MATCH VERDICT

Clive Hayward

@Byehorse

TAVISTOCK (A)

A dozen local youngsters had done their research on Torquay United, and gave us a quick first half rendition of: “Aaron Jarvis, he left cos you’re s**t.” So it would be unfair to describe this evening as The Silence of the Lambs, but there was more of a cutting edge to our performance this evening than we had seen in the rain at Buckland on Friday night.

It was, in many ways, the perfect pre-season friendly. A ground very few of us had seen before, a welcoming club not so very far from home, bright sunshine and plenty of goals to send us home happy.   

No worries about the price of football tonight. It was only a fiver to get in and there was certainly no question of away supporters being fleeced in the Lambing Shed (the quirkily-titled catering outlet). I will never again get as much cheeseburger down my throat for £4.50. With ample free parking nearby, I would really be struggling to offer any criticism of the evening. Maybe a few less midges coming off the River Tavy as the sun set?

But most of the bite tonight came from Paul Wotton’s newly-assembled squad.

The game was over as a contest within the first quarter of an hour, with Brad Ash finishing his own chance before putting another on a plate for left wing-back Matt Carson, who made good ground to arrive in the middle of the box and finish unopposed from close range.

United’s first half dominance was total, with Tavistock rarely able to get out of their own half. Several more chances came and went before Ben Seymour took a richly-deserved opportunity to open his account, nodding into an open goal shortly before the break.

Sam Dreyer played 90 minutes at centre half today. It’s better, as we know, not to make snap judgements on players in pre-season. All I shall say is that he appeared to ooze class. He got the cigars out early, and if he is able to bring the ball forward and pick passes with the authority he showed tonight he could be a huge asset. We will find out about his defensive qualities on another day, but he’s physically imposing and seemed to read the game well.

The atmosphere in the stand was lovely. It consisted mainly of Torquay fans with many seasons on the clock murmuring excitedly to each other about how things just feel so much better with a bit of a plan and some people who so clearly love the club having taken over its stewardship. We might need to stop pinching ourselves soon, because otherwise there will be some very suspicious bruising!

There were also glances cast towards Neil Warnock, who radiated good vibes alongside a mysterious young stranger who may or may not be fit and may or may not be about to join the squad.    

In the second half, many set-pieces came and went, and substitutions were made before we were able to “Seymour” goal action: Ben popping up with another tap in. On another night, he could have scored six. He has looked really sharp in both games.     

In his post-match comments Wotton said he had been pleased to see that fitness levels are improving and that it had been another great workout. As a fan, I’m bound to say that it was great to see lots of chances being created, with enough taken. The Boss was less interested in the score-line and sees it as another small step towards getting ready for league matches. There are now 10 days to keep that squad understanding growing before we welcome Championship strugglers Plymouth Argyle to Plainmoor. 

COYY – CLIVE

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