TALKING POINTS FROM TORQUAY UNITED VERSUS HAMPTON AND RICHMOND BOROUGH

 1. Cody Cooke's goalscoring return. 

Before Saturday, Cody Cooke's previous start for Torquay United came on February 28 in the Gulls' 5-0 defeat at home to Chelmsford City, when he sustained a shoulder injury which saw him miss the remainder of the 

However, after making a number of appearances as a substitute in pre-season and at the start of the current campaign, Cooke was handed what was his first start under Jimmy Ball (the aforementioned Chelmsford defeat proved to be Paul Wotton's final game in charge), and marked it with a goal. 

Cooke's fellow forward Moore had seen his initial effort blocked by Beavers keeper Marco Underwood in the 22nd minute, but Cooke was on hand to pounce on the rebound. 

His return to fitness is a major boost for both Ball and United, and his experience could yet to prove to be an asset for the Gulls,

2. The wait for the first home win goes on. 

Despite having already tasted victory on their travels against Tonbridge Angels, the Gulls are still yet to experience victory at Plainmoor in the 2026-27 campaign. 

Saturday's draw against Hampton and Richmond was the third on the trot for United, and you could sense the frustration at full-time and in Jimmy Ball's post-match interview. 

Nevertheless, United had chances to score with Deon Moore going close on several occasions, Jake Wannell saw a header blocked on the line and Jordan Young had a free-kick turned behind late on. 

Sooner or later, some of these chances will go in, surely!

3. Jacob Beaumont-Clark shows glimpses of what life could be like after Dylan Morgan. 

After Dylan Morgan completed a move to the EFL with Crawley Town, United manager Jimmy Ball moved quickly to bring in former Everton youngster Jacob Beaumont-Clark as his replacement. 

Beaumont-Clark had previously made five appearances for the Toffees Under-21 side in the EFL Trophy, scoring once. However, his substitute cameo for the Gulls was his first senior league appearance. 

He demonstrated that he has plenty of pace and trickery and even attempted a couple of efforts on goal. In addition to his, he also showed that he was prepared to track back and defend on one occasion. 

Like a number of former academy players, there are aspects of his game which he needs to iron out, but there is definitely potential there based on his debut showing. 

4. On another day, Deon Moore could have had a hat-trick. 

United striker Deon Moore will probably look back on Saturday's game and I think 'on another day, I could have scored a hat-trick.' 

Firstly, Moore was denied by a block from Hampton and Richmond keeper Marco Underwood on 22 minutes, from which Cody Cooke scored from the rebound, he then headed a cross from Sonny Blu Lo-Everton wide in the 33rd minute and two minutes later, he dispossessed Beavers defence Luis Fernandez before seeing his shot parried behind by Underwood. 

Moore's goals at the end of last season played a big part in helping United reach last season's Play-off final, and surely the goals will come for him if he keeps getting in the right positions. 

WHAT THE MODERN DAY TORQUAY UNITED COULD LEARN FROM LEROY ROSENIOR'S CLASS OF 2004

 The year 2022 won't be remembered as a vintage one by Torquay United fans; the Gulls ended the 2021-22 season with an 11th place finish in the National League with exits at the first stage of both cup competitions that they entered. 

It was also the year that the Gulls' automatic promotion success under Leroy Rosenior in the 2003-04 campaign officially became closer in time to United's Bryn the Police Dog inspired 'great escape' in 1986-87. 

However, despite that achievement slowly disappearing into the midst of time, there is still something that Jimmy Ball's modern day Torquay United can learn from Rosenior's class of 2004 - namely the importance of developing strong partnerships all over the pitch. 

One of the most crucial of these partnerships was the pairing of Steve Woods and skipper Craig Taylor at centre back. Taylor had made a big impression during a loan spell at Plainmoor from Plymouth Argyle in the 2002-03 season before returning to the Gulls on a permanent basis in the summer of 2003. Taylor proved to be an excellent foil for the more cultured Woods, who was more comfortable on the ball than your average lower league centre-back - although Taylor could play a bit himself. 

On the left hand side of defence, Brian McGlinchey made the left-back position his own after joining on loan from Plymouth Argyle in September before signing permanently in January 2004, and linked up well with left winger Kevin Hill. With Hill not being an out-and-out pacey winger, he would often set up Northern Irishman McGlinchey for a number of overlapping runs where he provided plenty of ammunition to United's forward line of David Graham, Jo Kuffour and Martin Gritton in the form of crosses. 

Hill's own crossing ability was an underrated aspect of his game, but his ability to outjump unsuspecting opponents taller than his own five foot nine inch frame made him a valuable asset, and he could be relied upon to chip in with the odd goal. 

In contrast, the right hand side of the pitch saw a number of different combinations, as United started the season with Lee Canoville as right-back, with Jason Fowler on the right of midfield. However, an injury to Canoville saw centre-back Reuben Hazell fill in for him. Meanwhile, issues with injury which would later force Fowler to retire in February 2005, which saw his position filled at different times by the late Tony Bedeau and Liam Rosenior, son of Leroy, who joined on loan from Fulham. 

The season before, 2002-03, had seen Fowler playing the centre of midfield alongside another midfield maestro in the form of Alex Russell. With two PFA team of the season nominations (2002-03 & 2003-04), a player of the year award win in 2002-03 and, of course, promotion in 2003-04, Russell must surely go down as the club's most decorated player of all-time? 

Alongside tough-tackling local lad Matt Hockley, Russell played some of the best football of his four years at Plainmoor, as the 'conductor of the Torquay United orchestra.' Hockley's role in the side would often  see him win the ball for Russell and then make himself available receive it, which Russell would regularly do. This helped him to raise his own personal levels as he enjoyed the finest season of his eight years with the Gulls. 

Up front, United enjoyed the benefits of having two 30 plus goal-a-season strike partnerships in the form of David Graham and Martin Gritton in 2002-03, with 15 and 16 goals respectively, and Graham and former Arsenal trainee Jo Kuffour in 2003-04 with respective tallies of 23 and 11. 

The partnership of Graham and Kuffour wasn't your typical lower-league forward pairing. Neither were a conventional target man,  Graham's touch and movement was also so good that could play the role of a target man. Both men also possessed a level of pace and trickery which was often difficult to handle for most Division Three defences. Although Gritton fitted the bill of a target man, he had a 'good touch for a big man' and tirelessly pressed opposition defences to create space for teammates. 

Whilst certain partnerships within the current United squad were already in place when Jimmy Ball arrived, and there are new ones which are still developing. 

Nevertheless, when they all come together, they will so to good effect - just as they did in 2003-04. 

SEASON PREVIEW 2026-27: PLYMOUTH ARGYLE

 The big talking point from the Pilgrims' close season was the sale of Lauret Tolaj to Bristol City for a fee of £4million. Naturally, Argyle would be disappointed to lose a centre forward of Tolaj's calibre - however, it represents an excellent return on the £1.2million that Argyle paid Port Vale for his services. 

