Maidenhead, Maidstone and momentum for Torquay United in the FA Trophy

Having lost the title on goal-difference last season, Torquay United manager Paul Wotton insists that the National League South will be harder to win this time on the evidence of the first third of the campaign.

The Gulls take a break from league action when they take on NLS rivals Maidstone United in the Isuzu FA Trophy at Plainmoor on Saturday.

After a midweek when they didn’t play, United are in fourth place (17 games). Among other results were a first defeat for leaders Hornchurch and a sixth successive win for Worthing (3rd).

When it was suggested at his weekly press conference that the NLS might be weaker this season, Wotton replied: “I couldn’t disagree more – I think it’s much stronger.”

He went on to cite the number of full-time teams, growing professionalism and sheer resources being thrown at the division.

Add in most of the pre-season favourites starting to hit form, plus some surprise packets like promoted Horsham, and Wotton believes there’s a recipe for a highly competitive promotion race.

The ‘M’ word also came up, especially as United go into the Trophy tie on the back of two encouraging away wins at Farnborough and Maidenhead.

“The big thing for me this week is the momentum,” said Wotton, “from Hornchurch, even though we lost, Farnborough and Maidenhead.”

Wotton doesn’t have that many options - he has several players who are either carrying knocks or need a break.

But he hinted that he would like to keep some measure of continuity if possible, with a ‘free’ week ahead before Eastbourne Borough come to Plainmoor on November 22.

One obvious possibility is a first start for young reserve goalkeeper Matt Wonnacott.

Trophy prizemoney might not be life-changing - £3,750 to Saturday’s Second Round winners – but both clubs should be going for it.

Having finished seventh last season, Maidstone overcame Worthing and Eastbourne in the Play-Offs before losing to Boreham Wood in the final (0-1).

Incidentally, this weekend marks the latest instalment of the National League’s ‘Three Up’ campaign, something we’d all surely support.

The Stones started slowly this time, but are now up to tenth, four points behind Torquay, after four wins in their last six games.

Manager George Elokobi lost several important players in the summer, including leading scorer Aaron Blair (Eastleigh), but they still looked a physically strong outfit when they and United drew 1-1 at the Gallagher Stadium in August.

A late Jordan Young penalty snatched a point for United then, after midfielder Sonny Blu Lo-Everton suffered a nasty ankle injury

Players to look out for include experienced midfielders Sam Corne and John Gilbert, forwards Dajon Goulding and Deon Moore and pacy winger Jephte Tanga.

Although whether Elokobi rings some changes remains to be seen...