GULLS SECURE POINTS IN FACE OF ADVERSITY

 Torquay United manager Paul Wotton was quick to praise his players after they saw off the challenge of newly promoted AFC Totton on Tuesday night at Plainmoor. 

Goals from Dylan Morgan, an own goal and second half strike from Matt Jay sealed a 3-1 win for the Gulls, as they followed up their 1-1 draw at the weekend against Maidstone United to take their points tally from their opening three games to seven. 

After their win over Totton, Wotton described the win at 'one of the best results since we've been at the football club.' He also went on to say, 'I think - no, I know - we would have lost last Saturday (Maidstone A 1-1) last season, and I know we wouldn't have won tonight (versus AFC Totton). So I'm absolutely thrilled.'

Maidstone's Gallagher Stadium has traditionally been an unhappy hunting ground for United, and Jordan Young's late penalty secured their first ever point at the Stones' present home (the Gulls' previous draw in the 1990-91 season took place at Dartford United's Watling Street home, which Maidstone were sharing at the time). 

Against Totton, United were facing a newly promoted team with two ex-Gulls in their ranks in Joe Oastler and Scott Rendell, so they had a point to prove. 

This was also achieved against the back drop of injuries to Callum Dolan and Sonny Fish, who were joined on Saturday by Louis Dennis and Sonny Blu Lo-Everton. The injury to Lo-Everton from a dangerous tackle from John Gilbert evoked memories of injuries sustained against the Stones by Phil Lloyd (1990-91) and Liam Davis (2019-20); however, Lo-Everton will now be out for three months with damaged ankle ligaments and I wish him a speedy recovery. 

Then on Tuesday night, Dylan Morgan joined the ever growing list when he was substituted at half time after sustaining a heavy challenge in the first half. Nevertheless, United still managed to get three points, which moves Wotton's men up to second in the table. 

Wotton's comments about saying that United wouldn't have won against AFC Totton rekindled memories of a result early in the Gulls' automatic promotion success under Leroy Rosenior in the 2003-04 season. In United's second game of the campaign at home to Lincoln City, the Gulls, featuring the likes of Alex Russell, Jason Fowler and David Graham, created chance after chance, but couldn't break down the late Keith Alexander's Imps - until the 89th minute when Matt Hockley stabbed home to finally break Lincoln's resistance. 

In the previous 2002-03 campaign, United drew both games with the Imps, but completed the double over them in 2003-04, as they went on to clinch a top three finish, with a final day win over Southend United. If they can cope with the kind of adversity that they faced against Lincoln on that Saturday afternoon in 2003 and against Totton in 2025, then they will achieve their ultimate goals. 

 

 

TALKING POINTS FROM TORQUAY UNITED VERSUS ENFIELD TOWN

 1. Matt Worthington with a stand out performance on debut. 

On his debut for Torquay United, skipper Matt Worthington underlined exactly why manager Paul Wotton committed to offering him a three-year deal following his transfer from Oldham Athletic. 

As well as dictating play with a great range of passing, most notably with his assist for Jordan Young's second goal, he was also dropping back to help shield the back four. He has the potential to be as influential figure as two other players who captained the club from midfield in Chris Hargreaves (2007-2010) and Asa Hall (2018-2024). 

2. Dennis has the potential to be a difference maker. 

Playing in the number 10 role behind Cody Cooke, Louis Dennis marked his debut for the Gulls with the opening goal of the afternoon in the ninth minute. Cooke managed to get a flick on on a goal kick from keeper James Hamon and raced onto it before Dennis calmly slotting home. 

Dennis comes to Plainmoor with promotion winning pedigree from his time with Bromley, where he helped them win promotion from the National League in 2023-24, and he will be hoping to add another promotion to his CV come the end of the current campaign. 

3. James Hamon's saves. 

Towards the end of United's 2-1 win over Enfield Town on the opening day of the 2024-25 season, James Hamon made an important save towards the end to help seal all three points. 

He was also called upon to make a number of important saves as he denied Lamar Reynolds in the 23rd minute as he tipped his shot onto the shot before smothering the danger. In the second half, he thwarted Tommy Wood (twice) and Harry Lodovica, which proved to be crucial come full time. 

4.  Changes. 

Almost a year ago to the day, Torquay United faced Enfield Town in Paul Wotton's first game in charge on the opening day of the 2024-25 season, and much has changed since then. 