Cleverley has moved quickly to identify a replacement for him by completing the signing of Will Evans from Mansfield Town for £400,000. Evans, who made his name in the League of Wales with Cardiff Met University and Bala Town before joining the professional ranks at the age of 24 with Newport County in 2022, scored for the Stags against Arsenal in the FA Cup, as he netted 11 times in 52 appearances in all competitions for Nigel Clough's side. 

In addition to Evans, the Pilgrims have recruited plenty of players with previous experience of League One in the form of Alex Hartridge, Harvey White and last season's loan signing Alex Mitchell following his release by Charlton Athletic. 

Argyle fell short of reaching the play-offs last season and they looked well equipped to mount another challenge to reach the top six. However, a lot will depend on how well Evans can link up with Bim Pepple, However, don't rule out on young striker Owen Oseni getting in on the goalscoring act. 

Scoring goals will most probably determine how well the Pilgrims perform in 2026-27, and if they can fill the void left by the departure of Tolaj, then the likelihood is that they would have improved on last season's eight-placed finish. 

In: Alex Hartridge (Wycombe Wanderers),  Harvey White (Stevenage), Alex Mitchell (Charlton Athletic), Will Evans (Mansfield Town), Jack Storer (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Murphy Cooper (Queens Park Rangers)

Out: Conor Hazard (Wycombe Wanderers), Brendan Galloway, Joe Ralls, Zak Baker (Torquay United), Jack Matthews (Truro City), Joe Hatch (Barnstaple Town), Nathanael Ogbeta, Brendan Galloway, Ayman Benarous, Jamie Paterson, Callum Wright (Hibernian)

Player to Watch: Bim Pepple

With Lourent Tolaj now departed, Bim Pepple has taken over the mantle as Argyle's main man. Pepple narrowly missed out on a place in Jesse Marsch's Canadian squad for the 2026 World Cup. If he can replicate his form of last season, then he may well be attracting the kind of interest that Tolaj did over the summer. 

SEASON PREVIEW 2026-27: EXETER CITY

 After last season's relegation from League One, it will be a case of going back to their roots for Exeter City, as they head into 2026-27, with Matt Taylor's squad possessing a strong accent on youth. 

Last season, players like Kieran Wilson, Ed James, Charlie Cummins, George Birch and Frankie Phillips were out on both at clubs such as Torquay United, Weston Super Mare, Taunton Town and Plymouth Parkway. 

Now, they are all forming part of the Grecians' first team squad for the forthcoming season. 

The well of youth talent to emerge from the club in recent years, which has included the likes of Matt Grimes, Ethan Ampadu and Ollie Watkins, might be running low. However, it may not be completely dry, and the St James Park faithful will be hoping that proves to be the case. 

Meanwhile, while the aforementioned individuals might earn the Grecians a financial windfall in the future, the club's current most saleable asset Jayden Wareham, who scored 20 goals in 2025-26, is being linked with a whole host of clubs. Any fee earned from his sale will help give Exeter some more financial breathing space. 

Although the Grecians squad does possess a strong accent on youth, Taylor will possibly be on the lookout for some more experienced recruits who can guide them. He may also dip into the loan market as well. 

A defeat to local rivals Plymouth Argyle in the Carabao Cup in their first game wasn't ideal, but Taylor will still be looking to add to his squad before their league campaign gets underway. 

Following their last relegation from the third tier at the end of the 2011-12 season, it was five years before the Grecians reached the League Two play-offs - where they were beaten by Blackpool in the final in 2016-17. The current campaign represents the start of a rebuilding cycle, which may take time. 

How long that time period will be, no one is 100% sure yet. 

In: Josh Gordon (Barrow), Taylor Perry (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Harry Kite (Truro City), Ethan Sutherland (Wolves, loan)

Out: Josh Magennis (Stevenage), Ilmari Niskanen (Blackpool), Pierce Sweeney (Cheltenham Town), Johnly Yfeko (Kilmarnock), Jack Aitcheson, Jack McMillan, Kevin McDonald, Danny Andrew

Player to Watch: Reece Cole

With Jayden Wareham increasingly linked with a move away from St James Park, Reece Cole's experience and pedigree will be even more important as one of the older players in the squad at the age of 28. Not to mention his goals from midfield; he found the back of the net seven times in 39 appearances in all competitions. 

LATE SHOW FOR PILGRIMS TAKES THEM THROUGH AGAINST GRECIANS

 Debutant Alex Hartridge became an instant hero for Plymouth Argyle as he opened the scoring against his former club Exeter City late on in their Carabao Cup first round tie at Home Park. 

The game looked set to head to penalties when Hartridge nodded home a corner in the 91st minute, which was later followed by a second from Canadian striker Bim Pepple moments later. 

It was the first League Cup tie between the two sides since 1985 and the first cup meeting outside the EFL Trophy since the two sides faced each other in the FA Cup second round in the 1996-97 campaign. 

The Pilgrims reward for winning is a tie against Premier League new boys Coventry City, which will see manager Tom Cleverley go head to head with Frank Lampard. 

TALKING POINTS FROM TORQUAY UNITED VERSUS HORSHAM

 1. Opening days are seldom always perfect. 

In the mind of a lot of managers, the first day of the season is also regarded as the last day of pre-season. It's the first time that a team can put into practice everything that they have worked on in both pre-season friendlies and training, and sometimes things don't go quite to plan - as evidenced by the Gulls' display against Horsham on the opening day of 2026-27. 

United started positively as Deon Moore opened the scoring in the 13th minute, but Greg Luer equalised for the visitors on 54 minutes. Isaac Westendorf was denied a debut goal in the 67 minutes (see point number 3) before Horsham came close to taking the lead three minutes later when Jamie Yila was denied by United keeper Toby Savin with a, b block that fell to sub Ronan Silva who blasted over. 

Subs Matt Jay and Cody Cooke had chances late on, but the Gulls were forced to settle for a point instead of the three that the fans had been hoping for. 

However, there have been examples of where the opening day of the season hasn't quite gone to plan for United over the years, but they've still gone on to have good campaigns. They include the goalless draw on a late Sunday afternoon at Plainmoor against Grays Athletic in Paul Buckle's first game in charge in 2007-08. However, United bounced back to go on a six-match unbeaten run, and eventually finished the campaign in third place after challenging for the title before eventually winning promotion a year later. 

Four years later, Martin Ling had succeeded Buckle and oversaw a 2-2 draw with Burton Albion on the opening day of the 2011-12 campaign, in which debutant goalkeeper Bobby Olejnik made a number of big saves to keep the score level. United, of course, eventually clicked and ended up reaching the play-offs. 

Jimmy Ball will now spend the week assessing what went right and what went for wrong for the Gulls before they head to Tonbridge Angels next Saturday. 

2. Harry Shield. 

After some promising displays in pre-season as Trialist A, Harry Shield signed a contract with the club, with his signing being funded by the Torquay United Supporter's Trust's Forever Yellow fund. 

