TALKING POINTS FROM TORQUAY UNITED VERSUS AFC STONEHAM FA CUP

 1. Sonny Blu Lo-Everton's purple patch. 

Sonny Blu Lo-Everton went into Saturday's FA Cup second qualifying round tie having scored two goals in two games for United in National League South, a figure that he increased on Saturday to five goals in three games with his first career hat-trick. 

United were already 2-1 in front when Lo-Everton opened his account for the afternoon when Callum Morton threaded a ball through him to calmly slot home. Then in first half injury time, Lo-Everton struck with his second with a strike from the edge of the penalty area following a short corner routine from the Gulls. 

In the second half, he added his third when he pounced on a loose ball in the penalty area to complete his first hat-trick, becoming the second Torquay United player under Jimmy Ball's reign as manager; the first being Dylan Morgan against Bath City on Easter Monday 2026. 

After the match, Ball stated that he believed Lo-Everton needed to score more goals to reflect his ability, and that he is more than capable of scoring double figures. 

2. Callum Morton's first goal for his hometown club. 

After growing up supporting the Gulls, Callum Morton finally signed for Torquay United during the close season, and scored his first goal for the club at Plainmoor against AFC Stoneham. 

Morton started up front as the focal point of United's attack and he turned home a cross from Sonny Blu Lo-Everton in the seventh minute to open his account for the Gulls. 

He will no doubt be hoping that he gave manager Jimmy Ball something to think about regarding his selection for future matches. 

3. Taylor Scarff's debut. 

Saturday's match also saw new signing Taylor Scarff make his debut for the Gulls after joining from Plymouth Parkway. Scarff, 26, who has also been capped by British Virgin Islands, started his career in the academies of Liverpool and Yeovil Town before appearing for Cornish side Mount Gould and Tavistock before joining Parkway. 

In the opening minutes, play was briefly held up when he underwent treatment for a blood injury, but he carried on once he had been patched up. He was eventually replaced by Monashe Sundire on 56 minutes. 

His arrival gives Jimmy Ball another option in the centre of defence, alongside Oludare Olufunwa, Jake Wannell and, once he returns from injury, Jordan Dyer. 

4. A first FA Cup in three years. 

Saturday's victory over AFC Stoneham was the first FA Cup tie that Torquay United have won since they beat Hungerford Town 5-0 on September 30, 2023, under Gary Johnson. 

Since then, United have twice exited the competition in the second qualifying round against Bishops Cleeve in 2024-25 and against AFC Totton, then managed by Jimmy Ball. 

5. A tribute to Kevin Miller. 

In his post-match interview, Jimmy Ball paid tribute his former Exeter City teammate and former Torquay United player and goalkeeper coach Kevin Miller, who died recently at the age of 57. 

Miller had loan spell with the Gulls from Southampton in the 2006-07 season, and later worked as a goalkeeper coach under Kevin Nicholson during the 2015-16 campaign. 

KEVIN MILLER 1969-2026

 The South West football community received a shock recently following the sudden passing of former Exeter City and Torquay United goalkeeper Kevin Miller at the age of 57. 

Miller originally joined the Grecians in 1989 from Newquay, and he played a starring role in the City that won the Fourth Division title in the 1989-90 campaign under Terry Cooper. It was a side that is still fondly remembered by Grecians' fans, and his teammates included the likes of Scot Hiley, Richard Dryden and Chris Vinnicombe, all of whom, like Miller, would go on to grace a higher level. 

In 1993, Miller followed Cooper to Birmingham City before moving on to Watford, where he won the Hornet's player of the year award twice, as his form at Vicarage Road helped him to earn a £1.5million move to the Premier League with Crystal Palace. 

A transfer to Barnsley then followed where he stayed for three years before making the return to St James Park in 2002. However, his return coincided with the season that the Grecians were relegated from the Football League under the ownership of John Russell and Mike Lewis, which also saw Uri Geller serve on the club's board. The season also saw the club go through three managers in John Cornforth, Neil McNab and Gary Peters. 

Further spells in the Football League followed for Miller with Bristol Rovers, Derby County, Southampton and Torquay United before he returned to his native Cornwall to sign for Bodmin Town. 

After he retired from playing, Miller worked as a goalkeeper coach for Torquay United and Exeter City, as well as a stint as manager of Exmouth Town. At the time of his passing, he had been working as goalkeeper coach at Wigan Athletic, a role which saw him reunited with former Grecians boss Gary Caldwell. 

His sudden passing is a huge loss to his family and friends and football in the South West has lost one of its true heroes. 

TALKING POINTS FROM TORQUAY UNITED VERSUS DORKING WANDERERS

 1. Jake Wannell's sending off. 

True to form, Torquay United's National League South encounter with Dorking Wanderers lived up to its billing, as both teams scored four goals between them. 

However, the drama didn't stop there. 

The Gulls spent the last 11 minutes of normal time, as well as the seven minutes of injury time added on, playing with ten men after skipper Jake Wannell received a second yellow card, after speaking to referee following a foul on leading scorer Deon Moore. In addition to this, United also played the closing stages with a makeshift centre back pairing after new signing Oladare Olufenwa went off injured to be replaced by Tyler Hill, who later found himself playing alongside central midfielder Dan Hayfield, who entered the fray after Wannell was dismissed. 

After the match, Wannell took to Twitter/X and when describing the incident said: "To clear up the sending off, the ref said five minutes prior that one more tackle on Deon would be a yellow. I simply asked the ref after another foul on Deon I said you told me it would be a booking for there player. Which is apparently dissent. No swearing whatsoever."

