Torquay United ready for a play-off 'spectacle' at Plainmoor

Torquay United manager Paul Wotton says that, whatever the result, Saturday’s National League South Play-Off Semi-Final against Boreham Wood will be ‘a great spectacle’ (writes Dave Thomas).

Plainmoor will be packed when the Gulls take on old foes Wood after missing out on the title on goal-difference to Truro City (3pm).

Despite winning 4-1 at Hemel Hempstead Town last weekend, United couldn’t quite chase down their Westcountry rivals, but Wotton is confident that his players have shrugged off that disappointment.

Everyone was slightly deflated at the final whistle, but Wotton insisted: “The feeling was more frustration than anything.

“The boys were soon back to normal. They were the same as ever on the coach coming home, and they’ve been bright as always this week.

“I’ve said all along that they’re a resilient group.”

Wotton made a point of watching Wood’s dramatic 4-3 Eliminator win over Dorking Wanderers in person on Tuesday night.

He also stayed to the end as Wood came from 3-1 down with eight minutes to go to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.

“On the night, both sides were excellent, and we’re in for a tough test,” said Wotton.

“I learned what I needed to learn from it.”

United have no new injury concerns.

Centre-back Jordan Dyer is not expected back from a hamstring problem, although United hope that he might be available if they reach the Final.

Should they prevail on Saturday, the Gulls would meet the winners of the second Semi-Final, between Eastbourne Borough and Maidstone United, at Plainmoor on Sunday, May 18.

Both Torquay and Wood, who drew twice during the league season, are in good form. United have won nine and lost only one of their last eleven games.

Wood, whose record includes defeats to strugglers Aveley, Weymouth and Salisbury, have rediscovered their ‘mojo’ and have won six on the trot.

Leading scorer Kwesi Appiah (24gls) has returned from a spell of injury, but he can’t get back in the starting XI because Matt Rush, bought from Sutton in mid-season, and promising ex-Millwall starlet Abdul Abdulmalik have been playing so well.

Veteran left-back Femi Ilesanmi, who scored two own-goals and then the winner against Dorking, is one of the enduring characters of National League football.

At 34 he’s seen it all, and some, and his likely duel with United winger and Player Of The Year Jordan Young could be one of the key match-ups.

Having restricted the subs benches to five during the regular season, the NL suddenly allows seven in the POs – work that one out!

But Wotton would not be drawn on whether he will include Hull City goalkeeper Owen Foster, who was signed on loan in March for just such an eventuality but has not figured so far.

Saturday’s referee is Phillip Eddie (Royal Navy).

Older Gulls fans will be sad to learn of the death of former United player John Durham at the age of 59.

Yorkshire-born Durham scored three goals in 28 appearances under Dave Webb in the mid-1980s after moving from Rotherham United.

He settled in South Devon after his Plainmoor days, became a popular figure in local football, both as a player and coach, and he will be missed by everyone who knew him.