MATCH VERDICT

Thomas Kelly – @tommyktufc

Tom reports back on the game at Plainmoor

TORQUAY UNITED 1-0 DORKING WANDERERS – 24.08.24

SUMMARY

Torquay United faced their toughest encounter of the season so far against much fancied Dorking Wanderers.

Marc White, a lovely guest on our It’s all gone South podcast a month ago, highlighted that goals win games and it turned out to be a moment of quality from Lirak Hasani who struck the winning goal to send most of the 3,500+ crowd into raptures. More on that in a bit.

Gulls manager Paul Wotton made one change from the win at Bath with Brad Ash replacing goal-scorer Cody Cooke.

In the battle of the 3-5-2s, it was Dorking who started the better. In fact, United struggled to get much of the ball for the first half hour.

Dorking moved the ball well but despite plenty of possession, rarely threatened James Hamon in goal.

It took United until the last 10 minutes of the half to really find their feet, as Hasani headed wide from Foulstons cross, before Ed Palmer created two good chances, firstly seeing his header cleared off the line from a corner before launching a 25 yard effort just wide of goal.

The Gulls started the better after the restart and a quality goal turned out to be the decider as Lirak Hasani thundered in a beautiful effort that had Foulkes beaten and sent Plainmoor rocking. 1-0.

Dorking were on the ropes and Torquay looked to double their lead but were denied by good defending from Dorking.

A triple change saw Mussa, Cooke and Tonks enter the fray for Ash, Seymour and Carson, the latter suffering a knock which had him limping off.

This proved to be the break in play that Dorking needed as they soon began to see more of the ball and created plenty of pressure in which previous United squads would have probably faltered. Not this Torquay United though.

The last moment of the game should have seen Dorking take a point back to Surrey as United failed to stop a cross which found Fuller. Completely unmarked in front of goal….he headed it wide!

The referee called time and Torquay had won! Our first ever victory over Dorking Wanderers! Put that on your tik tok!*

*Sorry Rich, was lovely to meet you and good to hear you had no problems in the end getting the cameras in!

PLAYER RATINGS

1 – James Hamon – 7 – Rarely called into action, but a commanding presence at the back as always.

2 – Finley Craske – 7 – Did well against a tough outfit. Has vastly improved under the new management. Sounds like he will be out for Monday though which is a shame.

16 – Ed Palmer – 8 – So unlucky not to score with his 25 yard effort. Wasn’t afraid to get stuck in and made it difficult for Dorking to break us down, especially in the 2nd half.

5 – Sam Dreyer – 7 – Quickly turning into my favourite player. Energetic and a calm head at the back.

3 – Jay Foulston – 7 – TorquayTalk’s sponsored player did well.

14 – Matt Carson – 6 – Found life difficult in the first half as Dorking used the right-hand side well, but grew into the game before limping off in the 2nd half.

18 – Oscar Threlkeld – 6 – Solid if not spectacular. Found it difficult to adapt to Dorking’s press and towards the end the midfield was forced back into a more defensive role which made it hard to break out.

20 – Dan Hayfield – 6 – Still waiting to see the best of Hayfield. Thought he was wasteful in the first half and didn’t influence much in the 2nd. That said, early days in the season and plenty of time to make an impact.

7 – Lirak Hasani – 8 – MOTM. See below.

9 – Ben Seymour – 6 – Created more than Ash but was wasteful with his opportunities.

11 – Brad Ash – 5 – As ever, full of running but was ineffective against a stubborn Dorking defence.

Subs

19 – Cody Cooke – 6 – Difficult to impose himself as the break in play before the subs played into Dorking’s hands somewhat and was limited to counter attacks.

8 – Roddy Collins – 6 – Ran around in midfield as United looked to repel Dorking’s attacks.

17 – Finn Tonks – 6 – Did ok for when he was on, although needs to be more aware of his positioning at the back. That said, he played his part.

10 – Omar Mussa – 6 – Came on to much acclaim and kept the ball well for United. Plenty to be excited about once he’s fully fit.

TUFC PLAYER RATINGS VOTE – Dorking (h)

MAN OF THE MATCH – LIRAK HASANI

The former Gateshead midfielder gets it today, mostly for his wonderful goal. A true moment of quality that deserved to win any football match. On his weaker foot apparently! He will turn out to be an important player for us this season.

HONOURABLE MENTIONS

Ed Palmer. Sponsors MOTM. Considering many expected Ed to be utilised more as back-up option, he really has broken out in the last two games and his effort deserved a goal late on in the first half. In this division, you need someone who isn’t afraid to get stuck in and Ed certainly did today. How nice is it to have options in your squad to choose from. Also big shout-out to the face of TorquayTalk Sam Swann who smashed it in his debut in the commentary box on behalf of BBC Radio Devon Sport. Magnificent and another proud moment for TorquayTalk!

TACTICS

The battle of the 3-5-2 with Craske and Carson playing as the wing backs. Dorking were able to utilise the overload well in the last embers of the game and forced everyone back in our own half.

OFFICIALS

Didn’t seem to give us much, as with most games so far this season. Inconsistently stopping play in one instance and then letting it continue in another. I did feel for the fourth official today. Wotton and White is not a combo I’d like to try and control!

OPPOSITION

We all knew what to expect from Marc White’s side. A tidy outfit, playing nice football and I have no doubt they will be up there come the end of the season.

Marc was rather vocal in his opinion about the success of the Wanderers this season, but after two tough games with Boreham Wood and now us, I’m sure he realises that this season won’t be a walk in the park. Isn’t that right GJ?

Dorking were suffering with some injuries which played a part and were wasteful with the chances they did create, especially right at the end of the game but with the quality they possess, I’m fairly confident Dorking will be in the mix, hopefully we will be as well.

CONCLUSION

Three wins and a loss, victories over Bath and Dorking. I think most of us would have taken that before a ball was kicked at the start of the season!

We all know expectations need to be managed and this team will need time to gel, but to get nine points already, in a week consisting of Farnborough, Bath and Dorking, the signs are positive at Plainmoor.

The atmosphere, the mood at the club, the community share initiative, and of course the fantastic Yellow Army supporting this wonderful club in unison. Over 3,500 at this level is truly magnificent and well done to all for creating a great atmosphere to help the lads get over the line!

Signs are looking good. A quick turnaround and another tough game awaits at Chesham on Monday. Enjoy the bank holiday weekend everyone.

We have our club back!