TT REVIEW

Sam Jones – @samuellejones

Sam reports on United’s Play-Off Final defeat

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HORNCHURCH 3-2 TORQUAY UNITED (AET) – 09.05.2026

SUMMARY

The term “Play-Off Final” will make most Torquay United fans shudder, unless you haven’t watched us since 2009 that is. If so, lucky you. You’ll never guess what has happened in the last 17 years. After stomping Dorking at home in the Semis, The Yellows descended on the London Borough of Havering for their date with destiny (also knows as Hornchurch FC). Unfortunately, as is usual with this football club, destiny stood us up as United lost 3-2 in extra time to face yet another season in the sixth tier of English football.

The game couldn’t have started any better for the Gulls, as Deon Moore put United ahead after just six minutes. A long ball from Dreyer was lost by the covering Hornchurch defender, who ended up falling over to let Moore in. The Guyanese international took it first time and smashed it past the home keeper to send the 900 travelling members of the Yellow Army into raptures. Unfortunately, United couldn’t push on in the first half as the home side dominated proceedings.

Hornchurch spurned a series of good chances, mainly from former Gull Josh Rees, to equalise for the Urchins. He managed to head wide from about 6 yards out, before firing over when unmarked on the edge of the box. The mercurial Angelo Balanta up front caused the United defence a bit of trouble, but nothing major to trouble Stacey in the Gulls goal. However, that all changed when Stacey rushed out to try an intercept a long ball over the top but only manage to trip the onrushing Pegrum and give away a penalty. Poleon dispatched it with ease and it was level going into the break.

United started the second half on the front foot, keeping the ball much better and really tried to impose their will on the game. Despite the more positive approach, United really didn’t create much apart from a few dangerous crosses. That was, until the 78th minute, when a fantastic ball by Dolan found Moore running through on goal. He carried the ball to the edge of the box, and shot across the keeper to bury the ball in the far corner. 2-1 United with 12 minutes to go.

Hornchurch were throwing the kitchen sink at United, with the Yellows standing firmly. Dyer and Dreyer were commanding the area, clearing every hopeful ball that Hornchurch were launching into the area. 90 minutes came around, 6 minutes of added time were announced and United still held firm. That is until, and I still not sure how it happened, Hornchurch equalised out of nowhere in the 93rd minute.

Bare with me, because I have watched it about 6 times to try and work it out. Darren McQueen suddenly found himself with time in the box, he crossed the ball to Henry Hearn who completely missed the ball. It hits the very unfortunate Dyer, ricochets onto Hearn and loops over the despairing Stacey. It was a slice of pure luck for the Urchins, and some how they were level. United had a chance to win it in the dying seconds, but Dolan and Dennis mucked up the counter attack. Into Extra time we go.

By this point, both teams were shattered and what was already a very poor game got even scrappier. United should’ve taken lead in the first half of extra time with Hayfield forcing Naster into a fantastic point blank save after a teasing cross from Dolan. Then, just before the half time whistle Hayfield met a ball on the edge of the box but his first time shot hit the side netting.

The second half of extra time was equally as tense, with tired legs and niggly fouls all over the pitch. The game look destined for penalties until Sam Ling, son of former Torquay Manager Martin Ling, volleyed home at the far post. A free kick was played in by Hornchurch, everyone missed the initial ball until it fell to Ling at the back post. His volley found its way through a sea of bodies and nestled in the far corner. Heartbreak for the Gulls and elation for the home side.

Ball threw on Palmer to try and find a last minute equaliser, but it was to no avail. Hornchurch saw out the win, and United face another season in the National League South.

PLAYER RATINGS

15. STACEY – 4: The MK Dons youngster has generally been good since joining us on loan, but he was poor today. Gave away the penalty for the first and probably should’ve done better for the third. Position needs a major upgrade in the summer.

3. FOULSTON – 6: Solid enough defensively, but not enough going forward. Went missing for the second equaliser, but did suffer a nasty knock minutes before so I’ll excuse him for that.

4. DYER – 8: Solid as ever. Was the victim of that unfortunate deflection for the added time equaliser, but headed everything that came his way.

5. DREYER – 8: In contention for Man of the Match, in what is most likely his last ever game in a Yellow Shirt. Like Dyer, was an absolute colossus at the back and his hair was always immaculate. He will be missed.

20. HAYFIELD – 6: Full of energy at right back, and put one delicious cross from Deon Moore who couldn’t quite reach it. It was noticeable that our midfield lost its dominance when he was taken off in extra time.

6. SUNDIRE – 6: Provided great cover in front of the defence and used his physicality very well. Kept hoofing the ball forward every time he got it, which was not ideal. Would be very happy to see him back, and fit, next season.

18. WORTHINGTON – 5: Struggle to see what he offers in this team, both on the pitch and as a leader. Didn’t use the ball particularly well when he had it and did not display enough as a captain to help the less experience through the closing stages of Full Time.

24. EVERTON – 6: Did force a good save out of home keeper Naster in the first half, but wasn’t able to stamp any authority on the game.