Shield, who can play as a right-back and as a right midfielder, was selected by Jimmy Ball in place of Jordan Young, who was absent on paternity leave after his partner recently gave birth, and underlined Ball's faith in him with a promising first half display.

His second minute cross picked out fellow debutant Isaac Westendorf, who fired over, and he made several dangerous runs which asked questions of the Horsham defence. 

He was eventually replaced by Callum Morton on 56 minutes after picking up a knock, but his display bodes well for the future. 

3. Isaac Westendorf's goal disallowed. 

Isaac Westendorf looked to have restored the Gulls lead on 67 minutes, after Horsham's Greg Luer had cancelled out Deon Moore's 13th minute opener in the 54th minute, when he headed home a cross from Dom Bernard. 

However, it was disallowed as the ball was deemed to have gone out of play before Bernard made his cross. 

Replays have shown that the ball may not have gone out of play, which won't be of much consolation to Westendorf who was denied a debut goal. 

4. Callum Morton's debut. 

Over a decade after he joined Yeovil Town's academy after the Gulls disbanded their youth academy in 2015, Callum Morton finally got to make his debut for his hometown club who he grew up supporting. 

Morton entered the fray in the 56th minute in place of Harry Shield and he showed a willingness to run in behind and stretch the Horsham defence. 

His next milestone will be his first goal for the club, and if he achieves that feat at Plainmoor then the roar it would generate deserves to be heard for miles. 

5. A bumper crowd. 

United's crowd of 4,219 was by far and away the biggest crowd in both National League's North and South, and it was only beaten by three attendances in the National League. 

Scunthorpe United versus Yeovil Town attracted a crowd of 5,111, Hartlepool United versus Barrow was attended by 5,830 and the biggest crowd of the day of 8,394 witnessed Carlisle United's clash with Worthing at Brunton Park. 

SEASON PREVIEW 2026-27: YEOVIL TOWN

 After two years of treading water in the National League since winning promotion from National League South in 2023-24, Yeovil Town are now looking upwards with some much needed stability. 

When he arrived at Huish Park from Southern League side Walton and Hersham in November 2025, Billy Rowley was the Glovers' fourth manager of the 2025-26 campaign, following the dismissal of Mark Cooper, the short living reign of Danny Webb and the interim spell of Richard Dryden. 

However, in the wake of the overhaul of the squad which he inherited, the players at Rowley's disposal are now very much his own. Despite Rowley saying that he sees this campaign as part of a two-year plan, he wants attack the National League in the 2026-27 season. 

Owner Prabhu Srinivasan stated that investing in the playing side was his top priority, which he has delivered on and Rowley has been able to bring in 15 new faces, including Zain Westbrooke from Doncaster Rovers and Slasi Spasov from Southend United, the latter cost the Glovers an undisclosed fee. 

An improvement on last season's 16th placed finish would represent a step in the right direction for the Glovers, ahead of a possible play-off push in 2027-28. However, if they gel quickly, then things could move a lot quicker for the Glovers in the short-term. 

This summer also marked the end of an era, as Jake Wannell became the last member of their 2023-24 National League South winning squad to depart Huish Park. 

In: Zain Westbrooke (Doncaster Rovers), Jos Barker, Mason Obeng & Johl Powell (Walton and Hersham), Jack Kingdon (Cardiff City), Joe Gubbins & Slavi Spasov (Southend United), Archie Davies (Carlisle United), Loick Ayina (Salford City, loan), Ben Radcliffe (Crawley Town, loan), Joe Haigh (Dagenham and Redbridge), Charlie Lennon (Barnsley, loan). Ste Walker (Scarborough Athletic), Jordan Norville-Williams (Dorking Wanderers), Hayden Muller (Sutton United), Joy Mukena (Crawley Town), 

Out: Jake Wannell (Torquay United), Harvey Greenslade (Truro City), Dan Ellison (Salisbury FC, loan), Aaron Jarvis (Hednesford Town), Alex Whittle (Farnborough), Kyle Ferguson, Finn Cousins-Dawson, Josh Sims

Player to Watch: Luke McCormick 

After missing the final months of last season through injury, central midfielder Luke McCormick has returned with a number of strong displays in pre-season and has been handed the captain's armband by Billy Rowley. At the age of 27, he states he is ready to lead by example and possibly better his return of eight goals in 35 appearances in all competitions from last season. 

SEASON PREVIEW 2026-27: TORQUAY UNITED

In Jimmy Ball's first full season as manager, Torquay United will be aiming to go one better and finally win promotion back to the National League after two seasons of missing out in the play-offs. 

Over the summer, he has brought in ten new faces as he bids to freshen up the United squad that he inherited from Paul Wotton towards the end of the 2025-26 campaign. Importantly, Ball has also managed to retain the services of Deon Moore who found the back eight times towards the end of last season. 

One aspect which Ball has addressed is the shortage of pace within the squad, which is reflected by the additions of striker Isaac Westendorf, right winger Sean Robertson, right back Dom Bernard and left back Tyler Hill. 

Another area where Ball has strengthened the United squad is the forward line, as in addition to re-signing Moore and signing Westendorf, Ball has brought local boy Callum Morton back to the club over a decade after he left to join Yeovil Town's academy. Morton has since enjoyed a decent career in the lower leagues with the likes of Fleetwood Town, Salford City and Bristol Rovers, which has been punctuated by injuries. However, he will be looking to find the back of the net on a regular basis and help fire United back into the National League. 

The Gulls' former Yeovil Town quartet of Matt Worthington, Jordan Young, Dylan Morgan and Sonny Blu Lo-Everton, who all won the National League South title with the Glovers in the 2023-24 campaign, has increased five with the signing of centre back Jake Wannell. 

Ball has also brought in two new goalkeepers following the release of James Hamon and Seb Stacey's return to his parent club, MK Dons, with the signings of Zak Baker and Toby Savin from Plymouth Argyle and Shrewsbury Town respectively. 

After missing out on the title on goal difference in 2024-25 and losing in the promotion final last term, Ball's signings 

In: Zak Baker & Harry Shield (Plymouth Argyle), Callum Morton (Worthing), Isaac Westendorf (Oxford City), Tyler Hill (Spennymoor United), Sean Robertson (Cliftonville), Kian Jenkins (Briton Ferry), Dom Bernard (Weston Super Mare), Toby Savin (Wigan Athletic), Jake Wannell (Yeovil Town) 

Out: Callum Dolan (Kidderminster Harriers), Jay Foulston (Merthyr Town), Ed Palmer (Tiverton Town), Matt Carson (Portadown), Matt Wonnacott (Exmouth Town), Sonny Fish (Dover Athletic), James Hamon

Player to Watch: Callum Morton

After over a decade after he left the club to join Yeovil Town's academy when the club disbanded its youth set-up in 2015, striker Callum Morton will finally get the chance to play for his hometown club that he grew up supporting. 

Morton has recent experience of scoring in League Two for Bristol Rovers last season before he was released by Steve Evans before joining eventual National League South champions Worthing for a short spell. He arrives at Plainmoor with a point to prove, and if he stays fit he will surely be amongst the goals. 

