for the FA Trophy draw on Monday lunchtime. She came through just after 12 - the FA notorious for putting the draw on their website later than promised - to inform me that we had been given a home draw against fellow National League outfit Boreham Wood . It was not an ideal draw, but at least it would be a home tie on the 12th December. News also came through that Waide Fairhurst had been awarded second place in the 'Goal of the Month' competition for his late winner against Lincoln , and that Lee Sinnott had left Altrincham to take up the reigns at Chester City .

As we moved into December on Tuesday, the monthly board meeting brought some good news from Chairman David Phillips , who advised that due to the gate reciepts from two matches - gates shared in the FA Cup - against Southend , there would be a small increase in Grant Marsh's budget for Youth Development. Whilst it would only equate to another training session a week, it was excellent news, and Grant was delighted when I phoned him to let him know. Grant also revealed the news that, in early spring, he would be making a decision on several youngsters who had been training with the club with an eye to setting them up for trials and regular training with the squad. It was just what Robbie and I had hoped for when, what seemed like ages ago now, we persuaded the Chairman to buy in to our 'Quasi-academy', and I felt vindicated in making what was, in hindsight, a slightly risky request when I was appointed.

It would prove to be a quiet week all round, although the return to fitness of Jamie Latham and Simon Heslop would give us all plenty to ponder ahead of the weekend, with just Luke Young our only injury at present, who would still be out for at least a further three months.

www.bbc.co.uk/football - National League - 05/12/15

Torquay United 1 - Welling 0

Plainmoor - Referee; N Lugg

Attendance 1,886

Torquay; Spiess, Hurst, Butler (Briscoe 44), MacDonald, Smith, Rowlands (Latham 72), Heslop © (Fairhurst 72), Richards, Murombedzi, Lipman, Fisher

Unused Subs; Geohaghon, Lavercombe

Cards; None

Goalscorers; Briscoe (49)

Welling; King, Fazakerley, Osbourne (Chambers 72), Lokko, Jefford, Wellard, Corne, Lee, Porter, Bakare (Adeyinka 78), Vidal (Harris 60)

Unused Subs; McEntegart, St Aimie

Cards; None

Goalscorers; None

Gulls Edge Narrow Win

Torquay United recorded a 1-0 win on Saturday against Welling, but it could have been very different with the Wings guilty of missing several good chances. There was little action early on, with Courtney Richards seeing an effort held on 11 before Xavier Vidal scooped a loose ball over following good work by Michael Bakare. On 17 Vidal would again come close, with a volley tipped over the top by Fabien Spiess whilst Martin Rowlands would fire wide at the other end as both sides continued to trade chances. Torquay would be forced into a change just before the break when Dan Butler was forced off after turning an ankle, with manager Fairway reacting by sending on Louis Briscoe and moving Shepherd Murombedzi to an unfamiliar position in defence.

Minutes after the break though it would the substitute who scored the only goal of the game - James Hurst's quickly taken throw finding Martin Rowlands, who clipped a ball across the area for the late arriving Louis Briscoe to guide into the net from close range. Torquay's best chance to double the lead would come just six minutes later, with Austin Lipman set through on goal after an Alex Fisher pass had split the high defensive line of the visitors, only for the youngster to shoot wide from the edge of the area. As time went on and the Gulls continued to waste chances - Fisher and Murombedzi both guilty - Welling grew in confidence, and it was only through a brave dive at the feet of Michael Bakare that Fabien Spiess denied the visitors on 76. On 81 George Porter struck a post from a corner, before Sam Corne screwed wastefully wide when well placed late on. For Torquay it will be three more welcome points, however question marks remain about the sustainability of this run, with Butler's injury stretching a small squad with no obvious replacement.

Reaction

Torquay United Manager Stuart Fairway spoke to BBC Radio Devon; "Nobody could call that our best performance of the season, but it is all about making sure we get the points. They were threatening at times, and Fabien made one absolutely superb save, but we offered something too and perhaps could have made it more comfortable. At this stage of the season, with difficult weather, it is about playing through and picking up the points, which we have done today."

Welling United Manager Loui Fazakerley spoke to BBC Radio London; "Finishing training next week! - we should have come away with at least a point today, I felt the forwards could have contributed more although we all, me included, need to up our game when we come to places like this."

[displaced_seagull]

The news on Dan Butler was bleak, and certainly took the fizz off the post-match drinks, with the fullback ruled out for up to 8 weeks with a sprained ankle. With no chance of bringing in a replacement, I asked Robbie to personally work with Durrell Berry during the week to try and get the out of favour right back up to speed - and confident enough to play on the opposite flank. For Darren Kelly though Saturday would see the end of his reign as FC Halifax Town manager, dismissed after a 2-0 reverse against Chesterfield in the FA Cup Second Round. On the whole it was not a good afternoon for Non-League clubs, with just Dover , who saw off National League North Bradford Park Avenue , to carry the flag into the Third Round.

