Torquay United open a play-off gap with Chippenham win

After the frustration of conceding two late goals in the 2-2 draw with Boreham Wood on the weekend, Torquay United found their form to secure a crucial 3-1 victory at Chippenham Town.

After a stuttering recent run, the Gulls now have a six-point gap above Weston-super-Mare, who are one place outside the National League South play-off positions, and just five points behind leaders Dorking as we enter the final ten games of the season.

Matt Carson set United on their way at Chippenham and, despite being pegged back by a goal from Caine Bradbury, the Gulls pulled clear after the break, Ozzy Zanzala grabbing his first for the club before Matt Jay sealed the win.

Zanzala made his presence felt inside nine minutes, drilling a low cross from the left that fell for the arriving Jordan Thomas, who was just about blocked on the line, but the ball scooped up for Carson to head home.

United kept up the momentum with Will Jenkins Davies and Jordan Young both having shots charged down before Chippenham sounded a warning with a fizzing drive that only just cleared James Hamon’s crossbar.

Smart work from Hamon repelled the next home attack but Chippenham were growing in belief, Tom Owen-Evans firing narrowly over. The equaliser was coming and Bradbury delivered for the hosts on 41 minutes.

The Gulls emerged from the break with renewed energy, Thomas going close and Zanzala forcing a decent save from Will Henry. Carson was next to threaten, pinging a low cross into the danger area that deserved a final touch.

United got their reward just before the hour, Zanzala following up after his initial shot had been saved to force his new club into the lead.

The Gulls then did a solid job of dampening the enthusiasm of their hosts, naturally mindful of the painful outcome on Saturday. Any fears of a repeat performance were ended by Jay scoring in his fourth successive game.

Tonbridge Angels are next on a shortening list.  

United: 1 James Hamon, 4 Jordan Dyer, 5 Sam Dreyer (c), 7 Lirak Hasani, 8 Jordan Young (16 Ed Palmer 90+2′), 14 Matt Carson, 17 Offrande Zanzala (19 Cody Cooke 64), 20 Dan Hayfield,  22 Will Jenkins Davies, 26 Jordan Thomas, 27 Matt Jay.

Yellow Card: Young 36′, Hasani 69′, Carson 76′, Thomas 90′ 

Attendance: 768