TALKING POINTS FROM TORQUAY UNITED VERSUS CARDIFF CITY UNDER 21S

 1. Deon Moore at the double. 

Aside from the host of new signings made by United manager Jimmy Ball over the summer, the retention of the signature of striker Deon Moore on a new deal was the one piece of recruitment that the United faithful wanted to get over the line. 

He showed glimpses of the form that he showed as he netted a brace in the Gulls' 5-0 win over Cardiff City Under-21s. First of all, he tapped home in the eighth minute after Sonny Blu Lo-Everton had seen his initial shot parried by young Bluebirds keeper Jake Dennis. Then, on 22 minutes, he found the target after strike partner Callum Morton cushioned a ball into the box from Tyler Hill, after the Bluebirds had failed to clear a Jordan Young corner, into his path and he duly slotted home. 

If Moore can replicate his form towards the end of last season, which saw him find the back of the net eight times, he could become the first United player to net 20 goals a season or more since Jamie Reid in the 2019-20 season. 

2. Matt Worthington shows the fans the 'real' Matt Worthington. 

After his arrival as manager last March, Jimmy Ball declared that he wanted to see a different Matt Worthington to the one that they had previously seen. Worthington was a figure who was well known to Ball, who signed him as a schoolboy with Portsmouth at the age of 13, and the Plainmoor faithful are now starting to see the version of Worthington that Ball believes that he is capable of being. 

Worthington opened the scoring for the Gulls and he nicked the ball off the Cardiff backline before drilling a low strike into the bottom corner in the seventh minute. Through out the game, he was always on the move up and the down the pitch, instead of being pigeon-holed in one position as he produced a display that was akin to a 'non-league Bryan Robson.'

3. Competition for places. 

With 23 players available to him for selection, as well as trialist A, Jimmy Ball was able to field virtually two different XIs against Cardiff City Under-21s in each half. Only Matt Worthington and Sam Dreyer featured for the entire 90 minutes, as Ball looked to experiment with different formations. 

For example, in the second half, he went with a front three of Jordan Young on the right, Deon Moore in the centre and Dylan Morgan on the left, after starting Moore up front alongside Callum Morton in the first half. 

The left-back spot has the potential to be hotly contested between Tyler Hill and Kian Jenkins, who both played one half each. 

Friday's final friendly promises to be an interesting one. 

4. Cody's back. 

Saturday's friendly also saw the return from injury of Cody Cooke as he came on as a sub in the 76th minute for Deon Moore in what was his first appearance since he sustained a dislocated shoulder in Paul Wotton's final game in charge against Chelmsford City last February. 

It was the first time that Jimmy Ball would have seen Cooke in action, and his experience will be of huge benefit to forward line that currently includes Callum Morton, Isaac Westendorf and Deon Moore as well as Sonny Fish. 

ALAN BALL: THE EXETER CITY DIARIES

 The youngest member of England's 1966 World Cup winning side, Alan Ball's managerial career was at a crossroads when he was appointed as Exeter City manager early in the 1991-92 season. 

After a successful playing career with Blackpool, Everton, Arsenal and Southampton and England, Ball's time as a manager had seen a number of ups and downs. He had led Portsmouth back to the top-flight in the 1986-87 campaign. However, Pompey were relegated during the 1987-88 season and he was dismissed in January 1989. Ball then had a spell as an assistant manager to Jock Wallace at Colchester United and to Mick Mills at Stoke City, where he replaced the latter after his departure - but was later sacked himself in February 1991. 

Ball arrived at St James Park as the successor to his former England teammate Terry Cooper, who like Ball was part of Sir Alf Ramsey's England squad for the 1970 World Cup in Mexico. Cooper had previously led the Grecians to the Fourth Division title in the 1989-90 season before successfully keeping them in the third tier in 1990-91, making him a tough act to follow. 

At this time, City chairman Ivor Doble was also suspended from football, which saw the return to the role of former chairman Gerald Vallance, and financial issues at the club were starting to mount. 

However, after losing his first game in charge - a 6-3 defeat to West Bromwich Albion, Ball oversaw a Rumbelows Cup exit against Birmingham City, then managed by Cooper, before he won his first game in a 1-0 Devon derby victory over Torquay United at St James Park. 

As well as bringing through young players through the club's youth policy, Ball also used his contacts to good effect, as he made Steve Moran, a former teammate of his at Southampton and an ex-England Under-21 international, one of his first signings. Moran would finish 1991-92 as the Grecians' top scorer with 20 goals as Ball guided the club to safety. 

In the 1992-93 season, Ball once again kept the Grecians in the newly rebranded Division Two, following the creation of the Premier League, and he guided the club to a memorable league double over arch rivals Plymouth Argyle, who were managed by another of Ball's former international colleagues in the form of Peter Shilton. He also led them to the Southern Area final of the Autoglass Trophy, where they were beaten by Port Vale. 

Whilst with the Grecians, Ball was also part of Graham Taylor's England backroom staff at the 1992 European Championship in Sweden. 

In January 1994, Ball eventually left St James Park to manage Southampton, who he successfully kept in the Premier League by getting the best out of the club's talisman Matt Le Tissier, who scored six goals in his first four games in charge. 

After guiding the Saints to a tenth place finish in the Premier League in 1994-95, Ball was tempted away to Manchester City by his former England teammate Francis Lee, who had just completed a takeover of the club. Sadly, his time at Maine Road proved to be unsuccessful as the club were relegated from the Premier League in the 1995-96 campaign, and he resigned early in the 1996-97 season. 

Whilst in charge of Manchester City, Ball returned to St James Park to pay £500,000 to the Grecians for Martin 'Buster' Phillips - a young player who he had handed his professional debut to, and predicted that he would become the country's first '£10 million player.' 

Ball would return to Portsmouth for a second spell in January 1998, which would last until December 1999, after which he decided to retire from management. 

He also formed part of a family managerial dynasty, as his father Alan senior took charge of Halifax Town, Preston North End and Southport and his son Jimmy had a caretaker spell in charge of Forest Green Rovers in 2021, and is currently managing Torquay United. 

Ball sadly died of a heart attack in April 2007, whilst attempting to put out a bonfire at his home in Hampshire, which made him the first member of England's 1966 team to pass away since Bobby Moore's death from Cancer in 1993. 

ALAN BANKS 1938-2026

 After starting his career with Liverpool, where he played under the great Bill Shankly, Alan Banks later become synonymous with football in the South West following spells with Exeter City and Plymouth Argyle. 

He marked his debut for the Anfield club with a goal on his debut in a 1-1 draw with Brighton and Hove Albion, but he would drop into non-league football with Cambridge City. 

Banks scored 129 goals in the Varsity which alerted the Grecians to his potential, as he joined them in November 1963 and he netted 18 goals in the 1963-64 campaign and helped City to win their first ever promotion from the Fourth Division. 

