Torquay United deliver a perfect response

Torquay United recovered from a painful 5-1 loss at Worthing in the FA Trophy by extending their superb unbeaten home record in the National League South with a 3-1 win over Welling United.

The Gulls enjoyed the ideal start, Jordan Dyer heading home a Jordan Young cross, but then spurned opportunities to stretch the lead. Welling took advantage with a bright start to the second period that saw them draw level.

There is, however, a character-filled reason the young Gulls are top of the league, as Young again teed up Dyer for his second and Cody Cooke sealed the points with a late third.

“It was a great result, job done, and we obviously started really well,” said United manager Paul Wotton. “We were wasteful in the first half, and we were poor at the start of the second half.

“Our decision-making wasn’t great, but it has been an emotional week. When you lose a game 5-1, whether it’s in the FA Trophy or even pre-season, there is a lot of negativity.

“It’s really important people know that we are a really young side and players take things on board. The boys worked hard and there was an element of people thinking we could just turn up and win, but football is not like that.

“You will never play a game of football when the opposition doesn’t have a spell of pressure. Welling were always going to make a fight of it and our most pleasing reaction was when the game went 1-1.

“It was two massive goals [from Dyer]. Youngy put in two unbelievable crosses and Jordan [Dyer] attacks the ball. He is a player who loves heading the ball and I’m pleased for him.”

As for Jordan Dyer, the defender was naturally thrilled to complement his normal rearguard duties with two important goals, ensuring United’s positive momentum continues in a tight league.

He said: “It was nice to be able to contribute to the lads and to get three points. It was a tough game; it wasn’t easy for us because they throw a bit at us in the second half.

“I base my game on being a good defender and heading is a massive part of that, especially at this level. I like to win my aerial duels and the second goal somehow fell to me to bundle it in.

“We were on top at 1-0 up and got into the final third in some dangerous areas but didn’t punish them. We weren’t able to get the second, but it shows our mentality that we were able to show the quality to come through and win the game.

“We wanted to bounce back from last weekend and we owed Welling [from the defeat early in the season]. There is no chance we’re going to let teams beat us twice.

“Momentum is a massive thing and we have to use that confidence. We know we’re a fit side, so if it’s 0-0 on 80 minutes, we still believe in our process.”