The knock on the office door on Monday morning seemed somewhat timid, which made it all the more surprising when I answered it to find Courtney Richards on the other side. He came through and sat down, before apologising for what he described as his recent 'outburst' about lack of playing time. I was pleased to get the matter sorted, as it had loomed over us all for the past couple of weeks, and we agreed to say no more about it.

Robbie, who had, as he had agreed, been working with Durrell Berry, was pleased when I told him in the afternoon, and was even more pleased when I was able to confirm that, after discussions with the Chairman, both Fabien Spiess and Shepherd Murombedzi had agreed contract extensions - Fabien until the summer of 2018 and Shepherd until 2017. Contracts were something I was keen - especially with most of the squad up in the summer - to press on with, and as we could save ourselves some hassle in late May there was the budget to make some early deals.

If the start of the week had brought good news, Thursday's training session would see disappointment, with the happy-again Courtney Richards taking in a tumble in training. He was clearly in pain, and after a trip to Torbay Hospital, Gareth phoned to report a hairline shoulder fracture, ruling him out for around 4 weeks.

The following day would see the announcement of the groups for Euro 2016 - with England drawn in Group E along with Belgium, Czech Republic and Romania . Wales , meanwhile, would line up for their first international tournement appearance since 1958 in Group B, which had a distinctly Iberian flavour - Spain as well as Portugal , with Iceland completing the group. Scotland though may fancy their chances - hosts France as well as Austria and Switzerland the opposition in Group A.

www.bbc.co.uk/football - FA Trophy - 12/12/15

Torquay United 1 - Boreham Wood 0

Plainmoor - Referee; A Bromley

Attendance 1,734

Torquay; Spiess, Hurst, Berry, MacDonald, Smith, Rowlands, Heslop © (Geohaghon 78), Latham (Briscoe 67), Murombedzi, Lipman, Fisher (Fairhurst 78)

Unused Subs; Lavercombe, Fenwick

Cards; Heslop (Yellow), Smith (Yellow)

Goalscorers; Fisher (12)

Boreham Wood; Ward, Devera, Doe, Reynolds, Woodards, Carvalho (Tiryaki), B Clifford, C Clifford, Howell, Montgomery (Cox 45), MacDonald (Tiryaki 77)

Unused Subs; Edwards, Morais

Cards; Howell (Yellow), C Clifford (Red), Devera (Yellow)

Goalscorers; None

Fisher Seals Gulls Trophy Progress

An early goal was enough to send Torquay United into the Second Round of the FA Trophy this afternoon on a pleasant winters afternoon at Plainmoor. Alex Fisher flicked home what would prove to be the only goal of the game in the 12th minute, getting on the end of James Hurst's cross from the right to net from close range. Torquay had an early chance to make it two when Shepherd Murombedzi outmuscled Scott Doe on 20, but the young winger could only head wide of target. Wood were struggling with the pace of Torquay on the counter, and would have a letoff when Alex Fisher could only hit the post from an acute angle, whilst they would register just one chance of note in the first half, with Charlie MacDonald blazing over from the edge of the box.

The opening period of the second half saw better play from the visitors, with Bafodé Carvalho's cross on 49 met by Billy Clifford, who saw his header punched to safety by Fabien Spiess. The visitors were increasingly forced to resort to the long ball, with Angus MacDonald and Nathan Smith showing up well in defence for Torquay, who saw their task made a little easier when Conor Clifford was shown his second yellow card for a trip on Austin Lipman on the hour mark. Torquay continued to pressure, with Shepherd Murombedzi drawing a smart stop from Lewis Ward on 67, although the best chance of the half would fall for Boreham Wood, who saw sub Josh Hill take advantage of a mistake by Louis Briscoe to fire over on 83 in a game which will quickly be forgotten by the travelling support.

Reaction

Torquay United Manager Stuart Fairway spoke to BBC Radio Devon; "Again it wasn't overly pretty, but a win is a win, especially in a cup competition, and I'm pleased with the result. It was good for Alex to get a goal because he has had a bit of a dry patch of late, but he is working hard and that is why he has kept his place."

Boreham Wood Manager Luke Garrard spoke to BBC Radio London; "We didn't seem to get going today, and that is a disappointment. We talked about their crossing, and it is particularly disappointing that we conceded so early on. The dismissal didn't help either, but when you have a combative player in Conor in the middle of the park who wins us points by breaking up attacks, you can't be too harsh on him when he goes a little overboard like he did today."