 Only five of United's starting XI in 2025-26 also began against the Towners on that occasion; James Hamon, Jordan Dyer, Sam Dreyer, Jay Foulston and Cody Cooke. Dan Hayfield also started in 2024-25, but came off the bench in 2025-26. 

5. A cameo from Aiden Edwards. 

Aiden Edwards, the 17 year-old son of United assistant Mike Edwards, made a late cameo as a replacement for skipper Matt Worthington in the 93rd minute. Edwards featured on several occasions in pre-season and looks set to be involved in around the first time over the course of the 2025-26 campaign.  

TORQUAY UNITED 3 ENFIELD TOWN 1

Last season’s National League South runners-up Torquay United got off to a winning start in 2025-26 against a spirited Enfield Town side.

Early goals from debutant Louis Dennis and Jordan Young set the tone for the Gulls before Cody Cooke netted from the penalty spot. Skipper Mickey Parcell pulled one back for the visitors, but United manager Paul Wotton was still happy with the result. “Everyone wants to win their first game on the opening day of the season and we’ve done that,” said Wotton.

The Gulls were in front on nine minutes when Cooke flicked on a goal kick from keeper James Hamon into the path of Dennis who marked his debut with United’s opener.

Two minutes later, United doubled their lead when skipper Matt Worthington picked out Young who cut inside onto his left foot before finding the top corner.

In the 24^th minute, Lamar Reynolds threatened for the Towners after United failed to clear a long throw, but Hamon turned his shot onto the post before smothering it.

Cooke then made it three from the spot on 41 minutes after Joe Payne felled Young.

In the second half, Parcell pulled one back against his former club after United failed to deal with a long throw in the 59^th minute.

Hamon was later called upon to deny Wood and sub Harry Lodovica, as the Gulls clinched all three points.

 

2025-26 PREVIEW: TRURO CITY

 History was made last season when Truro City won promotion to the National League and another chapter could be written in the 2025-26 campaign, if they upset the odds and survive in the fifth tier. 

A lot has been made about the distances that they'll be travelling in 2025-26 to far flung locations like Carlisle, Gateshead, Hartlepool, Scunthorpe and York etc; however, what could be seen as their biggest weaknesses could, in the right circumstances be their greatest strength. 

In addition to the travelling that they'll be making to away games, trips to the Tinners' Truro City Stadium will represent the longest journey of the campaign for all of their fellow National League sides. 

So their fortunes may depend on whether they can make their Truro City Stadium home into a fortress. 

It is also worth noting that their manager John Askey is one of the most experienced managers in non-league football, having not only won promotion from National League South, but having won promotion from National League North with York City and the National League with Macclesfield Town. His success with the Silkmen in 2017-18 was achieved against the odds with a budget that wasn't amongst the largest in the division. 

Askey has mainly recruited locally over the close season, bringing in Lirak Hasani following his release by Torquay United and Harry Kite and Aidan Stone have signed from Yeovil Town. Luke Jephcott and Christian Oxlade-Chamberlain have turned their loan deals of last season into permanent moves. 

However, Truro will need to fill the void left by the departure of Jezie Kabia to Grimsby Town.  

The Tinners' 'against all odds' ethos has got them to the National League, but they will need it again to help keep them there. 

Player to Watch: Harry Kite

Former Exeter City starlet Harry Kite struggled to find a club after experiencing a serious injury while with the Grecians. However, if he can maintain his fitness levels with the Tinners, he could get himself a move back to the EFL. 

In: Lirak Hasani (Torquay United), Harry Kite (Yeovil Town), Luke Jephcott (Newport County), Christian Oxlade-Chamberlain (Aldershot Town)

Out: Andrew Neal (Plymouth Parkway)

2025-26 PREVIEW: YEOVIL TOWN

 In their second season back in the National League after winning promotion in 2023-24, Yeovil Town will be looking to build on last season's finish of 18th. 

The Glovers are under new ownership with Dubai-based businessman Prabhu Srinivasan taking over as owner from Martin Hellier, with director Stuart Robins taking on the role of Executive Chairman. 

Finding a new owner hasn't been the only change at Huiish Park, as the Glovers have found a new training base in Bristol at the SGS Campus. 