In 1966, he moved to Home Park after the Grecians were relegated from the Third Division, but only remained with the Pilgrims for just over a year before returning to St James Park. 

Over the next six years, Banks topped the Grecians' goal scoring charts three times and became the club's record goal scorer - which he held until it was beaten by Tony Kellow. In addition to this, he scored in their FA Cup third round tie with Manchester United in 1968 at St James Park, which the Grecians lost 3-1.

Spells with Poole Town and Tiverton Town followed before he retired from playing. 

He later owned a Sports Shop in Exeter and also returned to St James Park as a matchday host. 

BALL'S SIGNINGS SHOW UNITED'S NEED FOR SPEED

 Pace has long been considered one of the most important assets in modern football, whether it be in attacking transitions, in defensive pressing, in one versus one situations or when manipulating space. 

It was an asset that Torquay United utilised fully in their National League South title winning campaign in 2018-19 under Gary Johnson. 

The Gulls' side was packed with pacey individuals, including full-backs Ben Wynter and Liam Davis, French winger Kalvin Kalala and the strike pairing of Jamie Reid and Saikou Janneh, who scored 51 goals between them.

Then you also had wide man Opi Edwards in reserve, and that's not to say anything of centre midfielder Connor Lemonheigh-Evans and centre back Kyle Cameron, who both possessed the ability to accelerate quickly when required to. 

And it's an approach that current United boss Jimmy Ball has looked to adopt with his recruitment ahead of the 2026-27 campaign. To date, Ball has signed Callum Morton and Isaac Westendorf to play up front and former Forest Green winger Shaun Robertson. While Morton may not be a lightning fast as Westendorf or Robertson, he does possess the ability to run in behind and stretch defences, as evidenced by the goal he scored for Bristol Rovers against Crewe Alexandra which can be found on YouTube. 

This was something that the Gulls used to good effect last season following the signing of Deon Moore, a player who may yet still sign a new deal with the club, who demonstrated the ability to run in behind and stretch opposition defences on numerous occasions towards the end of the 2025-26 campaign. 

As well as offering United the opportunity to stretch opposition defences, quick players also offer the option of being able to speed the game back up again if your opponents try to slow the game down. 

In addition of his attacking plans, Ball hasn't limited himself searching for pace in his defensive players, as shown by the acquisition of left-back Tyler Hill from Spennymoor United. 

One thing that will be guaranteed at Plainmoor will be that the Gulls are likely to have speediest team that they have had for a good few years. 

ENGLAND VETERANS WIN NINTH TITLE WITH SOUTH WEST INFLUENCE

 England Veterans secured a record ninth Seniors World Cup in Thailand against their French counterparts with significant contributions from several players who have previously plied their trade in the South West. 

The senior Three Lions triumphed 4-0 in the final with former Plymouth Argyle and Truro City striker Barry Hayles netting the opening goal, with ex Exeter City striker Jamie Cureton and one time Pilgrims central midfielder Karl Duguid also finding the target. 

Hayles and Duguid were part of a quartet of former Argyle players in the squad which included goalkeeper Luke McCormick and midfielder David Norris. They were joined in the squad by former Torquay United, Exeter City and Yeovil Town central midfielder Alex Russell, who was appearing in his sixth tournament at the age of 53, and came off the bench in the final.

They ended the tournament with a 100% record as they beat host Thailand 2-0 in the opening game before defeating Taiwan 4-1 and ended the group with a 3-0 victory over USA. A thumping 5-2 triumph over Australia in the semi-finals followed which set up their meeting with France in the final. 

This year, they were joined in the squad by former Aston Villa, Manchester City, Everton and England midfielder Gareth Barry, who appeared for England in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, and ex Aston Villa winger Lee Hendrie, who was also capped by England. 

FORMER SOUTH WEST STARS SET TO SHINE FOR ENGLAND VETERANS

This summer all eyes will be on the USA, Canada and Mexico this summer for the 23rd FIFA World Cup, a number of Football League favourites will be playing out their own version of the game's greatest show in Thailand for England Veterans. 

Whilst Thomas Tuchel's side will be aiming to end 60 years old of hurt across the pond, the Senior Three Lions will be looking to secure their ninth Seniors World Cup. 

Amongst their number will be former Torquay United, Exeter City and Yeovil Town midfielder Alex Russell, who will be looking to lift the prize for the fifth time. Russell spent four years at Plainmoor between 2001 and 2005, during which time he won the club's player of the season award in 2002-03, automatic promotion under Leroy Rosenior in 2003-04 and was named in the PFA Division Three team of the season twice. 

In addition to Russell, there will also be a quartet of ex-Plymouth Argyle players in the form of goalkeeper Luke McCormick, midfielders Karl Duguid and David Norris and striker Barry Hayles. McCormick and Norris were both part of the Pilgrims Division Two title winning side in 2003-04 under Paul Sturrock, and then Bobby Williamson. 

This year, they will also been joined by a duo who graced the Premier League and received England senior honours in the form of the ex-Aston Villa pair Gareth Barry and Lee Hendrie. 

In order to reach the final, England will need to negotiate a group that includes Iran, Taiwan and the USA before a potential semi-final with hosts Thailand, France, last season's runners-up Australia and New Zealand. 

A FIRST TROPHY FOR OLLIE WATKINS

 While Aston Villa's Europa League final triumph over German side Freiburg marked the Villains' first European success since 1982 and their first trophy of any kind since 1996, it also provided striker Ollie Watkins with the first medal of his career. 

Goals from Youri Tielemans, Emi Buendia and Morgan Rogers sealed a 3-0 victory for Villa in Istanbul with Prince William, the future King of England, looking on, as Watkins secured his first honour with the club. 

Given everything that the Torbay-born, but Newton Abbot raised striker has achieved as a player, from scoring for England in the semi-finals and winning several individual awards, it is surprising that a player of his calibre had yet to win a trophy or a promotion. 

In the 2016-17 season, he was part of the Exeter City side that lost to Blackpool in the League Two play-off against Blackpool - which proved to be his final appearance for the Grecians before his move to Brentford in the summer. However, his displays did help him to win the EFL Young player of the year award for 2017. 

After he joined Brentford, Watkins continued his upward trajectory as a player as he won the Championship player of the year prize for the 2019-20 campaign. Nevertheless, by the time that the Bees eventually made it to the Premier League in 2020-21, he had already secured his move to Villa Park. 

With Champions League football assured for Villa for the 2026-27 season, further success could yet follow for Watkins, who is also one of number of players waiting for Thomas Tuchel's England squad announcement for the World Cup in USA, Canada and Mexico. 

A HOMECOMING FOR CALLUM MORTON

 Over a decade after he left the club when they closed their youth department, Callum Morton has returned to his hometown club as Torquay United's first summer signing by manager Jimmy Ball. 

Morton, 26, has experienced a journeyed career since he first left Plainmoor as he initially followed former United youth coach Geoff Harrop to Yeovil Town when he joined their academy before becoming a scholar at Huish Park. 