11. MORGAN – 5: Fairly anonymous before he was taken off for Jay. The Hornchurch defence had the measure of him, and stopped him from ever really cutting inside onto his favourite right foot.

8. YOUNG – 5: Another one who has probably played his last game in Yellow, but struggled to get involved today. Did start to get on the ball and make things happen but was then subbed for Dolan.

19. MOORE – 9: Sign him up Jimmy. Man of the Match.

Subs

10. DOLAN – 5: Really didn’t have much impact, but did hit the stunning pass for Moore’s second. A real maverick of a footballer.

7. DENNIS – 5: Didn’t offer much really in his time on the pitch. Has been a complete non-factor since the early months of the season.

7. JAY – 4: Didn’t offer anything, but did almost get in a fight.

28. TIZZARD – 5: Lots of energy, but no real impact. I think he forgets what position he is supposed to play.

22. EVANS – 5: Injected some energy into the final few minutes, and was unlucky not to win a free kick after some great solo hold up play.

16. PALMER – N/A: Won a foul in his 5 minute cameo.

PLAYER OF THE MATCH – DEON MOORE

What a revelation Deon has been. He scored two stunning goals, held the ball up brilliantly and worked his socks off until he couldn’t move anymore. Based on his recent form with us, I am sure he will have a number of clubs circling him so lets get a move on and get him on board for next season. A full season with Moore upfront could be that extra factor we need to get out of this Godforsaken League.

HONOURABLE MENTIONS

Jordan Dyer and Sam Dreyer were their typically solid self. Hornchurch didn’t create that much outside of set pieces, and the two United centre-backs kept The Urchins at bay. Despite the level we find ourselves at, the two of them are one of the better centre-back pairings we’ve had at United in the last few years so it will be a real shame to see it broken up. Assuming Dreyer goes to the National League or above, I hope we keep Dyer around next season.

TACTICS

Jimmy went with the same line-up that started the game against Dorking. Hayfield started at Right Back and Nash started in midfield, after recovering from the knock picked up last weekend. The subs on the whole were like for like, with Tizzard moving to right-back after Worthington went off injured. In the first half, we lumped the ball forward at every opportunity which just invited pressure. However, when we stopped lumping it forward and kept the ball on the ground we were able to control the game. The subs Jimmy made were good on paper, but none of them really had the impact desired.

THE OPPOSITION

Hornchurch really weren’t great. They defended well enough, and took their chances but they hardly played us off the park. I’m not convinced they had a shot between their first and second goals, and then maybe not another one till they scored the winner. They seemed very reliant on set-pieces and long throws and didn’t really create much outside of that. We defended them really well, until we all missed the ball and they stole the winner. What they did have though, which we didn’t, was the belief they could go and win it. Daryl McMahon has done a brilliant job there, and good luck to them next season.

THE OFFICIALS

Despite bizarrely having an entry on Hornchurch’s official website, the referee was excellent. The penalty was the correct decision, as well as the few yellows we picked up. Was a complete non-factor in the game, which is nice to say.

CONCLUSION

Urgh. Why can’t we have nice things? A second consecutive Play-Off final defeat for United sees us consigned to yet another season of National League South football. There are two ways to look at the game. The first is that we lost that game, rather than Hornchurch won it. After going 1-0 up, we forgot how to play football and let them back into the game. After going 2-1 up, a team with the ability of ours should have been able to see the game off and take us back to the promised land. But, as I am sure you are aware by now, we didn’t.

The other perspective is that we got incredibly unlucky. Looking back on the game, which unfortunately I had to do for this article, it was incredible we didn’t win that. Their stoppage time equaliser was a complete fluke that took about 3 deflections before looping in. Their young keeper made a wonder save in extra time that kept Hornchurch in the game, and the third goal somehow found its way past about 6 players. We arguably did not do enough to win, but on the balance of play we didn’t deserve to lose in the manner we did. You know its not your day when the other team score at 45+1′, 90+3′ and 117′.

So what now? Well, a big summer is needed for Jimmy Ball. Assuming that Dreyer and Young are sold to a higher division team, we need to bring in replacements that will provide the same level of impact. We need to sign some of the key out of contract players, like Dyer, to new contracts as soon as we can. There is also some dead wood, who I am assuming might be on big salaries, that need to be moved on as their impact on the team is not worth the investment. In terms of recruitment, we need more leaders and experienced heads all over the pitch that will help us grind out results like yesterday. I have full faith in both Jimmy Ball and the Bryn Consortium to build a team which will get us back to the National League. Shame it won’t be for at least another year.

I just want to finish by saying a big thank you from all of us at TorquayTalk. Despite the up and down (mainly down) nature of the club, TT has continued to grow. That couldn’t be done without all of you who read our articles and watch our YouTube channel. Much like United we will be back next season, but in the mean time keep an eye out on our channels for all the latest news on this football club we all love.

Onwards and Upwards.

COYY – Sam

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