On the transfer front, former loanee Tahvon Campbell returns to Huish Park on a permanent basis following his release by Solihull Moors. Kyle Ferguson also makes a full time return to Huish Park following a successful loan from Rochdale last season. 

For the last decade stability has been in short supply for Yeovil, as they fell from the second tier to the sixth. However, steady progress appears to be the order of the day nowadays for the Glovers. 

A  play-off charge in 2025-26 will probably be too soon for Mark Cooper's side, but a top half finish would represent visible progress. 

 Player to Watch: Tahvon Campbell

After previously appearing for the Glovers earlier in his career as young loanee in 2016 and 2017 Tahvon Campbell was returned to Huish Park to lead the forward line. A proven National League striker from his spells with Woking, Wealdstone and Solihull Moors, Campbell's pace and movement has the potential to be a real asset for Yeovil. 

 In: James Daly (Harrogate Town), Tahvon Campbell (Solihull Moors) Kyle Ferguson (Rochdale), Byron Pendleton and Ben Wodskou (Birmingham City, loan), Jed Ward (Bristol Rovers, loan), Luke McCormick (Bristol Rovers) Junior Morias

Out: Sonny Blu Lo-Everton and Jordan Thomas (Torquay United), Aidan Stone and Harry Kite (Truro City), Dom Bernard, Caleb Hughes, Michael Smith, Marcel Lavinier, Will Buse,

ON THIS DAY - EXETER CITY 1 EVERTON 4 CHRIS CURRAN TESTIMONIAL

Premier League clubs playing pre-season friendlies in the South West and testimonials don’t happen as frequently as they used to these days, but a quarter of a century ago, one of the top-flight big boys featured in a testimonial for one of Westcountry football’s finest servants.

Since making his debut for Torquay United during the 1990-91 season, Chris Curran helped the Gulls to win promotion through the Play-offs from the ‘old’ Fourth Division against Blackpool at Wembley in 1991.

He was then signed by Plymouth Argyle in the 1995-96 campaign when Neil Warnock, who managed him during his brief spell at Plainmoor in 1992-93 – when he led United to a ‘great escape’, and featured for the Pilgrims in their Third Division Play-off final win over Darlington in 1996.

A year later, Curran became one of the select band of players to appear for all three of Devon’s professional sides when he signed for Exeter City for £20,000 in the summer of 1997.

In recognition of his service to football in the South West, Everton, who were playing in a three-match tour of the Westcountry, agreed to face the Grecians with a full-strength side.

On the day, the Toffees ran out as 4-1 winners with Swedish winger Niclas Alexandersson opening the scoring before Ghanian midfielder Alex Nyarko netted a brace before teenage starlet Francis Jeffers added a fourth. Defender Mark Burrows managed a late consolation for the Grecians.

Everton’s first goal came in the 16^th minute when Alexandersson latched onto a cross from Jeffers, who looked every inch the ‘fox in the box’ that Arsene Wenger described him as when he signed him for Arsenal a year later and volleyed the ball into the net.

Everton's second goal was a speculative 18-yard effort from Nyarko which Grecians keeper Arjan Van Heusden got a hand to but couldn't prevent from hitting the back of the net.

Everton's third and Nyarko's second came with a left foot from eight yards out just before half time.

In the second half, the heat began to take its toll, but American striker Joe-Max Moore forced a save from Van Heusden on 56 minutes.  Just under ten minutes later, the Toffees increased their lead to four when Mark Pembridge received the ball on the halfway line, ran 35 yards unchallenged, and crossed to Jeffers in the box, who nodded home to score the goal which his endeavours deserved.

The biggest cheer of the day from both sets of supporters was when Paul Gascoigne came on as substitute for Mark Hughes after 67 minutes.

In the 90^th minute, Burrows pulled one back for City after the Everton defence failed to clear a corner.

2025-26 PREVIEW: TORQUAY UNITED

 After missing out on promotion last season, Torquay United will be aiming to go one better under Paul Wotton and clinch a return to the National League. 

The Gulls narrowly missed out on winning the league title to Truro City on goal difference before losing to Boreham Wood in the play-offs, which the Wood eventually went on to win, but are looking well equipped to go again. 

