Paul Wotton reacts as Torquay United suffer 2-1 defeat at Horsham

Manager Paul Wotton wished Torquay United could have played again on Saturday night, let alone wait until Bank Holiday Monday’s home game against Dover Athletic, after the Gulls’ self-inflicted 2-1 defeat at just-promoted Horsham.

United should have grabbed a point with Ed Palmer’s 88th minute equaliser, but they went down tamely to goals in first and second half stoppage-time by the Rebels’ James Hammond and Leone Gravata.

The winner, in the 94th minute, came from a costly error by goalkeeper James Hamon on a backpass by new signing Denzel Akyeampong.

“We got what we deserved – no excuses,” said Wotton.

“If you are not prepared to run hard and do the basics of football, you don’t deserve to win.

“The two goals we conceded were awful, and we’ve got to stop that sooner rather than later.

“I just didn’t think we competed well enough.

“We’ve got another game on Monday, and I’m glad about that – I wish we had another game
tonight.

“I appreciate the fans coming – it’s a long way to come on a Bank Holiday weekend, and I understand their frustration.

“We have to bounce back on Monday.”