Leap into the unknown for Torquay United

In-form Gulls play first-ever match against Essex side

In-form Torquay United take a leap into the unknown on Saturday as they face their first-ever match against one of the surprise packages of the National League South season.

Aveley did not figure in many people’s lists of promotion candidates at the beginning of the campaign, but the Essex side have turned plenty of heads so far.

Promoted from the Isthmian League via the play-offs last season, the Millers are the only team to have defeated early pacesetters Worthing so far this campaign, and currently sit one place behind Torquay in the league table, in fifth position.

But Torquay have strung together a run of four wins on the trot - defeating Chippenham, St Albans, Slough and Braintree in quick succession - and will be keen for more.

Manager Gary Johnson is not underestimating his opponents, however.

“It will be a tough game,” he said. “We’ve had a look at Aveley. They look OK and they deserve to be where they are in the league.

“They have done well and have adapted quickly to the National League South, so we’ve got to make sure our best game comes out on Saturday.

“The lads are all up for it. The more wins you get, the more confident the lads get.”

Long-term injury absentees Asa Hall and Kevin Dawson remain some weeks away from a return to the side, but Johnson has no fresh injury worries ahead of the long trip to Essex.

Defenders Finley Craske and Dean Moxey both returned to action over the successful Bank Holiday weekend and will be pushing for inclusion on Saturday.

The games come thick and fast for United, though, with Farnborough the visitors to Plainmoor on Tuesday night (7.45pm).