FC HALIFAX TOWN

NEW SIGNING Ade Azeez could be a real handful if he makes his Torquay debut against Halifax on Saturday, according to Guy Henderson, from the Herald Express.

The striker joined The Gulls on loan last week from Newport County for the rest of the season, having previously been on loan at Plainmoor six years ago.

“Jamie Reid is very much the key man for Torquay, but Azeez could have a major part to play,” said Henderson.

“He credits a spell at Torquay on loan from Charlton back in 2013 with launching his career. He scored goals at AFC Wimbledon, then played for Partick Thistle and Cambridge before joining Newport in the summer. If he plays up front with Reid, they could be a real handful.”

Torquay have won one (at Fylde), drawn one (at home to Ebbsfleet) and lost one (at Barrow) since Halifax beat them 2-1 in the FA Trophy last month.

“The Gulls haven’t kicked a ball in anger since the game at Barrow on February 1,” said Henderson, “having missed the following Saturday due to Notts County’s involvement in the FA Trophy and having last weekend’s scheduled trip to Wrexham ruled out by the weather. “Manager Gary Johnson has been somewhat frustrated by the blank weekends, because he was pleased with the way the team was playing and there was a feeling that United had started to turn a corner after a woeful run of form.

“Johnson insists that he is still very much looking up the table rather than down, and getting back into the race for a playoff position is uppermost in his thoughts.

“Most fans would have taken a mid-table consolidation season if it was offered, but to reach this stage with the play-offs still within reach is very welcome.”

Torquay’s injury list has eased slightly, but they are still without full backs Ben Wynter and Liam Davis along with midfielder Matt Buse. But the return of long-term absentee Armani

Little in midfield has been a huge boost.

Likely line-up: Covolan; Lewis, Cundy, Cameron, Longridge; Whitfield, Hall, Lemonheigh-Evans, Little; Azeez, Reid.