In response, Wotton has looked to add to his squad, particularly in the midfield, where he has reunited former Yeovil duo Sonny Blu Lo-Everton and Matt Worthington and has handed the captain's armband to the latter. The return of former loanee Callum Dolan on a permanent basis and the capture of Monashe Sundire also give Wotton more options in the centre of the park. 

The experienced Louis Dennis also boosts the attacking options available to Wotton and Sonny Fish has been recruited to provide competition for last season's leading scorer Cody Cooke. 

Last season, Wotton started off with a strong defence which was built on a back three of Jordan Dyer, Sam Dreyer and Jay Foulston and goalkeeper James Hamon, as the Gulls proved to be strong, resolute and tough to beat in the opening months of the season - bar their FA Cup exit to Bishops Cleeve. 

Over the course of the campaign, he added more flair to the squad with the additions of Jordan Young and Dylan Morgan from Yeovil Town and Matt Jay, following his release by Colchester, and the return of Will Jenkins Davies (now Bath City) from Plymouth Argyle on loan. 

With his new signings, Wotton's now has a more complete look to it and he will be looking to hit the ground running when they face Enfield Town in their first league match of the season, an occasion when the proof of the pudding will be in the eating.  

Player to Watch: Matt Worthington

Central midfielder Matt Worthington returned south to join the Gulls in the summer after leaving Yeovil Town to join Oldham Athletic midway through the 2024-25 campaign. Worthington has been handed the captain's armband and will be looking to add a promotion to the one that he, along with several of his current Plainmoor teammates, won with the Glovers in 2023-24. 

In: Monashe Sundire (Tamworth), Louis Dennis (Bromley), Callum Dolan (Fleetwood Town), Sonny Fish (Crawley Town), Jordan Thomas and Sonny Blu Lo-Everton (Yeovil Town), Matt Worthington (Oldham Athletic)

Out: Dean Moxey (Tiverton Town), Offrande Zanzala (Chester FC), Lirak Hasani (Truro City), Brad Ash (Bath City), Ben Seymour (Taunton Town season-long loan), Omar Mussa (Wealdstone), Oscar Threlkeld, Finley Craske

2025-26 PREVIEW: EXETER CITY

As Exeter City manager Gary Caldwell heads towards his third anniversary as Grecians' boss, he could well be embarking on his most challenging yet. 

Finances have been tight at St James Park over the summer, and with no saleable assets that immediately appear to look as though they could follow in the footsteps of the likes of Ollie Watkins and Ethan Ampadu, which has led to some questioning whether their Supporter's Trust model has reached the end of its life span. 

The club's run of playing academy products in 479 consecutive products came to an end last August, but there are signs a new crop could be ready to emerge. Nevertheless, while they will need to prove that they can deal with the rigours of League One football, the Grecians have always been patient when it comes to developing young players. 

However, Caldwell has been active in the loan market, bringing goalkeeper Joe Whitworth back to the club on loan from Crystal Palace and has also acquired Ryan Rydel from Stockport County, Ethan Brierley from Brentford and Sil Swinkels from Aston Villa. 

Older heads such as returning Kevin McDonald and Pierce Sweeney, who celebrated his testimonial against Swansea City in pre-season, could also prove to be important figures within the dressing room.  

From the outside, survival appears to be City's first priority. However, Caldwell will be hoping for more as they aim to extend what has been one of their longest post-war spells in the third tier since they won promotion in 2021-22. 

Player to Watch: Jayden Wareham

If the Grecians are going to retain their League One status, then scoring goals will be crucial and former Chelsea youngster Jayden Wareham could be the player to do just that. 

He will also wearing the number nine shirt, which was famously retired following the untimely death of Adam Stansfield with the blessing of Stansfield's family.  

 In: Johnly Yfeko (Rangers), Ethan Brierley (Brentford, loan), Ryan Rydel (Stockport County, loan), Joe Whitworth (Crystal Palace, loan), Sil Swinkels (Aston Villa, loan), Jack Bycroft (Southampton), Jayden Wareham (Reading)

Out: Jake Richards (Luton Town), Caleb Watts (Plymouth Argyle), Ben Purrington (Cambridge United), Demetri Mitchell (Leyton Orient), Vincent Harper (Walsall), Cheick Diabate (St Johnstone), Jay Bird (Salford City), Ryan Woods (Oldham Athletic), Mitch Beardmore (Bath City), Shaun MacDonald, Sonny Lee