Torquay United manager Paul Wotton: “Everything has gone up in standard”

Torquay United manager Paul Wotton declared himself thoroughly satisfied with the opening pre-season victory on a sweltering day at Buckland Athletic.

A Dylan Morgan brace combined with a Jordan Young penalty to give the Gulls a 3-0 lead at the break and that was how the scoring remained, with United making a raft of changes in the second period, including a run-out for some youngsters from the U18 squad.

Wotton also praised the integration of his summer signings at Plainmoor and how their presence has prompted a step forward in standards, all of which bodes well as United head into the bigger challenge of a visit from League Two Newport County on Saturday.

Read our match report from Buckland v Torquay

“We got everything out of it we needed, it’s our first pre-season game and we came away with no injuries,” said Wotton. “It’s about working hard, getting minutes in the legs and a big thanks to Buckland because they look after us really well.

“I’m really pleased with the new signings; they’ve integrated well and what I’m seeing with the boys from last year is that everything has gone up in standard at training.

“The experience of Louis Dennis and Matt Jay has really helped and when we talk about the standards in training, those two set that high level.

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“The young players acquitted themselves really well and we had a couple of trialists as well. A lot of pre-season games can get a bit disjointed with substitutions but the boys have got good minutes in their legs.

“We were back to work on Monday and, as always, there will be lots to work on. Obviously, Newport will be a much higher level of opposition and we want get away with the odd mis-placed pass, so we’ll have to tighten up a bit.”