TT REVIEW

Chris Wade – @tufcchris

BOVEY (A)

Jimmy Ball’s Torquay United travelled to Bovey Tracey on a warm September evening to start their St Lukes Devon Bowl campaign.

Bovey put on an excellent evening, with burgers and curry available, indoor and outdoor bars, and a DJ bringing the atmosphere both for pre-match and at half time.

Ball had promised a strong line up and so it proved. Zak Baker started in goal, with Tyler Hill and Dan Hayfield retaining their places from the weekend FA Cup success. Skipper Matt Worthington was back in midfield alongside Matt Jay, and there was also more minutes for Isaac Westendorf after his weekend return from injury. There were also starts for youth prospects Elliot Osman, Fin Herbert and Jonah Shaw.

United dominated the first half, seeing a lot of the ball in the opening half. Zak Baker did need to make one sharp save from a swift attack down the Bovey right, but the possession told after a series of close offside calls had denied Torquay, with one header cleared off the line from Westendorf.

Westendorf again got in down the right and striker Callum Morton worked the ball into the penalty box, and Fin Herbert was on hand to sweep the ball home from 12 yards. Matt Jay screamed a shot towards goal that was tipped away just before half time, as the DJ fired up for 15 minutes with United 1-0 ahead at the break.

A double change at the break saw Jacob Beaumont-Clark and youngster Owen Bailey introduced at the break. The second half had a much more disjointed feel to it, with a series of off side calls again going against United. It was good to see Angelo Cappello and Sean Robertson introduced after the hour as they continued their comebacks from recent injuries. Bovey did however get a foothold in the game and strong five minutes saw the, strike the base of Baker’s right post, a goal mouth scramble and sharp reflex save from the United stopper.

Cappello grew into the game and looked dangerous in the closing minutes, with one fizzing drive pushed away in the last five minutes.

But United held on and progressed to the next round. Where will we go next?