Hamon heroics in crucial United victory

Torquay United climbed to second in the National League South with a determined 2-1 victory over Hornchurch at Plainmoor.

After a moving tribute to former United hero Tony Bedeau before kick-off, the Gulls raced into an early lead with a goal from Finley Craske, but that advantage was only preserved by a fabulous penalty save from goalkeeper James Hamon.

Matt Carson added a second before the break and United weathered a strong Hornchurch resurgence in the closing stages, only conceding a late consolation to Angelo Balanta.

On a soggy surface at Plainmoor, United stamped their authority on the game inside 12 minutes, when a free-kick from Jordan Young was cushioned back into the danger area by Ed Palmer and Craske stepped forward to rifle a confident finish into the roof of the net.

The Gulls were in rampant mood, Jordan Thomas forcing a fine block from Mason Terry, who tipped over an angled drive from United’s wide man. United continued to bombard the Urchins but were unable to secure the second before a key moment arrived on the half-hour.

Following his goalscoring heroics, Craske was the guilty man for United, as his clumsy challenge felled Will Greenidge in the box. Tom Wraight took responsibility for Hornchurch but Hamon took the accolades, producing a superb block to deny the visitors.

United took that reprieve as a massive shot in the arm, surging forward again with a cross from Matt Jay headed over by the busy Craske. Back came Hornchurch, and an effort from Darren McQueen repelled by Hamon.

The Gulls then extended their lead with Carson arriving in the box to meet a low cross and steer the ball beyond Terry for a 2-0 half-time score.

After the break, the Urchins demonstrated tremendous fighting spirit, Charlie Pegrum forcing Hamon into another excellent save, as United manager Paul Wotton introduced the fresh legs of Omar Mussa and Oscar Threlkeld.

United were unable to rediscover their attacking rhythm of the first period and were gradually being pegged back by the visitors, defending a succession of corners before Thomas did manage a swift counter that culminated in a stinging effort turned over by Terry.

McQueen had a shot charged down in the penalty area and Balanta was the next Urchin to be thwarted by the outstanding Hamon. The Gulls responded with a decent low effort from Cody Cooke blocked by Terry.

Hornchurch finally got some reward in front of another bumper crowd of 4,460 at Plainmoor, Balanta breaching the offside trap to slide the ball past Hamon, who deserved a clean sheet on the day.

Despite that setback, United held on for the win and now sit six points behind leaders Dorking Wanderers with two games in hand.