NLS: Torquay United v Dorking Wanderers 3pm 24/08/24

I thought it was a well earned win today against a side with a lot of emphasis on keeping possession but without that cutting edge, although to some extent the credit must go to our defense in that respect. Fully deserved the win, taking control of the game, either side of the halftime interval to gradually ramp up the pressure which resulted in the goal.

There was a noticeable breeze today towards the Babbacombe end and misjudging the kick off we hit the ball straight into touch losing possession and then barely touched the ball again for the next 10 or 15 minutes! It meant we had to work hard off the ball but without too much to worry about at the back. First chance of significance was towards the end of the half when Foulston’s cross was well headed by Hassani and looked in but went narrowly wide. We had a couple of corners with Dreyer unmarked in the area, forcing a smart save from their keeper lowdown to his right and then from the resulting corner Palmer shaped another great header towards the goal which was cleared by a defender off the line. Finally in injury time Palmer had a good shot from 25 yards out that just went over.

Despite half time coming at the wrong time for us, we kept the initiative in the second half winning a couple of corners and think it was from one of these that the ball came out to Ash and his pass to Hassani in space just outside the area in a central position was met by a left foot shot which flew into the top right hand corner to the delight of him, His team mates and Plainmoor in general.

Carson had a free kick attempt where everyone was expecting a cross but ended up being a shot at the near post which their keeper did well to gather. While we were substituting, Ash and Seymour for Mussa and Cooke, Carson went down in the area and also had to go off for Tonks, limping off in some discomfort but I hear it was mainly cramp so hopefully will be fit for Monday.

As the match progressed more pressure was put on the Torquay goal, but the players did really well, blocking shots when necessary and Hamon had little to do. At the death, Dorking had a good chance, but it was hit wide with the ref blowing up as Hamon, prepared to take the resulting goal kick.

Up to third now! For a squad still gelling with what looked like a difficult start on paper, things are certainly starting to look up.

Yes another very good attendance and really pleasing to see so many in Family stand ,which indicates new or returning families are backing what the Bryn Consortium is doing and that the club is now far more welcoming for such supporters.

Thought we used up one of our ‘Get out of jail’ cards.

I thought Dorking played the ball very well, it was the quality of the final ball that left them wanting, especially that miss in the final minute.