After scoring against West Bromwich Albion's youth side in the FA Youth Cup for the Glovers, the Baggies paid an undisclosed fee to bring him to the Hawthorns. 

Whilst with the Baggies, Morton was loaned out to Braintree Town, Northampton Town, Lincoln City, Fleetwood Town and Peterborough United. He was close to joining the Gulls on loan in the 2019-20 season under Gary Johnson. 

His spell with Northampton in 2019-20 proved to be the most fruitful of his loan stints, as he netted twice against Cheltenham Town in the League Two play-offs, a feat which he then followed up by finding the target in the final against Exeter City that the Cobblers won 4-0. 

Moves away from the Hawthorns followed for Morton to Fleetwood and then Salford City, who later loaned him out to Forest Green Rovers and to Northampton for the second time in his career. 

In November 2025, he joined Bristol Rovers on a short-term deal and scored on his first start for the Pirates against Crewe Alexandra in a 1-1 on December 19, 2025. However, he was let go by Rovers' boss Steve Evans in February 2026. 

Morton then joined the Gulls' National League South promotion rivals Worthing, who eventually clinched the league title - and the Plainmoor faithful will be hoping he can play a part in another promotion from the NLS in the 2026-27 season. 

SNATCHED FROM THE JAWS OF VICTORY

 Everything seemed to be written in the stars for the Gulls to come out on top against Hornchurch in the National League South play-off final. 

It was 39 years to the day that Bryn the Police dog sunk his teeth into Jim McNichol to force the added time that helped United to draw 2-2 with Crewe Alexandra on the final day of the 1986-87 season at Plainmoor. In addition to this, it was also 22 years and a day since one of the most glorious days in the club's history when the Gulls beat Southend United 2-1 at Roots Hall with goals from Steve Woods and David Graham to clinch their first automatic promotion in 38 years under Leroy Rosenior. 

However, the events at the Hornchurch Stadium will rank alongside more infamous days such as United's 2-1 defeat to Colchester United in 2004-05, which condemned the Gulls to an immediate return to the fourth tier almost exactly a year to the day since their aforementioned success under Rosenior. 

At Hornchurch, United couldn't have got off to a better start when Deon Moore latched onto a ball over the top from Sam Dreyer before racing through on goal to slot home in the eighth minute. 

Player of the year Sonny Blu Lo-Everton then tested the Urchins' Wolverhampton Wanderers loanee keeper Arthur Nasta from 25 yards, but then Hornchurch started to gain a foothold in the game. 

They were rewarded for their endeavours on the stroke of half time when loanee keeper Seb Stacey dashed off his line and brought down Urchins winger Charlie Pegram, prompting referee Matthew Norton to point to the point. Striker Dominic Poleon then stepped up to convert the spot-kick and levelled matters. 

On 78 minutes, the Gulls regained their lead when a precision pass from sub Callum Dolan picked out Moore, who finely drilled home his eighth goal in six games. 

Just as it looked as though United would be marking their return to the National League, Hornchurch sub Henry Hearn bundled home after a cross from fellow sub Darren McQueen caused havoc in the Gulls' box. 

Early in injury time, United came agonisingly close to restoring their lead when Nasta denied a header from Dan Hayfield. 

Just when penalties seemed to be a certainty, Sam Ling, the son of the former United manager Martin, popped up to give the Urchins the lead for the first time in the match. The Torquay United connection in the Hornchurch camp didn't end there, as they are managed by former Gulls loanee Daryl McMahon. 

So, a fourth season in the sixth tier now beckons for United and it's worth noting that the 2026-27 campaign will mark 100 years since the Gulls were first elected to the Football League. 

Could it be a good omen for next year? 

REMEMBERING BARNET - 25 YEARS ON

 Former Swansea City, Brighton and Hove Albion, Chelsea and West Ham United manager Graham Potter will be taking charge of Sweden in this summer's World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico. 

However, a quarter of a century ago, Potter had an indirect role in one of the most talked about matches in the history of Torquay United - as his goal for York City at Plainmoor on April 28, 2001 helped to set up United's final day decider against Barnet in the 2000-01 campaign. 

The Gulls were battling relegation from the Football League in their last home game of the season against the Minstermen under the interim managerial reign of Colin Lee, after Wes Saunders was dismissed just over a month earlier. 

After a 2-1 midweek win over Darlington at Plainmoor, the Gulls were searching for another win which would have taken them a step closer to survival against the Minstermen. 

York started brightly and took the lead through Michael Basham before Kevin Hill headed home his ninth of the season on 59 minutes to level matters. The Gulls pushed and pushed for a winner and it looked as though that they had found one with four minutes to go when Jimmy Aggrey nodded home a corner to put United 2-1. 

Sadly, that wasn't the end of the action as Minstermen left-back Potter got the final touch on a corner that ensured that the Gulls would need a result in the final fixture of the campaign against Barnet, who themselves needed all three. 

As a 17-year old A-Level student, with dreams of pursuing a career in Sports Journalism, I can remember getting off the train and heading straight to the ground as the game wasn't all ticket. There were several fans who weren't lucky enough to get inside Barnet's Underhill ground. One person decided to climb nearby tree, whilst others were forced to watch the game from an Indian wine bar, where they followed updates on Sky Sports Soccer Saturday. 

For the match itself, Lee made three changes to the side that drew with York City as Eifion Williams returned to the starting line-up at the expense of the suspended Khalid Chalqi, which meant Tony Bedeau switched to the right hand side of midfield and Stuart Jones returned in goal in place of Ryan Northmore.

Jones had been absent for much of the calendar year due to injury and had only made one appearance for the Gulls during that time against Kidderminster Harriers.  

Despite being up against the strong gusts of wind which were sweeping Underhill, Torquay started the match more positively than their hosts as Eifion Williams went close early on.

Barnet were soon forced into an early substitution after three minutes, as youngster Danny Naisbitt replaced the injured Lee Harrison in goal.

Torquay took full advantage of playing down Underhill’s famous sloping pitch, as David Graham had a good claim for a penalty turned down after he was felled by Barnet skipper Greg Heald.

The Gulls’ sustained pressure paid off when midfielder Jason Rees opened the scoring with a 25-yard effort in the 10^th minute.

Seven minutes later, Rees exited the field of play and was replaced by Mick O’Brien who added extra guile to the midfield. Shortly after coming on O’Brien came close to scoring one of his specialist free-kicks, with an effort from beyond the half-way line which glanced narrowly wide.

In the 25^th minute, the Gulls won a corner on the right hand side, which was taken by Paul Holmes and found Kevin Hill who nodded home his 10^th goal of the season to give United a two-goal cushion.

His effort put him top of the Gulls’ goal scoring charts – one ahead of Williams on nine – not a bad feat for a midfielder.

Torquay continued to dominate the game territorially, but the nerves of the travelling supporters were made to shake as referee Robert Beeby penalised Player of the Year Jimmy Aggrey for hand- ball in the 40^th minute and pointed to the penalty spot. 

