TTT MATCH VERDICT

Tom Beddows – @BeddowsTom

Tom reports back from Dorking

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DORKING WANDERERS 3-1 TORQUAY UNITED – NATIONAL LEAGUE SOUTH – 25.10.25

SUMMARY

The only word to describe that game is; embarrassing.  An appalling first half for the Gulls, saw us 3-0 down before we headed to the dressing room. 

The team selection, I felt was odd and perhaps suggested we were acting defensively for this game, hoping to catch a break and see the game out with a sneaky win. We hoped! 

However, we were very quickly found out and although presenting a defensive approach we failed to protect ourselves, allowing Dorking to waltz past us and succumbed to two easy goals within the first half hour. 

We expected a change at 1-0 down, to adjust the focus and enforce some attack going forward. It didn’t come. One for the manager to answer. And that was the story for the first half, we were outplayed against a team who are really nothing special, and were 8 points behind us at the start of the day, but we made it an easy afternoon for them. Misplaced passes, desire absent, failures to put a foot in for a challenge, and overall disappointment across the board. 

The second half saw 3 changes, deservedly so, and although with an increase of possession, we never looked like making the threat needed to overturn the 3-0 deficit. Torquay threatened, briefly, for a time with Ed Palmer coming close with his chance scooped away and onto the post by the Dorking keeper. 

I didn’t see the foul that gave away the penalty, however know that Dennis made his claim to taking the ball and saw Young away before placing it on the spot. The penalty was saved by the Dorking No.1.  As the full-time whistle neared, 10 minutes were added to prolong the misery of the Yellow Army.  Although a small glimpse of hope came with a Jordan Young free kick. The number 8 again did what he does best and provided a consolation for the travelling fans. 

Unfortunately, it was all too little too late, and the Gulls succumbed to their 4th away defeat of the season. Make of that what you will. 

PLAYER RATINGS

1. HAMON – 3

3. FOULSTON – 3

4. DYER – 3

16. PALMER – 4

5. DREYER – 4

2. AKYEAMPONG – 1

18. WORTHINGTON – 3

20. HAYFIELD – 2

10. DOLAN – 3

19. DILLON – 3

7. DENNIS – 4

Subs

24. EVERTON- 4

27. JAY – 4

8. YOUNG – 7

17. FISH – 3

PLAYER OF THE MATCH – JORDAN YOUNG

Jordan Young – why he didn’t start the game I have no idea! Best player in the squad, one of the highest scorers in the league, he should be on the pitch and showed his worth in the second half. 

HONOURABLE MENTIONS – YELLOW ARMY

No one on the pitch deserves this. So I’ll go with the Yellow Army, who continue to show up in their numbers away from home and who have witnessed some abject performances so far this season! 

Let’s hope we begin to see a better output on Bonfire night at Farnborough. (I’m not getting my hopes up) 

TACTICS

THE OPPOSITION

A relatively good, experienced side, took advantage of what we presented them with and saw the game out early on. 

THE OFFICIALS

Pretty fair – arguable decision on the handbags between Palmer & Lewis was there a fist, should there have been a red card? The highlights will tell us, but overall didn’t have a bad game. 

CONCLUSION

A lot of discussion about the management situation tonight, is it time to make the switch or not? I’m probably on the side of it is, the away from is atrocious and although with a near excellent home form we won’t win the league under the current circumstances. 

However, who is out there at the moment to come in and make a difference? I’m not sure. I’m happy to take the gamble, but understand the hesitancy by the board to flick the switch. 

Lose at home next week to Hornchurch and I think that hesitancy becomes more confirmed, we shall see. 

Up the Gulls! 

COYY – Tom

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