Engine room tweaks could be crucial for Torquay United in 2026

The impending return from injury of midfielders Matt Worthington and Munashe Sundire is set to give Torquay United an important and timely boost as they head into a packed schedule in the National League South promotion race.

Worthington and Sundire were the only two players still doubtful as United headed for Bath City last night in the wake of their rousing 3-1 home win over Weston-super-Mare on Boxing Day.

Manager Paul Wotton is hopeful that both will be available shortly, Worthington possibly for this Saturday’s longest trip of the season to Dover Athletic.

The win over Weston, in front of a near-5,200 crowd, left the Gulls in fourth place, four points behind leaders Hornchurch.

But the Dover fixture starts a run of 12 matches, six at home and six away, in 56 days in January and February.

They include successive trips up the South Coast to Eastbourne Borough on February 21 and promotion rivals Worthing only three days later.

The only relief might come if Hornchurch, where United are due to travel on January 31, are still in the Isuzu FA Trophy by then.

Hornchurch host AFC Telford in the Fourth Round on January 10, with Round Five due on the 31st.