Torquay United talisman Jarvis could hold the key

But the comeback striker might not make a full 90 minutes yet

Comeback striker Aaron Jarvis could hold the key to turning round Torquay United’s troubled season.

The 26-year-old sharpshooter came on as a second half substitute in United’s disappointing 4-3 defeat at the hands of Slough Town at Plainmoor last Saturday.

Now he could be set to lead the line in two tough away games in the coming days, even if Gulls manager Gary Johnson isn’t sure his talisman can last the full 90 minutes just yet.

Jarvis had bagged nine goals in league and cup before suffering a serious knee injury at Weston-super-Mare in October. He missed 20 games before his return deep into the second half against Slough.

His arrival on the pitch was greeted with cheers around Plainmoor.

“Everybody was pleased to see him and it created a bit more of a positive atmosphere,” said Johnson, who was jeered again by a section of the home fans as his side’s poor run of form continued.

“We were really pleased to bring him on, and he looked very sharp. He’s ready to start a game, but we’re not sure if he’s got a full 90 minutes in him yet.”

Less positive for Torquay was an injury for club skipper Asa Hall, who limped off with a calf problem which is likely to keep him out of action for a couple of weeks.

Torquay take on their longest trip of the season on Saturday, to Braintree in Essex, then follow it up with an away game at Farnborough on Tuesday night.

“Braintree are tough cookies,” said Johnson. “But if we are not playing at the top of our game they are all tough cookies.

“We don’t mind tough games where you need to get a result, because it focuses you on how important those games are. That’s why we need to get things going, and get that bit of confidence that we need all around the club.”

Torquay’s form has been dreadful in recent weeks. Just before Christmas they were second in National League South and closing the gap to leaders Yeovil. Now after a run of just one win in the last 10 games they are 11th and five points adrift of the last play-off place.