Torquay United held to a 2-2 draw at Hampton & Richmond Borough

It was a much improved performance on the road from Torquay United but Paul Wotton’s men were pegged back twice at Hampton & Richmond Borough, and eventually had to settle for a share of the spoils.

Jordan Young notched early for the Gulls, who, by the manager’s own admission, have yet to get going in away games this season.

Craig Fassenmade quickly levelled for the home side but United were by far the better side in the first half, deservedly restoring their lead through Sam Dreyer. While the second period was more even, an equaliser from Charlie Sayers ten minutes from time felt harsh.

After a frustrating weekend loss at Hemel Hempstead, United enjoyed the perfect start in the Capital, Cody Cooke surging past defenders before cutting the ball back to an arriving Young for a simple close-range finish.

The early-goal bubble was swiftly popped, however, as the home side repelled United’s enthusiasm with an incisive counter-attack and Fassenmade was in the right place to level the scores after just eight frantic eight minutes.

The speedy start continued with both sides looking dangerous, and it was the irrepressible Ed Palmer, already with two goals to his name this term, who next went close with an instinctive strike that flew narrowly over.

The same Gull then shot inches wide, with new loan signing from Aldershot Town, Keane Anderson, making an impression in midfield. The positive momentum maintained with a Young free-kick just missing the deep run of Jordan Dyer.

It was all United, a massive improvement from the Hemel defeat, as Louis Dennis and Dyer were denied by the beleaguered hosts. The goal was coming, and duly arrived on 39 minutes, when a short corner routine saw Dennis feed a cross for Dreyer to send a looping header beyond the home custodian.

There was more evenness to the game after the break, with United having to withstand a brisk opening from Hampton. Once that storm was weathered, Dyer very nearly sealed the win with a header against the bar before Dan Hayfield’s rebound sailed over.

Hampton, who have made a fine start to the National League South season, responded with some fine work from Nathan Lavaly on the wing and his cross was perfect for Sayers to slot beyond James Hamon.

It could have been more but still a decent point ahead of the weekend visit from Slough.