Hello friends and welcome back to Life on the Riviera and the the next chapter of my Torquay United story.
The first game of the new month was away to Darlington and we got off to a flyer as Barrowman was brought down in the box and Nicholson stepped up to convert the penalty for the opening goal. Barrowman got on the scoresheet himself with a superb turn and strike from 20 yards out after receiving a delicate pass from Nicky Wroe. The third goal was not long coming when Weimann picked up the ball in midfileld and his run to goal was ended just outside the box where Nicholson stepped up and scored off the free kick. Darlington pulled one back from a penalty themselves and then added another with an effort from 30 yards and kept us under pressure until half time. The second half belonged to the weather with neither team making an real progress and so we held our lead for another three points.
We were back at home for our next game against Crewe and despite us having a massive points lead over them Crewe were odds on favorites to win. Before the game started I encouraged the team to win it for the fans as this could be the day to clinch the title. For the first time this season we switched to a more balanced than rigid approach and we dominated the first half but were unable to break the deadlock. After the interval club captain Nicky Wroe and fellow central midfielder Shane Hooks put on a stellar performance with a through ball by Wroe finding Benyon to score the opening goal. Hooks would play a similar ball to Barrowman who wasted no time blasting it past the Crewe keeper to make it 2-0. The visitors did it the bar twice in the same move in the last 5 minutes but we stood firm and as the whistle went for full time the news came through that other results went in our favor and so we were League Two Champions and the just under 5,000 home fans erupted with cheers!
Confirmation of the League title!
Board Reaction
Our next game was also at home to Lincoln and I was a little disappointed by the low turnout of 3000 fans considering we had just one the title. Jake Thomson and Eunan O’Kane both made their long awaited return to the first team and both got on the score sheet in the first half with Elliot Benyon providing the assist on both occasions. Lincoln put more effort into their performance in the second half but Koroma added a third deep into injury time to complete the victory.
The last game of the month was away to Morecambe and although the stats show one thing it was by far, at least visually our worst performance of the season. We played anything like champions and after the game I let the squad know exactly what I thought of their lazy effort.
Andrew Barrowman put in a brilliant performance this past month and was the top rated player. Here’s his profile
Current League Table
Remaining fixtures
So that’s it. We have clinched the title in March as many of you suggested the team would do. Although there are still several games to play I’m very proud of the way the team have gelled and stuck to the task against all odds as we were predicted to finish in 19th.
Authors note:
Many thanks to Johnny for his encouragement when I was having difficulty in selecting a team to call home and especially for his Lower League Management guide which turned out to be a valuable resource in this seasons success. I did use Johnny’s current Notts County tactic though it was slightly modified to suit my slower players and type of forwards.
My next post will be just a season wrap up so there will be no individual game reports as I’m anxious to get to the off season and the transfer market which I know you can all relate to.
Thanks as always for reading this post.
Sears
15 августа, 2010 at 01:08
Hi Kevin,
what an achievment! Your won the title with 30 points still left to play for, that must be a record in League Two. I’m sure, with a few new players, you achieve the exact same next season.
PS Johnnys lower league manageement guide has helped me immensly in my Chelmsford City game and is one of the main reasons behind my success. Thanks Johnny, your a genius :-)
Goodluck mate!
Kevin Mayo
15 августа, 2010 at 08:48
Hi Sears
Thanks a lot. I’m planning on keeping my team much the same but I say that very time and end up geting more new players than necessary :)
Johnny Karp
15 августа, 2010 at 22:00
Thanks for the compliment Sears, I’m happy that you found the guide useful.
Plobdork
15 августа, 2010 at 03:29
wow 30points from 2nd place you are great at this game league 1 will be a challenge youll need a new goalkepper and centre backs if you are to stay clear of relegation:)
Kevin Mayo
15 августа, 2010 at 08:49
Plobdork
My forwads have been amazing, hence the title but you are absolutely right about the areas that need strengthening.
Lye
15 августа, 2010 at 04:31
Hi Kevin, you have done a wonderful job here in Torquay. I am pretty sure Torquay will be the team that you will lead for many seasons to come. Next month is just a routine game for you. I am eager and looking forward to the pre-season report from you already. Meanwhile enjoy your success and have a champagne with your wife :)
Kevin Mayo
15 августа, 2010 at 08:55
Hi Lye
Thanks a lot mate. My wife and I had the champagne a week early as it was our 17th wedding anniversary August 6th. As you are I’m looking forward to that pre season report already.
Johnny Karp
15 августа, 2010 at 10:04
Well done Kevin, Champions with eight games to spare is absolutely fantastic! It was a memorable season, looking forward to another great one, good luck!
Kevin Mayo
15 августа, 2010 at 10:21
Thanks Johnny
I think this is the most memorable since you invited me to join your site some 9 months ago.
Darren Smith
15 августа, 2010 at 10:15
Hey Kevin, congratulations on what is a great achievment. You must be very proud. I won League Two with Bury, but to do it with Torquay is a far bigger achievment, well done. I hope your pre-season preperations go well, sign lots of players! Well done mate
Kevin Mayo
15 августа, 2010 at 10:23
Hi Darren
I’m over the moon to be honest as I never expected such a performance and I’m already excited about next season if I can get the players I want.
Laxeyman
15 августа, 2010 at 12:37
Congratulations Kevin, your side have completed dominated League 2, and you deserve to be so far ahead. Next season will be interesting, I’m looking forward to seeing what you do in pre season. Well done again on your marvellous achievement.
Kevin Mayo
15 августа, 2010 at 21:46
Thanks Laxeyman. It’s been a terrific season and I’m looking forward to the build up for next season already.
Zinedine Zaiddin
16 августа, 2010 at 05:45
Thats really amazing, your team really fired up to win the league..try to keep it up, and better prepare for rough challenge in the upper league! KUTGW
Kevin Mayo
16 августа, 2010 at 09:47
Zinedine Zaiddin
I’ll do my best to keep up this from though I think you are right that next season will be a lot tougher.