Darren Currie then stepped up to take the penalty for the Bees. Strangely enough Currie – the nephew of former England midfielder Tony Currie who had a brief spell with the Gulls towards the end of his career – was also the son-in-law of referee Beeby.

 However, Jones in the Torquay goal guessed the direction of his spot-kick correctly to pull off his third penalty save of the season.

This proved to be a crucial turning point in the game as it started the move which led to Torquay’s third goal.

From the resulting goal kick the Gulls got the ball forward quickly towards Williams, who then linked up with his fellow striker David Graham to enable Graham to extend Torquay’s lead to three on 43 minutes.

Two minutes later, referee Beeby blew his whistle to mark the half-time break and the Gulls’ fans who had made the journey to North London could be reasonably confident that a three-goal cushion would be hard for Barnet to overturn.

One obstacle that United would have to overcome in the second 45 minutes, as well as the eleven men of Barnet, would be the famous Underhill slope that they were now playing up instead of down.

Their travelling support certainly had their hearts in their mouths on the hour mark, when on loan right-back Ryan Green inadvertently stumbled and turned the ball past Jones to reduce the Bees arrears to two goals.

Eight minutes later, the Gulls were forced into making a second change as John Gayle came on to replace Williams who was struggling with a rib injury.

Two male streakers then appeared from the Barnet crowd and infuriated Bees skipper Heald, who displayed his anger at their presence before they disappeared into the abyss of the home end Gents.

The hosts scored a controversial second goal in the 76^th minute through Wayne Purser, when it looked as though Jones had been fouled in the build-up to it.

 With Barnet in the ascendency, the Gulls’ rear guard spent the final 14 minutes of the match defending as though their lives depended on it. Skipper Lee Russell led by example producing a series of match saving challenges and Aggrey and Bedeau both followed suit; Hill and Holmes also made a series of important clearances which snuffed out Barnet’s chances of equalising, or even going on to snatch a late winner.

When the final whistle blew, the 2,000 or so Torquay fans who made the trek to Underhill breathed a huge sigh of relief as United pulled off a ‘Great Escape’ that ranked alongside the Gulls’ 2-2 draw against Crewe Alexandra in 1987.

25 years on, memories of the game have greater poignancy as two of the players who featured, Paul Holmes and Tony Bedeau, are sadly no longer with us. 

Torquay (4-4-2): Stuart Jones; Ryan Green, Jimmy Aggrey, Lee Russell, Paul Holmes; Tony Bedeau, Richard Kell, Jason Rees (Mick O’Brien 30), Kevin Hill; Eifion Williams (John Gayle 55), David Graham (Alex Watson 90);

United's clash with Barnet is one of the games featured in Torquay United: A History in 50 Matches which is available here: torquayunitedahistoryin50 — Torquay United: A History in 50 Matches

TALKING POINTS FROM TORQUAY UNITED VERSUS DORKING WANDERERS

1. An excellent team display. 

First of all, I would like to congratulate the team in what was a tremendous team display and arguably United's best display of the season, and also arguably one of their finest performances during their tenure in National League South. 

The Gulls went into the play-offs off the back of winning four of out of their last five National League South fixtures, and their display against Dorking at Plainmoor shows that they have taken the momentum from those matches into their play-off campaign. 

Now they just need to do it all again in the final against Hornchurch. 

 2. Moore and Moore from Deon. 

The goals continue to flow for striker Deon Moore as he took his tally for the season to six with a brace against Dorking Wanderers. 

Moore had netted his fourth of the season in their final day win over Tonbridge Angels, which sealed the Gulls' place in the play-offs, and he once again amongst the goals as the Gulls emerged as emphatic winners. 

He opened the scoring in the 21st minute after Sonny Blu Lo-Everton made a bursting run into the box before finding Moore who slotted home what was his fifth of the campaign. In the second half, he completed his double on 59 minutes with Lo-Everton the architect again as he teed up Dylan Morgan for a shot that hit the post and Moore was on hand to pounce on the rebound. 

As well as his goals, Moore's hold up play was also good and made a number of dangerous runs which stretched the Dorking defence, which helped him earn your correspondent's choice as man of the match. 

3. Matt Worthington. 

Gulls' boss Jimmy Ball has known skipper Matt Worthington since he signed him as an academy player with Portsmouth as a youngster. Since Ball arrived at Plainmoor he has looked to make Worthington into more of an attacking minded central midfielder who affects the game higher up the pitch, instead of one who drops deep to receive the ball off his defenders. 

This approach has resulted in Worthington producing more dynamic performances, and his display against Dorking as he teed up Dylan Morgan for a shot that drew a stunning one-handed save from Harrison Foulkes on 16 minutes. 

He later had headed home what looked liked United's opener on 20 minutes, but it was ruled out for offside. However, the Gulls didn't have to wait long until they broke the deadlock as Deon Moore opened the scoring for United moments later. 

4. Sonny Blu Lo-Everton a major creative influence. 

Playing in the number ten role just behind Deon Moore, the Gulls' newly crowned player of the year Sonny Blu Lo-Everton was arguably United's greatest creative force against Dorking Wanderers. 

Manager Jimmy Ball's gameplan allowed Lo-Everton to get on the ball and affect the game, which was something that he did to good effect. 

In addition to providing the assist for Deon Moore's opener, Lo-Everton also teed up Jordan Young for the Gulls' fourth of the afternoon on 77 minutes, and started the move that led to United's third and Moore's second. 

The only thing that could be argued that was missing from his display was a goal of his own.

5. Monashe Sundire's unsung role. 

Monashe Sundire's time at Plainmoor has been very stop-start due to injury, and due to an unfortunate collision with Dan Hayfield, he was substituted on 58 minutes and was replaced by Will Tizzard. 

Sundire was brought into the side by Jimmy Ball to man mark Dorking skipper Charlie Carter, who went into the game as their joint-top scorer with 11 goals from the centre of midfield. The Zimbabwean-born midfielder successfully nullified Carter, and also helped give the likes of Jordan Young, Matt Worthington, Sonny Blu Lo-Everton and Dylan Morgan greater licence to get forward. 

6. Jordan Young takes his tally to 18 for the campaign. 

For three seasons in a row, Jordan Young has hit double figures for goals in National League South, scoring 16 for Yeovil Town in 2023-24 and 11 and 18 for the Gulls in the 2024-25 and 2025-26 campaigns. 

Another brace against Hornchurch in next week's play-off final would take his current tally to 20, which is something that would please manager Jimmy Ball greatly, as he has demanded that the Gulls are more front footed and ruthless in front of goal since his appointment. 

TORQUAY UNITED IN THE PLAY-OFFS: PART THREE

 2010-11

Two years after their return to the Football League, the Gulls would be involved in the League Two Play-offs, following a seventh-place finish during the 2010-11 league campaign.

In the semi-finals, United faced a Shrewsbury Town side who they had beaten 5-0 at Plainmoor a couple of months earlier in which Jake Robinson had netted a brace for the Gulls while on loan from the Shrews. Robinson lined up for United again in the first leg at home, but he wasn’t on target on this occasion as efforts from Chris Zebroski and Eunan O’Kane secured a 2-0 win for United. A goalless draw in the return fixture at the Greenhous Meadow set up a meeting with Stevenage at Old Trafford.

