Torquay fixture is called off

TORQUAY United will not have a home game this year until January 26 when they host title challengers Sutton United at Plainmoor, writes Richard Hughes.

The Gulls were supposed to be playing Solihull Moors tomorrow night but that game has been postponed - for a second time - again, because the visitors have some players in their squad who have tested positive for coronavirus

With their next game the Gulls’ fourth round FA Trophy trip to Boreham Wood next Saturday, they then go to Notts County on Saturday, January 23, back in the league, before hosting Sutton the following Tuesday.

Torquay are now top of the National League by eight points after Hartlepool United beat Wealdstone at home 3-1 on Saturday, when the Gulls were gameless because of FA Cup complications.

Hartlepool, who like Torquay have played 17 games, could draw closer to the Gulls if they beat FC Halifax Town tomorrow night, while third-placed Sutton, who have only played 14 games, are 11 points behind after only drawing 2-2 at home against Altrincham. Sutton are at home against Dagenham & Redbridge next weekend.

Whatever happens, by the time Torquay play a league game again, they will still be top of the table - but the chasing pack will almost certainly have gotten a lot closer.

Manager Gary Johnson talked of having time for injured players to recuperate when he spoke last week. It is doubtful he wanted this much time.

Meanwhile, The Southern League has extended the suspension of the 2020-21 season until March 6 - and are recommending that the campaign should be scrapped.

Truro City, Tiverton Town, Barnstaple Town, Bideford and Willand Rovers all play in the Southern League and a statement released over the weekend said they will ask the clubs to decide if they want to finish the season or null-and-void it.

The statement said: “The Board of the Pitching In Southern Football League has, together with its fellow Trident Leagues, reviewed the implications of the latest government lockdown. The matter was also discussed at length by the FA’s Alliance Committee earlier this week.

“In order to reach a decision that will apply across Steps 3 and 4 in the National League System, and which is informed by the views of all clubs at Steps 3 and 4, clubs will shortly be asked by the Football Association to provide views on whether the season should be terminated and, if not, what the alternative should be.

“The league will continue to provide its member clubs with updates as and when it is able to do so.”