FC Boro

Boro face Torquay next as they aim to keep their unbeaten run of 5 games going. After an entertaining 3-3 draw last Sunday at home to York, Boro will want to get back to winning ways in Devon. Torquay are also in a good run of form at the moment after a poor start. After picking up 4 points from their opening 2 games, the Gulls went on a 3 game losing streak where they sunk to the relegation zone of the Blue Square Premier. However, much like Boro’s season to date, the form has picked up and they are now comfortably in mid-table looking to push into the play-offs as soon as possible.

Torquay do have some injury problems going into the game. First choice goalkeeper Michael Poke is still out so loan signing Scott Bevan will come in for his home debut. Elliot Benyon, Mark Ellis and Chris Todd will also miss the game through injury. There is some good news for the hosts though with former Exeter winger Wayne Carlisle returning to the side. Boro have no new injuries from last weekend, but long term absentees (McMahon, Bridges, Drury) are all still out as well as Lee Boylan. With Boylan missing again then the spot to partner Steve Morison up front is up for grabs. Anthony Thomas didn’t impress last Sunday, but did score for the reserves along with Callum Willock in mid-week. Westley could also play a 4-5-1 formation away from home, with Vincenti, Martin and Bostwick in the centre of midfield.

Both teams have threats going forward so their should be goals. Although the Gulls lost Lee Phillips during the summer they still have Tim Sills, Matt Green and Roscoe D’Sane who can all score goals at this level. Torquay’s midfield is also one of the best in the Blue Square Premier containing the likes of Michael Brough, Nicky Wroe, Chris Hargreaves and Tyrone Thompson. Boro will obviously miss both Daryl McMahon and Lee Boylan going forward, but with Mitchell Cole and Steve Morison both in good form then there is a goal threat.

Last season we lost heavily away by 4 goals to 2 in Mark Stimson’s last game in charge. The home fixture also ended in defeat as the Gulls came from behind to win 3-1. If Boro defend better than they did for the York game, then winning here is highly possible. Torquay have key players missing at the back for this weekend’s game and look vulnerable to conceding goals. They have only kept 2 clean sheets this season so far. I wouldn’t be surprised if Westley packed the midfield and settled for taking a point from Torquay. It will be another tight game, which could be decided by the odd goal, lets just hope it’s in Boro’s favour.

Prediction: Torquay 2-2 Boro