Tired Torquay United get away with win on emotional day

This was always going to be a difficult day for Torquay United, saying farewell to a club legend in Tony Bedeau, and the performance on a heavy pitch was a slog at times.

But the Gulls did enough to defeat Hornchurch 2-1, thanks to goals from Finley Craske and Matt Carson.

“It was a pleasing result at the end of a long week, but we got away with one,” said manager Paul Wotton.

“In the first half, we scored the two goals and arguably could have got a third but the second half was total dominance from Hornchurch.

“They will feel aggrieved to not get at least a point from the game. I’m always brutally honest and we were poor at the end of a very long week with two highly-charged games against Eastbourne and Worthing.

“We got back [from Worthing] at 4am and the recovery from that had a big part to play in this game. These aren’t excuses, but we’ve also had illness in the camp and boys who are not fully fit, so I’m very grateful to not have a midweek game.

“It’s a very strange emotion when you know you probably didn’t deserve to win it. The irony of football is we played probably the best we’ve played all season against Hampton and lose 1-0. We were poor [against Hornchurch], especially in the second half, but the players deserve credit for digging in.”

After Craske had opened the scoring on 12 minutes, United needed a brilliant penalty save from James Hamon to preserve their lead, which was followed by Carson notching the second just before half-time.

“We are indebted to the goalkeeper Hammy for making the penalty save at a crucial time and for two or three big saves in the game as well,” added Wotton. “I’m really pleased for Hammy, I’ve had him a long time and it’s a tough position to play.

“Players were putting their bodies on the line but it is a strange emotion. Myself and the players are reflecting all the time, and we’re not where we want to be yet. People who think we are going to dominate the league are deluded.

“I’m thrilled with the week to get seven points from three games but we’ve got to get better, we know that.

“Fin’s goal was really important because we started slow. It felt flat before the game and it doesn’t matter what you do as a manager when you sense that.

“Carson’s goal was a really good finish and the one occasion Jordan Young had time to play the ball. There were other times we were in good areas and it was rushed, forced.”

The final words were reserved for Bedeau, a hero of Plainmoor, who added attacking quality and sparkle to the club he graced for so many years.

“I’m so pleased we got three points for Tony today. It means nothing because football goes out of the window, but I would have loved him out on the pitch for us,” said Wotton.