NLS: Torquay United v Chippenham Town 7:45pm 3/9/24

A fabulous first half destroyed the opposition. Really had the intensity early tonight and Chippenham simply couldn't cope with our high pressing game and work rate. A three goal margin finally with room to spare and some great performances all over the pitch. The patient and organised passing football we're seeing is bloody miles apart from what we've witnessed for the last few seasons. Second half was a predictable one with Chipenham doing all they could to restore some pride but were never really a threat for all their huff and puff and we really should have scored another with a point blank miss over the bar midway through the half. The confidence and cohesion is building - great watch tonight. 👍

A comprehensive 3-0 win that could have easily been 6-0 as the team reached new heights particularly in the first half. It has been too long since I’ve seen us outplay a team to that extent. We started by putting a lot of pressure on the Chippenham passing, which didn’t seem quite up to scratch, with their defender mis-controlling the ball to almost let Cooke in on the edge of the area only saved by the ref who himself did not seem to be up to scratch either.

After a weak shot from their number 17 (their best player by someway) Hamon quickly fired the ball forward for Seymour to take possession to the right of the penalty area and his cross was spot on the money for an on-rushing Hasani to head home on the edge of the 6 yard box and give us the perfect start . Things got better a few minutes later with a Carson corner at the back post being headed into the ground by Palmer and sneaking in just inside the post.

We started to dominate both territory and possession and it only seemed a matter of time before we scored a third with Tonks causing havoc on the right hand side. Seymour got the next clear chance and his shot to all intent and purposes from Bristow’s Bench look like it was in but ricocheted back off the inside of the post, you don’t get closer than that. However, a few minutes later, Carson caused havoc with a cross of his own, which somehow evaded everyone until it got to Tonks and his past back inside to Hayfield was struck home with aplomb for a third within less than half an hour. The only downside to the half was Foulston had to go off with a groin injury but didn’t look too serious.

Chippenham looked like they had received a bollocking at half time and came out with some intent and purpose but it was us that had the first chance I think from a Cooke header which was comfortably gathered in by their keeper. We still had the majority and better of the chances to extend the lead and Hayfield had a fantastic chance to score a brace after the keeper had fumbled a cross but instead of placing it, he tried to bury it into the net resulting in it fizzing over from 10 yards out with the goal at his mercy. Crosbie , coming on for the last half an hour had a good chance, being one on one with their keeper, but a last ditch tackle by their defender, denied him. He also had two good penalty shouts, thrown onto the floor just inside the area and then was clearly tripped up when trying to work his way through two defenders.

Still, very good day at the office, first comprehensive win, up to second, over 3000 home supporters on a mid week evening which is impressive and most importantly they went home happy!

Pop side cam!