Perfect timing for Sam Dreyer appeal success

Torquay United defender Sam Dreyer has been cleared to play in Saturday’s away National League South game at Chelmsford City after winning a sending-off ‘appeal’ (writes Dave Thomas).

The promotion-chasing Gulls’ 21-year-old centre-back has had his red card at Worthing (2-2) on February 11 rescinded by an FA disciplinary committee.

United had appealed against the decision to dismiss Dreyer for ‘denying a goalscoring opportunity’, on the grounds that defensive cover, as well as goalkeeper James Hamon, was still between Worthing forward Temi Babalola and the goal.

It’s a big boost for United and manager Paul Wotton, who reported at his Thursday press conference that neither Jay Foulston nor Jordan Dyer is expected back from injury this weekend.

Dyer has returned to training after a hamstring injury, but the Chelmsford match is likely to come just too soon for his return.

Torquay (3rd) also have two equally important games next week, away to promotion rivals Weston-super-Mare (Tues) and home to Boreham Wood.

Wotton confirmed that his search for a new forward on loan is continuing ahead of a potentially decisive spell of seven games in 24 days.

He revealed that one of his targets had opted to sign for another NL South club, partly for geographical reasons.

But Wotton stressed: “That issue makes me question how badly he wanted to join us anyway.”

United have strikers Brad Ash and Ben Seymour out on loan, and there is also the possible option of renewing Manny Ilesanmi’s loan at a future date when the young Derby County starlet has recovered from the hamstring injury which prompted his early return to Pride Park.

Wotton added: “There are still 14 games to go, but in a couple of weeks’ time, you’ll be down to single figures (fixtures).

“Who can stay the fittest? And who can stay the calmest?

“There are still eight teams who can win the league if they go on a good run.”