National League title hangs in the balance with two games to play
20.05.2021
Torquay United refuse to concede the National League title race, and its automatic EFL promotion space, despite Sutton United’s dominance in recent weeks. Although Sutton became clear favourites following the three wins and eight goals in their past three games, as Torquay Gulls boss Gary Johnson said himself, it’s not over ‘until it’s gone’.
Despite dropping points in their last two games, including a particularly painful recent match losing the lead to tie two-all with Stockport, only three points separate the league leaders. The Devonshire side need to close a three-point gap and a six-goal goal difference disparity, to automatically qualify for EFL football and plenty of League 2 derbies with Exeter City next year.
In their two remaining games, both Sutton and Torquay face National League stragglers Barnett FC. While South London leads the table, North London’s Barnett resides at the bottom of the National League barrel, taking a mere 6 wins from 38 games and nursing a brutal -54 goal difference.
However, Barnett did beat Altrincham Town, the other club Torquay face before the end of the season. Considering the form of bottom-placed Barnett and a seventeenth-place Altrincham side winless in seven games, the Gulls eye up a full six points and a great shout for the National League title.
Meanwhile, Sutton face playoff rivals Hartlepool United in their next league clash. The fourth-place Pools demand respect as a competitive opposition, even beating Sutton United in their last fixture back in January. As things stand, the ball remains in Sutton’s court, and their recent form shows that they know exactly what to do with it.
With the likes of Millwall loanee Isaac Olaofe chalking up 15 league goals so far this season, Sutton bring attacking threat and phenomenal form to their last two matches. However, if this form falters, and Torquay persevere, the National League title could still be up for grabs.
While the title still hangs in the balance, one thing remains certain: whichever team achieves second-place this season becomes a formidable and exciting prospect for the playoff finals on June 20.