Due to Wembley hosting the 2011 UEFA Champions League between Manchester United and Barcelona, both the League Two final between the Gulls and Stevenage and the League One final between Peterborough United and Huddersfield Town were switched to Old Trafford. 20 years beforehand, Manchester United had beaten Barcelona in the 1991 European Cup Winner’s Cup final and Torquay had beaten Blackpool in the Fourth Division Play-off final – the question was could lightning strike twice?

Sadly, both the United’s of Torquay and Manchester lost their respective finals 1-0 and 3-1 – and the Gulls’ defeat proved to be Paul Buckle’s final game as manager as he departed Plainmoor for Bristol Rovers.

Shrewsbury Town W 2-0               Chris Zebroski, Eunan O’Kane

Shrewsbury Town A D 0-0

Stevenage N L 0-1

2011-12: 

Despite Paul Buckle’s move to the Memorial Stadium, the Gulls regrouped and rebuilt under his successor as they reached the Play-offs again in the 2011-12 season, after missing out on automatic promotion on the final day of the campaign. However, United fell short in the semi-final with Cheltenham Town as they lost 2-0 at Whaddon Road in the first leg before slipping to a 2-1 defeat in the second leg at Plainmoor, with Taiwo Atieno netting what proved to be a mere consolation goal.

 Cheltenham Town A L 0-2

Cheltenham Town H L 1-2            Taiwo Atieno

2020-21: 

United were relegated back to the National League at the end of the 2013-14, season and four years later they were relegated again - this time to National League South in 2017-18. 

However, the appointment of Gary Johnson as manager in September 2018 led to a revival in the Gulls' fortunes - as they won promotion to National League South at the first attempt in 2018-19 as champions. 

Two years down the line, after missing out on the National League title at the expense of Sutton United, a new play-off format awaited the Gulls in the Covid-19 impacted 2020-21 campaign.

A one-off home tie with Notts County awaited United after the Magpies won their 5^th versus 6^th play-off eliminator with Chesterfield.

 Returning striker Danny Wright gave Torquay a dream start with just 30 seconds on the clock as Dean Moxey throw to Joe Lewis, and his curling cross found Wright eight yards out. The header was helped in by a deflection off County's Adam Chicksen, but it sent a sun-soaked Plainmoor crowd into raptures.

Wright's return was a closely-guarded secret in the run-up to the game, and he couldn't have hoped for a greater impact.

Torquay continued on the front foot and pushed forward at every opportunity and visiting keeper Sam Slocombe needed to be quick off his line to deny the impressive Lemonheigh-Evans as Torquay pushed on in search of a second goal.

However, County levelled matters before the break when Ruben Rodrigues headed home at the near post.

Wright restored the Gulls’ lead in the opening minutes of the second half, sweeping in a Randell cross, but Adam Chicksen quickly levelled the scores again.

With no further score in the 90 minutes, the game went into extra time.

United skipper Asa Hall gave the home side the lead for the third time with a stooping header in the 100th minute, and in stoppage time at the end of the first period Dean Moxey scored United's fourth from the penalty spot to seal the Gulls’ passage to the final at Ashton Gate against Hartlepool United.

Torquay were livid when they controversially had a seventh-minute goal ruled out for a push after Cameron had got his head on the end of Adam Randell's floated free-kick, with replays not immediately picking up the infringement that referee Simon Mather spotted.

That seemed to galvanise Pools as Armstrong had two chances to put his side ahead soon after, first seeing his close-range effort deflected over by Joe Lewis before he had a header pushed wide by a diving Covolan.

It was Armstrong - who was a thorn in Torquay's side for much of the first half - who provided the breakthrough as the forward excellently controlled Rhys Oates' shot on the edge of the six-yard box and had the strength to turn Sam Sherring and blast in off the underside of the crossbar.

The Gulls were lucky not to be two goals down in the final seconds of the half as Oates found himself unmarked from a corner and saw a powerful header parried over the bar by Covolan.

Cameron had another goal chalked off after an hour, this time being adjudged to have fouled goalkeeper James as he went for the ball, and it seemed as though it would not be Torquay's day as Hartlepool almost scored a second in the final five minutes as Mark Shelton and Gavan Holohan had shots blocked.

Torquay threw everything at their opponents in the final minutes and Billy Waters missed a close-range effort in the 89th minute before Covolan came up in the fifth minute of stoppage time for Torquay's final corner.

Although it was initially cleared, Covolan stayed up field and when the ball was played back in, he rose highest to head past James and send the game into an extra 30 minutes.

Waters had a couple of efforts blocked in the first period of extra time as his Torquay team-mate Jake Andrews was stretchered off with a serious-looking leg injury, but with both sides tiring chances were few and far between before Danny Elliott had a shot blocked for Pools in the final minute as the game went to penalties.

Johnson’s men were hoping to emulate the Class of 1990-91 who won promotion to Division Three at Wembley on penalties. Sadly, this time though, the shoot-out went against them.

Neither side started the penalty kick contest well.

Nicky Featherstone saw his saved by Covolan, before Waters slipped and saw his effort go wide.

Armstrong, a scorer in normal time, also saw his effort palmed away by Covolan, before Wright struck the upright.

Mark Shelton was the first to succeed, and Hall followed suit. Jamie Sterry scored, then Lewis matched him.

Luke Molyneux put his away, as did Little, so we moved to sudden death. Danny Elliot sent Covolan the wrong way, and Lemonheigh-Evans coolly slotted his in to draw level again.

Hartlepool had the advantage of going first, and when Ryan Donaldson scored, the pressure on Matt Buse was immense. Sadly, he missed, hitting the bar, leaving Hartlepool to celebrate.

2024-25: 

Two years after losing to Hartlepool at Ashton Gate, the Gulls were relegated back to the National League South and were placed in Administration by then chairman Clarke Osborne a year later.

The club were rescued from Administration the Bryn Consortium, set about rebuilding the club. They appointed Neil Warnock as a football advisor, with former Plymouth Argyle skipper Paul Wotton joining the club from Truro City to become the club’s new manager.

With only one player under contract, Wotton set about building a hardworking side who were tough to beat, but added more flair to his squad over the course of the campaign.

On the final day of the National League South campaign, the Gulls travelled to Hemel Hempstead Town needing to better the result of Wotton’s former club Truro to clinch the title, and a return to the National League after two years away.

Despite United winning 4-1 against the Tudors, with Cody Cooke netting a hat-trick and Jordan Young also finding the target, they ended up finishing second on goal difference – and Boreham Wood awaited them in the play-offs at Plainmoor.

Unfortunately, the Gulls found the Wood too strong an opponent, as they lost 1-0 courtesy of Matthew Rush’s 59^th minute effort for the visitors. 

2024-25

Boreham Wood H L 0-1