Cooke serves up battling three points for Gulls

Torquay United’s trip to the big city resulted in three valuable points to move the Gulls up to third in the National League South, just a point behind leaders Hemel Hempstead.

Cody Cooke delivered the winning blow with a powerful header on 20 minutes at Hampton & Richmond Borough and the Gulls remained resolute to earn a welcome victory ahead of another enforced break this weekend, with scheduled opponents Maidstone United on FA Cup duty.

In a quiet opening to the game, both sides opted for gentle sparring in the London sunshine, but the afternoon burst into life when Matt Carson delivered a delightful cross from the left and Cooke rose highest to plant a superb header beyond home custodian Ted Curd.

Hampton were struggling to ruffle United feathers in defensive areas and Paul Wotton’s team almost doubled the lead on the half-hour, skipper Oscar Threlkeld sliding a lovely pass into the path of Ben Seymour, who was unable to apply the finishing touch against his former club.

Cooke, however, had definitely found his range, tormenting the Hampton defence with his physical presence, and after having a second ruled out for offside, Curd needed fine positioning to block another strong header from United’s powerful centre-forward.

Torquay deservedly led at the interval, and that pattern continued after the restart, Finn Tonks threading a perfectly weighted pass for Cooke, who was a little off balance as he struck the shot wide.

Hampton finally asked an attacking question when Jake Gray fired over the bar but momentum quickly shifted back to the Gulls, Brad Ash turning the ball over the line for a second ‘goal’ that fell victim to the assistant’s flag.

The balance of play shifted in favour of the hosts as the game entered the final quarter, United seemingly content to settle for a 1-0 win, as new faces emerged from the bench to protect the lead.

Ollie Tomlinson, Roddy Collins and Dean Moxey all helped the rearguard effort and the Gulls held out for three massive points.

Next on the menu is a trip to Eastbourne Borough, who are currently eighth, on October 19, quickly followed by the visit of mid-table Worthing three days later. United complete their month with a trip to Hornchurch on October 26.

Elsewhere in the division, Hemel are top, despite going down to a 1-0 defeat at Truro City, who are just a point behind Torquay. Weston-super-Mare occupy second position after they won 3-0 at Welling. St Albans remain bottom and without a win, losing by the odd goal in seven at home to Salisbury City.

United: 1 James Hamon, 2 Finley Craske (23 Ollie Tomlinson 80), 3 Jay Foulston, 5 Sam Dreyer, 9 Ben Seymour (11 Brad Ash 62), 14 Matt Carson (21 Dean Moxey 90+2), 17 Finn Tonks, 18 Oscar Threlkeld (c), 19 Cody Cooke, 20 Dan Hayfield, 22 Will Jenkins Davies (8 Roddy Collins 74). Sub Not Used: 7 Lirak Hasani.

Yellow Cards: Collins 84

Attendance: 1,675 away