After paying tribute to the
memory of former striker Tony Bedeau, Torquay United kept their promotion bid
on track with a win over Hornchurch.
In the fourth minute, the Urchins went close through Darren McQueen who was denied by the reflexes of United keeper James Hamon.
However, the Gulls edged ahead on 12 minutes when a Jordan Young free-kick was nodded across the penalty area by Ed Palmer into the path of Finley Craske, who scored his first goal for the club.
Three minutes later, Jordan Thomas went close with an angled effort which was palmed behind by Hornchurch keeper Mason Terry, following good work from Matt Jay and Cody Cooke.
In the 30th minute, the Urchins were awarded a penalty after Craske was adjudged to have felled Will Greenidge, which Hornchurch skipper Tom Wraight stepped up to take – but it was saved by Hamon.
The Gulls doubled their lead on 39 minutes when a cross from Young picked out Matt Carson who made a late run into the box before slotting home.
In the second half, Charlie Pegrum had a shot turned around the post by Hamon in the 49th minute.
On 71 minutes, Thomas and sub Omar Mussa combined to tee up Thomas for a shot that Terry tipped over for a corner.
With three minutes to go, Harry Gibbs headed against the post for the Urchins before Angelo Balanta pulled one back a minute later.