2. Deon Moore and Sonny Blu Lo-Everton amongst the goals. 

During a seven day spell which saw the Gulls secure seven points from a possible nine with wins over Folkestone Invicta (3-2) and Maidenhead United (4-0) and a draw with Dorking Wanderers (2-2), Deon Moore and Sonny Blu Lo-Everton found themselves amongst the goals. 

Moore was on target against Folkestone and then opened the scoring against Dorking. Lo-Everton scored United's second against Maidenhead after sub Matt Jay teed him up for a shot from 20 yards, which saw him open his account for the season. He then drilled home a low free-kick to level matters in the 68th minute. 

With Jordan Young and Dylan Morgan having departed, and Louis Dennis seemingly on the verge of his departure, Moore and Lo-Everton seem destined to take on the mantle of being United's main source of goals. 

Don't be surprised to see both hit double figures this season. 

3. Caleb Roberts and Tegan Finn. 

After making their debuts away to Maidenhead United in midweek, the majority of the Plainmoor faithful got their first glimpses of Plymouth Argyle loanees Caleb Roberts and Tegan Finn in the flesh. 

Both were involved the thick of the action in the first half as Roberts had a shot from distance turned behind for a corner by Dorking keeper Glenn Morris in the sixth minute and he later had a shot blocked. 

Finn, meanwhile, played a role in United's opener as his shot was stopped by Morris in the 23rd minute which landed in the path of Deon Moore who duly slotted home. He later had an effort that hit the post, as the Gulls dominated the first half, but still only went in at the break at 1-1. 

In recent seasons, Adam Randell and Will Jenkins-Davies have become key members of the United squad after joining on loan from the Pilgrims. Indeed, Randell went on to captain the club before moving to Bristol City in the summer of 2025, after he returned from a season long loan at Plainmoor in the 2020-21 season.  

Roberts will be with the Gulls until January 2027 and Finn has joined initially for a month. However, don't be surprised to see those deals extended. 

4. Still unbeaten at home. 

United's draw with Dorking keeps their home unbeaten record for 2026-27 intact, but United boss Jimmy Ball will be disappointed that they have only one once in five encounters at Plainmoor. 

In terms of their overall play, the Gulls have created enough chances to win more at one game in front of their own fans, and hopefully they will make that dominance count on a regular basis. 

TALKING POINTS FROM TORQUAY UNITED VERSUS FOLKESTONE INVICTA

 1. A first home win of the season. 

After three successive draws, Torquay United finally tasted victory in front of their own fans with victory over Folkestone Invicta. 

First half goals from Jacob Beaumont-Clark and Deon Moore set the Gulls on their way before they were pegged back early in the second half, as Liam Smith and Donell Thomas struck for Folkestone. 

However, despite weathering the storm for a long period in the second half, substitute Matt Jay struck to score his second goal of the campaign after fellow sub Cody Cooke had been denied by Folkestone keeper Ted Collins. 

The result proved to be a massive boost for all concerned and hopefully they'll be plenty more to cheer about at Plainmoor in the coming week and months. 

2. Jacob Beaumont-Clark.

Over the years, Torquay United have unearthed a number of players who might be regarded as 'rough diamonds' who they've polished up and sold on for a profit. 

Examples range from Mike Mahoney and Colin Lee in the 1970s through to the likes of Phil King and Lee Sharpe in the 1980s, Rodney Jack amongst others in the 1990s, David Graham in 2000s and names such as Eunan O'Kane and Angus MacDonald in more recent times. 

After a fortnight which saw Dylan Morgan and Sam Dreyer both depart Plainmoor for 'undisclosed fees' - the Gulls might have discovered another prospect who could earn them another fee in the form of winger Jacob Beaumont-Clark. 

In what was his third appearance for the club, Beaumont-Clark received the ball from right-back Dom Bernard and cut inside onto his left foot and found the top corner with his first goal for United. 

It was a contender for goal of the season, if ever there was one. 

If Beaumont-Clark can continue to replicate his display on Saturday on a regular basis, then he will soon attract interest from higher up the pyramid. 

3. Sonny Blu Lo-Everton. 

After being in and out of the United side this season, Sonny Blu Lo-Everton was restored to the 'number ten' role just behind lone striker Deon Moore which he occupied during the latter stages of the 2025-26 campaign. 

It was a move that paid dividends for United manager Jimmy Ball as Lo-Everton provided the assist for United's second goal as he ran at the Folkestone Invicta defence before threading the ball through to Deon Moore, who calmly slotted home. 

In the second half, Lo-Everton showed a different side to his game as United looked to get back into the game after conceding twice. By playing in a more advanced role, hopefully in addition to getting more assists, he'll get more chances to score goals himself. 

4. A turning point. 

In the 2008-09 season under Paul Buckle after an indifferent start, which saw them win only once in the opening seven league fixtures, the Gulls beat Northwich Victoria 2-1 thanks to a late penalty from Tim Sills. 

The result proved to be a turning point for United as they remained unbeaten in their next 13 matches, as they lifted themselves back into promotion contention in a season in which they went up via the play-offs. 

If the Gulls do indeed end up celebrating a return to the National League at the end of the current campaign, hopefully after winning a play-off final at Plainmoor, Matt Jay's winner will be looked back on as a turning point for the Gulls season in a similar way to Sills' penalty is often viewed as being. 

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.