TT MATCH VERDICT

Thomas Kelly – @tommyktufc

Tom reports back from Surrey

WALTON & HERSHAM 0-3 TORQUAY UNITED – 31.10.2026

SUMMARY

It had all the hallmarks for a Halloween horror show didn’t it?

Walton & Hersham had failed to register a home win so far in their debut season in the NLS, play on a plastic pitch and were languishing in the bottom four of the league.

We all feared the worst.

Thankfully though, on a beautiful autumns afternoon in Surrey, Torquay were able to put Tuesday nights dismal performance behind them and bring 3 points back to Devon.

Jimmy made five changes to the side that embarrased the Yellow Army at Totton, including a change in formation with a change to four at the back with Bernard, JBC, Hayfield, Finn & Scarff (who had to replace Olufunwa due to a injury concern in the warm up), came in for Cooke, Shield, Jenkins & Roberts.

From the off, Torquay were the stronger of the two sides and controlled the early stages before Matt Jay brilliantly looped his effort over the keeper for 1-0.

Relief.

Walton & Hersham never really looked like getting back into the game, but the longer it stayed 1-0, they had hope.

Wannell should have made it 2-0 from close range and despite a few half chances from those in blue, United went into the break with only a one goal advantage.

Torquay pressed forward early on at the start of the 2nd half with Dan Hayfield unfortunate to see his effort tipped round the post after a lovely passing move.

Then Walton & Hersham began to find their feet, with the Swan’s beginning to see more of the ball and nearly levelled with their first meaningful effort on goal, Savin with a vital stop to deny Evans after United failed to clear a long ball forward before seeing the rebound hit into the car park of the Sports Hub.

Don’t you dare Torquay.

Thankfully, the introduction of Cody Cooke brought United breathing room, heading in from close range from a Bernard cross to double the lead.

Relief!

The game was sealed by a lovely effort from JBC, cutting inside his man before slamming home United’s third at the near post.

Relief!

Savin managed to maintain a clean sheet in injury time, claiming the ball on the line after a bit of slack defending but it was job done at the Sports Hub and unlike Tuesday night, the fans were able to go home happy.

PLAYER RATINGS

1. Toby Savin: 7 – Had very little to do in truth, made a vital save at 1-0 when United switched off at the back. Will be happy to get a clean sheet.

2. Dom Bernard: 8 – Solid display. Gets an extra half point for winning us a goal kick by deflecting his effort via the privates of the Walton attacker. Lovely cross for Cody’s goal.

5. Taylor Scarff: 7.5 – Considering he was called upon last minute, he did well. Had a few nervy moments early on but grew into the game as it progressed.

16. Jake Wannell: 7.5 – Didn’t get sent off & nearly got a goal for his efforts. Have a good month off Jake!

3. Tyler Hill: 7 – Fine. Got a silly booking early in the first half for delaying the restart of play..

18. Matt Worthington: 8 – For all his critics, I thought he was very good today. He pushed forward plenty of times and defended well, albeit against the low quality of the opposition. Took advantage of the space Walton & Hersham allowed us.

20. Dan Hayfield 8.5 – Brought us that grunt in the midfield and was involved in everything. My MOTM.

11. Jacob Beaumont-Clark: 8 – Took his goal really well and was a handful on the right hand side all afternoon.

27. Matt Jay: 7.5 – Took his goal really well. Surprised to see him subbed on the hour but benefited being in the 10 role.

22. Tegan Finn: 7.5 – Another to benefit from a change of shape. Played in a preferred position. Handful.

14. Deon Moore: 7 – Held the ball well, got naff all from the officials but looked to be stretching a lot off the ball. He’s worked hard in the last week.

Subs:

9. Cody Cooke: 7.5 – Impact sub. He’s had a few tough games but took his goal well and showed lots of energy.

39. Callum Morton: 6.5 – Full of running but unlike Cody didn’t get into the game as much as we and he would have wanted.

12. Harry Shield: 7 – Such a promising talent.

23. Sean Robertson: 7 – Did fine.

24. Caleb Roberts: N/A – Did fine, joined the fray when the game was won.

TUFC PLAYER RATINGS VOTE – Walton and Hersham (a) – TORQUAYTALK

PLAYER OF THE MATCH – DAN HAYFIELD

Dan often goes under the radar in my opinion for his efforts and endeavour. On Tuesday night, we lacked any direction and lost every battle. Dan was everywhere and contributed to both second half goals. He was the engine in the midfield that spurred us forward.

HONOURABLE MENTIONS

I know I have been critical of the captaincy this season, but Matt Worthington played his part yesterday. He wasn’t afraid to push forward and made some great runs into the box. I thought he played really albeit against a very limited side. I think the change of formation really helped him.

JBC also for his lovely goal and work rate. He was always a handful and against a tiring Walton & Hersham defence and I’m sure they’ll be glad to see the back of him. Deserved more than the one goal but he showed he can be a threat when played correctly.

TACTICS

Jimmy finally abandoned with the 3 at the back and went for what looked like a 4-2-3-1 the Yellow Army have been crying out for, with Jay in behind Moore. Torquay were comfortable for most of the afternoon and I hope it’s a system that Jimmy (should he be given the opportunity) will stick to going forward.

THE OPPOSITION

Very very poor. Normally teams raise their games against us, but it was clear from the opening exchanges there were the inferior side in that game. With the upmost respect, it felt like a FA Cup game against a lower league side.

The facilities are basic, but the welcome was warm and everyone I interacted with were friendly. We certainly lucked out with the weather and everyone was able to get a clear view of the game by the looks of it who stood.

Based on what I saw from them, their stay at this level will be brief. They were outclassed and clearly need additions to their young squad.

THE OFFICIALS

I felt like we didn’t get our fair rub of the green with some of their decisions, but we didn’t need to worry in the end. Fun when you score enough goals you don’t need to worry about referees!

Scarff ended up off the pitch for over 2 minutes early in the first half and Deon got naff all, but whatever.

CONCLUSION

Football is a results business and all Torquay United had to do was win and they did. Despite this, some will still feel this result papers over cracks. That may be true, but it may also be the start of something. Only time will tell.

You can only beat what is in front of you and Torquay did. Chorley, Chippenham, Eastbourne are just three examples of where we’ve failed against sides in the relegation places. It’s almost in our DNA. For once, it wasn’t “Typical Torquay”

That being said, questions over the management will still linger despite this win. Some will say it’s only a win over Walton & Hersham, others will say it’s a win that gives Jimmy grace.

With 10 days now to rest, recover and prepare for another away trip, I’m sure there will be many conversations going on behind the scenes as to where the Gulls go from here but at least this time, our weekend hasn’t been ruined by the football.