TT REVIEW

Ben Wade

Ben reports back from Plainmoor

TORQUAY UNITED 4-2 DORKING WANDERERS – 02.05.2026

SUMMARY

Watching from the closer angle being a ball boy, I had a great view of a successful day for the club. A rocking Plainmoor welcomed Marc White’s Dorking to Torquay for a crunch 12.30 kick off. An electric atmosphere awaited the sides whose seasons could both be over just 90 minutes later. With Dan Hayfield shifting to right back for this huge play-off semi final vs Dorking, Nash Sundire came into the central midfield alongside Matt Worthington.

The Yellow Army made a bright start against ‘The Wanderers’ posing a threat on the counter attack. An early Young free kick came close with a Worthington header disallowed also. Lo-Everton drove at the desolate backline before feeding Gulls loanee Deon Moore who shrugged off the defender before calmly finishing into the far corner. The Gulls fans erupted on 22 minutes as a fast start had been rewarded confidently.

Within half an hour, it was turning into a competitive but open encounter. Dylan Morgan managed to wriggle his way through with Jordan Young slotting it under the diving Harrison Foulkes for 2-0. The Yellow Army could hardly believe it as we were two up and comfortably so at half time. Nothing could have gone better in that first 45 minutes in front of a great 4800 crowd.

Despite a decent start by Marc White’s men, it took under 15 minutes after the break for United to further extend the lead in an incredible display. Just before the third, Dan Hayfield unfortunately collided with Nash Sundire and the latter was forced to go off with a rib injury. Morgan dynamically cut inside once again and hit a trademark curler against the post before Moore was able to convert from close range. TUFC were in absolute dreamland after an hour with the sturdy Will Tizzard having replaced Sundire prior to the goal.

Deon Moore put in an outstanding shift and was taken off on 77 minutes with Reece Evans taking his place. Soon after, Young had his full back isolated one-on-one and took advantage of the situation rolling a composed finish into the near post. This put the home crowd into another level disbelief, The superb Young made way for Callum Dolan with 10 minutes left to play. Dorking got one back though and it was the head of Knight that put the visitors on the scoresheet. Rutherford’s deflected strike gave the away side a lifeline with seven minutes for ‘The Wanderers’ to somehow pull of the ultimate comeback. TUFC defended impeccably though and it’s onto the play-off final.

PLAYER RATINGS

15. STACEY – 8: He was unlucky to concede two late on and pulled off some terrific saves.

3. FOULSTON – 8: Sponsored by TT, he did us proud with a strong display.

4. DYER – 9: He often gets less credit than he deserves because of Dreyer, but he was just as good today, cleared his lines nicely.

5. DREYER – 9: The best centre back in the NLS without a shadow of a doubt. Did not lose one duel against one of the best attacks in the league.

6. SUNDIRE – 8: Hopefully he is fit for the final, provides physicality in the middle.

20. HAYFIELD – 7: A stable performance in defence and attack filling in at right back.

18. WORTHINGTON – 8: He did plenty of running and won the central battle playing some neat passes.

24. EVERTON – 8: Playing in behind Moore, he brilliantly assisted the first goal and played some stunning passes.

11. MORGAN – 8: His dynamism and pace was a good outlet and he posed a threat as usual.

8. YOUNG – 9: POTM – SEE BELOW

19. MOORE – 9: He is so close to the POTM award. He won the battle up top using his body well and taking his goals nicely.

Subs

22. EVANS – 6: He ran around and pressed well. Couldn’t make an impact really.

28. TIZZARD – 7: Did his job well replacing Nash.

7. DENNIS – 6: Played a few neat balls and did decently.

10. DOLAN – 7: Had good energy and forced a save from Foulkes.

16. PALMER – 6: Made sure that Dorking didn’t score again.

PLAYER OF THE MATCH – JORDAN YOUNG

My Player of the Match award goes to Jordan Young. His drive and pace on the ball was great. He has got his swagger back and his goals were superbly taken.

HONOURABLE MENTIONS

Sam Dreyer and Jordan Dyer unquestionably deserve a mention, their physicality at the back was incredible. Deon Moore scored a lovely brace and was a brilliant focal point up top. Lo-Everton’s quality on the ball was really helpful also.

TACTICS

Jimmy Ball went with a 4.2.3.1 formation which we have mostly used throughout the campaign. The main thing was that the game plan worked and not only worked but dominated a good side.

THE OPPOSITION

Dorking have had a rollercoaster season. Top for long periods but not able to maintain that valuable lead. They offered a threat as always but were open defensively and we exploited that.