TALKING POINTS

Steve Harris – @steveharris84

Steve discusses the game at Plainmoor

NO RECOVERY THIS TIME

Against Worthing, Torquay United recovered from being two goals down to win 3-2. However, lightning didn’t strike twice at Plainmoor as the Gulls lost 2-1 to Tonbridge Angels after falling two goals behind in the first half.

Goals from Tom Leahy and Ricky Korboa in the first half for the Angels gave them a two-goal cushion, but, try as they might, United could only find what proved to be a mere consolation in injury time when Louis Dennis headed home a cross from Jordan Young

There might have been a hint of an offside with Leahy’s opener, but manager Paul Wotton stated in his post-match interview that his side need to start games better.

NEAR MISSES

Throughout the game, Jordan Young, Sonny Blu Lo-Everton, Matt Jay and Sam Dreyer to name but a few all had chances for the Gulls, but they couldn’t convert him.

When Louis Dennis finally did make the breakthrough in the fourth minute of second half injury time, when he turned home Jordan Young’s cross, it proved to be a mere consolation.

On another day the Gulls could have won handsomely, or if they had got a goal back before half-time it could have been a different game. Unfortunately, they weren’t able to and the outcome was a win for Tonbridge.

TIRELESS DISPLAY FROM SONNY BLU

One plus point of United’s display against Tonbridge was performance of Sonny Blu Lo-Everton in the centre of midfield.

He worked tirelessly throughout and always looked to get on the ball and was unlucky not to find the scoresheet himself. On 48 minutes, he had a shot punched away by Angels keeper Laurence Shala and then he was denied by Shala again in the 56th minute before the rebound

ANGELS STRONG ON THE ROAD

Whilst Tonbridge Angels have only won once at home, their away form ranks amongst the best in National League South. Saturday’s victory for Alan Dunne’s was their fifth on their travels in 2025-26, and their list of victims includes second placed Worthing and play-off hopefuls Maidstone United.

The Gulls are due to visit the Angels’ Longmead Stadium home on the final day of the campaign, and there could yet be something riding on it for United.

STILL IN CONTENTION

Despite their defeat, the Gulls still remain in contention at the top of the National League South, with the gap between themselves and top spot remaining at three points.

The top five in the division are currently separated by five points; fifth placed Horsham have 38 whilst Weston Super Mare in fourth, United in third and second placed Worthing all have 39 and trail leaders Hornchurch, who are on 42 points, by three.

Boxing Day’s clash with Weston Super Mare will have a lot riding on it, the Gulls are yet to face the Seagulls, who are managed by former Willand Rovers and Tiverton Town boss Scott Rogers.