Wotton keen to stay in touch at the top

Paul Wotton's Torquay side are five points adrift of visiting leaders Hornchurch

Torquay United manager Paul Wotton admits this weekend's visit of National League South leaders Hornchurch could be pivotal to his side's title ambitions.

Torquay have slipped to fifth in the league table following their 3-1 away defeat by Dorking Wanderers, whilst Hornchurch are top, five points above them.

Wotton told BBC Radio Devon: "There's an awful long way to go, but some gaps become too big, don't they?

"We're looking forward to it. I think it'll be a good crowd. We're unbeaten at home and they're unbeaten in the season, so it's going to be a very, very good game.

"They're on a great run of form, obviously. But we're in a good place. The boys are ready.

"We've had a good week's training, really positive week, so all to look forward to."

Torquay have won seven of their eight home league games this season, but Wotton conceded that just one win from seven on the road is creating pressure.

He said: "Our home form is obviously fantastic. And to have a successful season, that can't change, whatever your away form is. But our away form needs to be better. There's no getting away from that.

"I think there's pressure on every game, playing for Torquay United in the National League South. There's a pressure to win every game."

'Some fantastic stuff, and areas to improve'

Hornchurch visit on Saturday still unbeaten, and with a two-point lead at the top. Wotton is not surprised by their form.

He said: "They've got a lot of experience and recruited very well in the summer, so I'm not surprised by the league table at all.

"It's a tough league and they've had a fantastic start, but we're obviously focused on ourselves.

"I feel that we've done some really fantastic stuff this year, and areas to improve on. That wouldn't change if we were top of the league, or second or third."

Torquay had to settle for fifth place last season, before losing in the play-off semi-finals, and Wotton says they won't be derailed by Saturday's defeat.

"I think you learn from previous experiences. I'm not a huge believer in looking backwards, I like to look forward," he said.

"It's very easy to sit here and say it will change. It has to, and nine times out of 10 when something has to change, it does.

"I'm not going to say I'm worried or concerned, (but) it's got to be better. There is no middle ground on that, and it will get better."

With 19 points from a possible 21 at home this season, Wotton knows how key the home crowd are.

"We've been really good at home, and the fans have had a major, major part to play in that," he said.

"The atmosphere is terrific. Hopefully we get a good crowd again. We're ready. You can only be positive.

"What's done is done. It ain't going to change. You can only affect the future. So I'm in a very good headspace and the players are positive".