MATCH VERDICT
Tom Beddows
@BeddowsTom
TONBRIDGE ANGELS 4-1 TORQUAY UNITED – NLS – 16/03/24
A simply abysmal performance by United today.
The first half started with Torquay having the majority of possession without really being able to do anything with it. A nice cross into the box from Ash found Jarvis and he should’ve seen the Gulls take a 1-0 lead but he was too hesitant, took an extra touch and the keeper easily closed him down.
Ten minutes later Tonbridge found themselves on the front foot, the ball was played low and through the box, and with no Gulls player able to get to it, Tonbridge placed the ball into the back of the net and took the lead.
There wasn’t much else to take note of during the first half. The referee took a hit from the ball, requiring a brief pause, before Stobbs whipped a ball into Lapslie who headed it just over the bar.
Half Time 1-0 Tonbridge, and what is becoming a more regular thing, a switch of ends for the fans.
Tonbridge came out ready for the second half, knowing they could easily see this game out. Countless attempts were made, Tomlinson making a good effort to stop the hosts finding their second, but ultimately it would come.
As the second half ticked on, a disastrous five minutes for the Gulls ensued, as Odokonyero found the back of the net not once but twice. A fine goal from Shields in-between meant we trailed by four before the 75th minute.
Ash was able to run and keep on running until he chucked a consolation goal in the back of the net. The final ten minutes didn’t really offer anything different, and after an additional seven, the referee put the Yellow Army out of their misery.
PLAYER RATINGS
1. GK: Mark Halstead – 3
21. CB: Dean Moxey – 4
23. CB: Ollie Tomlinson – 3
6. CB: Ross Marshall – 3
2. LWB: Arkell Jude-Boyd – 3
14. MF: Brett McGavin – 3
28. MF: Kevin Dawson – 3
27. RWB: Jack Stobbs – 3
4. MF: Tom Lapslie – 4
11. ST: Brad Ash – 4
9. ST: Aaron Jarvis – 3
Subs
30. CM: Ethon Archer – 3
18. CM: Will Jenkins Davies – 3
19. ST: Duane Ofori-Acheampong – 3
MAN OF THE MATCH – BRAD ASH
Hard to really choose one. I shall go with Ash for his goal and effort, he aired his frustration at others for their poor delivery. We need all of our players to have this fight and attitude if we’re going to remain in the NLS next season.
HONOURABLE MENTIONS
As always, the Yellow Army. The loyal supporters are always there in numbers and will continue to be whilst Torquay United exists. The Yellow Army has shown it’s support for the club in brilliant ways over the last couple of weeks and I know that will remain the same for the rest of this season. Whether we’re playing in the NLS or the Southern Prem next season, the Yellow Army will be there and we’ll be ready to start a new era for Torquay United.
TACTICS
3-5-2. Moxey, Marshall and Tomlinson made up the backline, with Jude-Boyd and Stobbs on the left and right of midfield. Jenkins-Davies replaced Lapslie, with Duane coming on for Jarvis and Archer making a short appearance in place of McGavin.
OPPOSITION
I’d say Angels are a reasonably good side. It’s become difficult to know what really constitutes a good team as we’ve been so poor this season. They deserved the result and knew how to break us down.
THE OFFICIALS
A couple of frustrating calls from the officials but I think they were okay and were fair to both teams. I’m not sure what the reason for Jarvis’ card was but suspect that after a few disagreements throughout the game it was for dissent.
CONCLUSION
A painful watch and as I see the lights of Canary Wharf I wonder if what I just saw really happened. This is the lowest we’ve ever been and as someone next to me said today, we could have even further to fall. We need a complete refresh from top to bottom, and I think that could start immediately with relieving Downes of his duties and passing the baton to Asa Hall for the rest of the season, what harm could it do? It is incredibly tough at the moment, but I think we still need to show up in support of the club, the personnel will change in the near future, but we will still be here and for that reason we must be present, in every way we can be.
COYY – TOM
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