TT REVIEW
Ben reports back from Plainmoor
TORQUAY UNITED 2-0 HORSHAM FC – 28.03.2026
SUMMARY
Following on from a spirited 2-2 draw under the lights against Dorking, Matt Worthington returned to the eleven after suspension, replacing Matt Jay, with Lo-Everton advancing into the no.10 role. Despite Callum Dolan and Louis Dennis’ quality substitute performances on Tuesday they remained on the bench but they are both still returning from injury.
Inside the 1st minute Jordan Young managed to chip a curling shot just over as the Gulls dominated the start of the match. It took until just the 8th minute of United the scoring as Dylan Morgan sent us into the lead. A neat passing move saw Dan Hayfield slip in Morgan to calmly pass the ball into the bottom corner. After that initial good spell, the visitors Horsham were able to put us under pressure, and the no.8 somehow blazed a shot over from 6 yards.
However, when Torquay did get the ball under control in the first half, it was a joy to watch with Morgan’s sharpness and Lo-Everton’s slick passes. Due to this nice football, Deon Moore seemed to be hauled to the floor after a great free kick routine. The referee waved play on though. Only a Horsham free kick was slightly making loanee keeper Seb Stacey panic after the flurry of attacks around 20 minutes.
After a controlled 45 minutes, The Yellows kept piling on the pressure at the start of the second half. Dennis, Dolan and debutant loanee Reece Evans replaced Worthington, Young and Morgan after an hour. Those three attacking substitutions gave us the upper hand against a tiring backline. It was Lo-Everton’s wicked free kick that caused Horsham problems with a defender converting it into his own net on 68 minutes. Jordan Dyer was probing but the touch seemed to come from a white shirt.
Ed Palmer came on for Matt Worthington who appeared to be limping with cramp. Returning from injury, Jordan Thomas replaced the assured Will Tizzard for the final five minutes. The away side had seemingly settled for a 2-0 defeat and were lacklustre at best offering little to no threat. This allowed TUFC to control the tempo throughout and see through a comfortable and much-needed win.
PLAYER RATINGS
15. STACEY – 6: A first clean sheet will be good for confidence, but he wasn’t busy at all.
3. FOULSTON – 7: Although Worthington wore the armband today, his performance was good with no errors.
28. TIZZARD – 7: A very solid, sturdy performance playing at right back.
4. DYER – 7: Him and Dyer being back is been vital, he helped us to a clean sheet.
5. DREYER – 7: He won plenty of duels and looked good linking with Dreyer again.
20. HAYFIELD – 8: POTM
24. LO-EVERTON – 8: Playing in behind Moore for much of game he has great movement and passing ability.
18. WORTHINGTON – 7: His return gave us some midfield grit and he was an astute figure in front of the back four.
8. YOUNG – 6: Still a decent performance but he didn’t manage to trouble the goalkeeper enough.
11. MORGAN – 7: A sharp and nippy display, took the goal nicely.
19. MOORE – 6: His hold up play was valuable but doesn’t make great runs.
Subs
10. DOLAN – 5: Couldn’t make much impact when he came on.
7. DENNIS – 6: Did fine playing a few nice passes.
16. PALMER – 6: Held in front of Dyer and Dreyer fine.
22. EVANS – 7: There is certainly a player that we can work with there.
26. THOMAS – N/A.
PLAYER OF THE MATCH – DAN HAYFIELD
My Player of the Match award goes to Dan Hayfield. He has been a strong performer in recent matches and had a brilliant display today. He gives us energy and drive and did that well today.
HONOURABLE MENTIONS
All the back 5 (including Stacey) deserve a mention for a clean sheet. Worthington, Lo-Everton and Morgan all also stood out.
TACTICS
Jimmy Ball went with a 4.2.3.1 formation which we have mostly used throughout the campaign. All substitutions were like for like except for Dennis coming on for Young, moving Lo-Everton to the right side.
THE OPPOSITION
It is obvious why they are where they are. After an early attacking flurry in which they missed a sitter, Horsham offered no real threat or output. Their defending was steady enough, but the own goal was very avoidable, poor clearance.
THE OFFICIALS
The referee was largely better than most despite ignoring blatant pulling on Deon Moore multiple times.
CONCLUSION
A routine victory giving us a crucial three points. A first clean sheet this year, wow!
COYY – Ben
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