MATCH VERDICT
Tom Beddows
@BeddowsTom
HAVANT 0-2 TORQUAY UNITED – MATCH SUMMARY
Travelling to Havant there was a mixed view of what would transpire, some were certain of a win, others(me) were slightly apprehensive of which Torquay team would appear at 15:00 and how we’d handle a team with only 1 win all season.
The first half was a very dull affair. The Gulls were probably the better of the two teams, but only just. Both teams had a few chances and it would have been nice to see a goal but neither could take advantage.
Hall headed wide twice, with both Archer and Williams making an effort on goal. Lovett also made some good saves at the other end. He took a knock midway through the half and didn’t look too confident after that, but managed to see the half out.
United came out early for the second half and for a moment we had two goalkeepers ready to play. I’m unsure whether due to lack of communication to Lovett either from the medical team or Gary, he thought he could carry on after taking the earlier knock, but he was soon sent back down the tunnel and our new Polish keeper took to the field.
Again, the game started quite open, both sides with chances that should have led to the opener. A mishap pass back to our keeper nearly gave Havant & Waterlooville the early lead but was thankfully cleared away.
As the hour mark approached a good passage of play led to Ash crossing the ball in for Theo Williams, to prod home and open his account for the Gulls.
This seemed to give our new number 19 a spring in his step as he immediately created another decent chance which went just wide of the far post.
A soft challenge from Collins in the box gave the hosts a penalty.
SAVED!! By our new Polish keeper. With the rebound shot being blocked by Hanson.
United again built up some pressure and pushed forwards as we headed to full time with a few chances laid out for the Gulls. A smart pass from De Silva found Stobbs alone out wide, who placed it nicely for Ash to finally get the goal he deserves! 2-0.
PLAYER RATINGS
22. GK: Rhys Lovett – 6
Slightly nervy with Lovett in goal today. He made a good couple of saves but after a knock he never really recovered and was subbed at half time.
16. CB: Shaun Donnellan – 7
Pretty solid. A core part of the squad.
23. CB: Ollie Tomlinson – 7
As with Donnellan, solid performance.
21. CB: Dean Moxey – 7
Decent game for Moxey, professional as always. I do wonder how long we will have him for.
7. MF: Ryan Hanson – 5
Frustrating. Seemed unable to find a Yellow shirt every time he had the ball. Made a good clearance after the penalty rebound.
30. MF: Ethon Archer – 8
I think we may have a very good player on our hands with Ethon. Great first shift for him and I’ll look forward to watching him play at Dartford.
8. MF: Asa Hall – 7
Good to see him play for 90 minutes. Commanded the team well.
27. RWB: Jack Stobbs – 7
A great cross into the area for Ash’s goal. Found himself in some good positions but know he can and should do better with some of his placements.
10. LWB: Lewis Collins – 6
I’d really like him to do well and become the player he was for the final 3rd of last season. Perhaps he like Ash is a confidence player and needs a winning side around him to get the best from him.
11. ST: Brad Ash – 9
See MoM
19. ST: Theo Williams – 8
Theo looks promising and is willing to go in for the ball and create a chance. Fine finish for his first Torquay goal, will enjoy watching him develop further within the team.
Subs
13. GK: Filip Chalupniczak – 7
A fine debut for Filip, he didn’t have a great deal to do after coming on but when it mattered, he stepped up and secured us a clean sheet.
2. MF: Dylan Crowe – 6
Pretty unnoticeable. I don’t really recall if he touched the ball!
17. LW: Dillon De Silva – N/A
He has some pace that we needed to bring on after Williams tired. Found the pass which led to Ash’s goal.
Rate the TUFC Players Here
MAN OF THE MATCH – BRADLEY ASH
Probably the best I’ve seen Ash play, he was up for the game from the off. Chasing and pressurising the Havant back-line. Fantastic assist for the first goal and finally found his own with the second of the match. Brad is clearly a confidence player and if he can bring what he had today into the next league game I’m hopeful that this may be the start of a good run for him.
HONOURABLE MENTIONS
Things off the pitch this week have certainly overshadowed things on it. The TUST have facilitated the first fans forum/discussion that has been so desperately needed, the club was invited to send a representative however, they chose to use the Zoom call to attend undercover and report back to our CEO George Edwards. A quickly drafted and purely reactional statement was issued late after the forum meeting, which rather than trying to reaffirm ties with fans led to an even further and distinct divide.
The intentions of TUST are purely for the sake of the club and seeing it be a sustainable, successful and community involved club. All of which can be achievable at a club like Torquay. We will all be here long after the current owners have gone so support them and become a member if you can.
THE OFFICIALS
Controlled the game well, and let it flow easily. I think the penalty was a little soft, especially with a similar challenge earlier in the game that wasn’t given. Not sure what the disagreement was that led to Gary Johnson’s booking but I’d imagine it was for a just reason.
TACTICS
A 3-5-2 from the Gulls. Ash and Williams paired up front. There wasn’t too much hoofball present today which was pleasing to see.
OPPOSITION
Havant didn’t look like a bottom of the league side. They gave us a good game and created several chances which thankfully they couldn’t finish. They will score goals and hold out for results, and there are worse sides I’ve seen in the NLS.
CONCLUSION
A deserved and well fought win. There are numerous problems with Torquay United currently, but it has been good to leave a match with 3 points in the back pocket and still feel like the team we have, have some desire to play for the club.
It is unfortunate that we have got Yeovil again, in the Trophy next Saturday. I hope we see some sense, play the youth side and see a quick exit as well as remove any risk of further injuries to our already depleted side.
COYY – TOM
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TORQUAYTALK 
A welcome three points and please don’t let us forget we have virtually half a team, including our top scorer, unavailable at present.
Good to see Ash back on the scoresheet and a few new youngsters making impressive contributions so let’s hope we can get a run going despite having Yeovil to face again!
Cmon you Gulls!
Tony Counter
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