TT REVIEW

Dom reports back from Plainmoor

TORQUAY UNITED 1-2 HEMEL HEMPSTEAD – 18.04.2026

SUMMARY

A big crowd, a big game and the prospect of an unlikely title win, what could possibly go wrong?! Well we’ll get to that shortly. United made two changes to the team that comfortably beat Slough Town last weekend, with Will Tizzard and Callum Dolan replacing Jordan Thomas and Matt Jay. Meanwhile Hemel came to Plainmoor with the tightest defence in the division and determined to send the Yellow Army home disappointed.

United attempted to start on the front foot, but their play was too often hurried and uncertain, meaning Hemel could gain a foothold in the game, and after 9 minutes they also grabbed the lead. United’s midfield over-committed as Hemel countered, a delicately well placed ball found Williams, who squared it for Campbell to slot easily past a helpless Stacey.

Jimmy Ball urges his team to respond but in truth everything is too laboured and the away team find it easy to repel United’s attacks, with Morgan, Dolan and Young getting very little change from their physical opponents and too may long balls finding the centre back’s wilful heads. But then on 35 minutes there is an equaliser to raise our spirits, as Deon Moore races onto a long ball, steadies himself and finds the bottom left hand corner to the relief of the Yellow Army. Game On at an energized Plainmoor.

The game is fast paced for the rest of the half with very few chances for either team, and Hemel stick to the task of closing down United and attacking when possible. One of those possibles almost gives them a lead just before half time, as Dowrich is presented with a chance to put the away team back in front, but the shot is straight at Stacey, who has had a difficult first half, and the HT whistle blows.

The discussion at half time is that the scoreline flatters us, and we surely can’t play any worse in the second half?? Well unfortunately we do, and on 52 minutes Vilhete finds space outside the area and arrows a shot into the top left hand corner to make it 1-2. United are again struggling to pick up the scraps and Hemel’s power and enthusiastic pressing is giving them the advantage.

Ball tries to change the momentum of the game, with Everton, Dennis, Evans and Jay all coming on and the formation shifting, but whilst Jay’s calmness on the ball creates some avenues to attack, United threaten very little around the penalty area and a resolute Hemel group continue to show why they are a play-off bound team. The Yellow are understandably frustrated as the players toil, and the game peters out sadly in some bright April sunshine.

Torquay’s soft underbelly has been tickled for the first time in a while and a chance to close the gap on the leaders has been agonisingly wasted. We have been out-battled and out-manoeuvred by a team who clearly loved the challenge of the occasion in front of a bumper 4,604 crowd. This very typical Torquay United style rollercoaster season has taken another turn, well it’s never simple is it?!

PLAYER RATINGS

15. STACEY – 4: The teenager has done really well at Torquay in previous games, but he was a bag of nerves in this one, with some handling errors and poor kicking.

3. FOULSTON – 5: Much like the rest of the team, lacked intensity in his play.

28. TIZZARD – 5: As above, also offers little in the way of overlap and with Young nullified, that side creates nothing.

4. DYER – 5: Hemel don’t have a huge number of attacks but the centre back is nervy and hits too many long balls.

5. DREYER – 5: As above (with even more long balls). Calmer heads required.

20. HAYFIELD – 4: Dan has been in very good form, but struggled to make any impact against a tigerish Hemel midfield and gave away possession too often.

18. WORTHINGTON – 5: Rushed around and tried to dictate play, but much like Hayfield, it’s not his day.

10. DOLAN – 4: In all honesty I forgot Callum was playing at times today, barely involved and out-muscled by Hemel’s midfield and defence.

11. MORGAN – 4: Dylan spent much of his time centrally and had only a scant amount of possession, which after recent games, was hugely disappointing. The impressive Hemel right back also waltzed past him a few times to compound matters!

8. YOUNG – 4: Jordan had a tough game, taking too many touches rather than move the ball on and making very little impact on proceedings.

19. MOORE – 6: Sympathy for Deon, he worked hard but was given very few passes to work with. Nice finish for the goal.

Subs

7. DENNIS – 4: I like Dennis, he’s got lovely feet and wants to turn the style on, something that is appreciated. But sometimes you just want him to be more direct with his passing and running, and this was one of those days.

24. EVERTON – 5: Surprising to see Sonny omitted from the starting line-up, he tried to give United better quality on arrival but found it difficult to make a difference as Hemel’s midfield suffocated matters..

27. JAY – 6: Matt wanted to get on the ball and did take time to find passes that prompted United to get forward.

22. EVANS – 5: Wanted to get involved and made some runs with the ball.

23. OSBORNE – 5: The young right back put himself about and tried to get forward.

PLAYER OF THE MATCH – DEON MOORE

I’m not spoilt for choices here! The Sponsors picked Deon Moore and I’ll agree with them. Only Deon and Matt Jay were worthy of any praise today, yes it was that kind of afternoon.

HONOURABLE MENTIONS

It was a lovely touch for the club volunteers to enter the pitch at half time and enjoy some well-deserved applause. Thank you for your efforts.

TACTICS

Jimmy Ball has done a great job since taking over and so much of what he’s tried to do has paid off…but tactically United were second best today. I couldn’t understand why Dylan Morgan was played so centrally and Callum Dolan looked lost in his role. There was also a lack of width that our subs did not improve and the midfield was dealt with easily by Hemel. Some things to work on.

THE OPPOSITION

It would be an exaggeration to say that Hemel Hempstead dominated the game, but they certainly deserved to win. For much of the afternoon it was an NLS arm wrestle and the away team continually pushed harder. They were set up well defensively, and their attackers were quick to press United’s defence, meaning that long balls were hurriedly swung away, landing repeatedly on a gleeful Hemel head. No.16 Noel-Williams was a thorn in our side, No.9 Campbell impressed and right back Stanley had energy to burn and plenty of quality to go with it. Their 1st goal was a swift and accurate counter, and the 2nd is probably their goal of the season. A tough and physical team with a clear gameplan who will make life hard for anybody in the play-offs.

THE OFFICIALS

Typically fussy at times and fairly inconsistent with his decisions, so fairly standard at this level of football. Gave Hemel too much leeway for time wasting, but overall, nothing controversial that altered the course of what was a thoroughly infuriating game.

CONCLUSION

Back to earth today with the bump for the Gulls. United need to learn to enjoy the pressure of an occasion like this and use it as inspiration to look their counterparts straight in the eye, fight harder and be braver in possession. In some ways this was a reminder of last season’s play-off loss, when Boreham’s strength and aggression gave them the edge, and another abject performance like this will see us suffering a similar fate. But all is far from lost, this group of players can do better and if Jimmy Ball can find the right mentality in the coming weeks then a heart-warming (and much-needed) promotion is still within our reach. Keep the faith Yellow Army!